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Tom Venesky: Antler restrictions hinder CWD control in Pennsylvania
I don’t mind antler point restrictions, but they’re not for everybody.
While the general consensus is larger bucks have increased since the Pennsylvania Game Commission implemented antler point restrictions in 2002, there have been calls to dial them back. Junior hunters, mentored youth, disabled and active-duty military don’t need to abide by the restriction, some say, and there have been attempts to remove them for senior hunters as well.
In 2023, state Rep. Dave Maloney introduced a bill to remove antler point restrictions for senior hunters. The measure passed in the House Game and Fisheries Committee by a 20-1 vote, but never came up on the floor.
In his co-sponsorship memo, Maloney said exempting seniors from antler restrictions would enhance their hunting experience. That’s a good thing. After all, the memory of the hunt is what’s important, and if taking a smaller buck makes for an enjoyable experience, I’m fine with that.
But there was something else in Maloney’s memo that really raised an important question about antler restrictions. According to Maloney, there are studies indicating chronic wasting disease is more prevalent in older bucks. Also, bucks tend to wander farther than does, which led Maloney to the following conclusion: “This of course means that the older a buck gets, the possibility of that buck contracting and spreading CWD becomes higher as well.”
MORE WHITETAIL COVERAGE FROM MINNESOTA OUTDOOR NEWS:
National Deer Association report shows a record level of mature bucks in the nationwide harvest
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Minnesota DNR discontinues targeted culling in three southeast deer permit areas
Is that true? Is it possible that antler point restrictions could actually be doing more harm than good?
Maloney reasoned that increasing the opportunity to harvest more bucks – young and old – could aid in controlling CWD.
And he’s not alone.
In Missouri, CWD was first detected in deer in 2012 – the same year that it turned up in Pennsylvania. And like the Keystone State, Missouri has seen the disease spread.
Missouri also has taken steps similar to what Pennsylvania has done to combat CWD. In Missouri’s CWD zones, there are carcass transportation rules, a prohibition on feeding deer, voluntary and mandatory sampling (depending on the county) and efforts to increase the harvest.
RELATED STORIES FROM OUTDOOR NEWS:
Could antler point restrictions be the answer for a more balanced deer herd in parts of Minnesota?
But there is one thing Missouri is doing that isn’t occurring in Pennsylvania’s disease management areas.
In the counties under the state’s CWD Management Zone, the Missouri Department of Conservation removed the antler point restriction that had been in place.
The reason?
Well, it basically echoes what Maloney referenced in his legislative memo from 2023. Bucks, especially the younger males, leave the area where they were born and travel several miles. Missouri game officials believe it heightens the risk of spreading CWD, so they’re allowing hunters to harvest bucks of any size within the disease zones.
In fact, Missouri Department of Conservation Cervid Program Supervisor Jason Isabelle said last year that the antler point restriction was removed in disease zones because “it conflicts with our CWD management goals.”
At one time, lifting antler point restrictions in CWD areas was on the radar in Pennsylvania. When the Game Commission was revising its CWD Response Plan in 2020, removing antler restrictions in disease management areas was discussed, but ultimately it was never recommended.
If antler point restrictions were lifted in Pennsylvania, especially in disease areas, it would make sense. Sure, the restrictions have had a degree of success in producing some larger bucks, but we need to look beyond our personal desire for a big buck.
Besides, any move to do away with antler restrictions – in CWD areas, for seniors or even statewide – doesn’t mean the end of big bucks in Pennsylvania. For more than 20 years hunters have grown accustomed to passing up smaller bucks, and I doubt many of them will be eager to shoot a spike or four-point if antler restrictions were no longer mandatory.
And even though antler restrictions certainly help put more big bucks on the landscape, they are not the only factor at play. Consider the list of the top eight states for producing entries in the Boone and Crockett record book.
Only one of those states have antler restrictions. Top-ranked Wisconsin, which has produced 1,822 total record book entries, doesn’t have antler point restrictions. Neither does Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Ohio, Kentucky or Kansas.
As CWD continues to be a major threat in Pennsylvania, we need to be open to trying new things to slow it down. Lifting the antler point restriction in CWD areas won’t be the end of the world. There is no harm in trying it for a few years to see if it helps slow the spread of the disease.
Antler restrictions have made big bucks somewhat common in Pennsylvania, and that’s good for hunters. But it should take a backseat to combating CWD.
After all, what’s more important? The chance to bag a trophy buck or slowing the spread of CWD?
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35 thoughts on “Tom Venesky: Antler restrictions hinder CWD control in Pennsylvania”
I am not a biologist, but this year I saw an extremely huge deer with 4 to 6 inch spikes while hunting in Huntington county. Then while in Lebanon County I saw two separate Bucks both spikes and both with perfect main beam at least 12 inches. According to the property owner there were at least four spikes in his woods with similar characteristics. I am 69 years old and still enjoy hunting, however I can no longer hike miles off the beaten path. I would have been so happy to harvest any of the deer I mentioned. Needles to say no deer for Ray this year. Include Seniors in the no restrictions!
I would like to see the early mentor season alow Jr Hunters to take antler or antlerless deer
I’m fine with allowing jr & seniors to get one “any deer” tag each year- I think that’s great…
But please don’t take away antler restrictions for the general public!
If it was up me to me- I would implement a 5 year plan to even out our heard…
Close general buck hunting on years 1, 3 & 5 for everyone except jr and senior hunters and give everyone 2 or 3 state wide doe tags per year for 5 years and mandate a check station for does in order to active your buck tags.
On the odd years- do a buck tag lottery for general hunters to pay for the study. Give away a limited amount.
Even years would be OTC like always.
That would produce tons of data, lower deer numbers, and even out our buck to doe ratio- all while letting some bucks mature.
Any new change won’t be popular, but if you need data and some deer killed off, this works…
That’s crap about the buck tag lottery get a life . Us real hunters deserve our tag every year just like anyone else
I’m 63 and shot my last buck in 2013. I passed up a 130inch 10 point the last day at 4pm. I have no desire to shot anything under 140 inches. That’s why I haven’t shot one. I could shoot 130s every year. My kids do. Spikes are you kidding me? I know kids that won’t shoot a 14inch 8pt. They want bigger. Shoot a doe for meat. Pa hunters are ridiculous. They want 60+ days to hunt and shoot anything. Grow up and old.
So the rest of us are supposed to pass on small buck because you do?? Interesting! Well how about this. I enjoy coyote hunting so I think everyone should grow up and not shoot coyotes so I have more to hunt. And definitely don’t be trapping them because I don’t trap. Sound crazy? No worse than you do!!
Totally agree with you. I’ve heard also once a spike always a spike. And have seen many big bodied spikes with small spikes and one around 14″ wide spikes.
I think the doe seasons should be shut completely off in some places to grow the herd . This constantly shooting 5 deer each has to stop they almost wiped out the buffalo an that’s soon coming here in Pa. With our white tails. When I was 16 sn went out if you didn’t see 40 deer until lunchtime that was odd. Now if you see 40 deer in a year spotlighting your lucky. I stop shooting doe 23yrs ago it has to stop at some point or we will be talking about them in the past tense.
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My tag my deer..You’re opinion is mute
Antler restrictions restrict ! No counting, just three inch spikes or better. All bucks are trophies !
Totally agree with you. I’ve heard also once a spike always a spike. And have seen many big bodied spikes with small spikes and one around 14″ wide spikes.
Ray you have my vote!
I think it’s time again to give respect to our elders and remove the antler restriction some of the elders have health issues which makes it difficult for them to enjoy their hunt remove the elder restrictions and definitely fulfill their life dreams.
I agree 100% I’m 68 and have never been a trophy hunter. I have shot some nice ones but they were the first ones to give me an opportunity. Now I can’t see as good so I’m having to pass on many bucks because I just couldn’t count the points.
I know it sounds ridiculous to alot of you but, It all has to do with genetics and food. Just because he might be a forky this year doesn’t mean he will be a 7 or 8 point in the future. Also I think alot has to do with inbreeding. Maybe some deer relocation would help. For some of you hunter’s out there that want trophy buck, take some scrub bucks out of the gene pool to produce some better genetics.
Please consider changing the antler restrictions for seniors
I agree with you.I am a 62 year old woman who has been hunting for 45 years.I have had several knee operations on both knees and a few other medical problems.I love to hunt and its getting harder to travel to get out in the woods.I have seen lots of younger bucks but none that are legal.I understand that they want more larger racks for some hunters only hunt for trophies.I love to hunt and can’t explain how going out in the woods away from everything is very peaceful to listen to the birds,squirrels,and even seeing a fox can relax you.I haven’t gotten a buck since they put the restrictions.I was proud to get a buck the size of the antlers didn’t matter to me With all the changes of new developments and houses going in it’s hard to see deer like you use to.I also don’t like that you can get more than 2 doe tags.I understand in several county’s there are more deer but guys get greedy and I’ve seen them with their semi automatic shot guns just shoot who needs 8-10 shots to get a deer.
I’m from Erie county Pennsylvania I think they should lift antler restrictions we are getting a lot of half racks some big spikes I’m 47 when I was growing up they didn’t have antler restrictions and I’ve seen big bucks back then. like what was already said the big trophy hunters are gonna pass up the smaller bucks but we do need to take out some of those smaller bucks so i hope they do drop the antler restrictions and see how it goes
This is a really informative article. I’m a senior hunter and actually prefer shooting non trophy bucks. It would definitely give me more shooting opportunities, but as it is “hunting” not “getting”, there’s no guaranteed kill.
I’m 68 also, never was a trophy hunter. I hunt for the meat because I like venison. To me, any legal deer is a trophy to the person who harvests it . I’ve had to pass up many deer that had big bodies but nonlegal racks . Lets look to the future and do what’s best for our sport. Remove antler restrictions.
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In taking away the antler restrictions would benefit “everyone” hunting. I’ve been hunting since I was 12 years old – never saw an issue with CWD back then – now – depending on where you hunt – some areas are worse than others.
When the PGC has to put white boxes at the entrance of the hunting land to test the deer for CWD – this should be a good indication this issue is out of hand.
I am in agreement with eliminating the antler restrictions on every hunter – just limiting it to junior and senior hunters only – that’s not slowing down or eliminating the issue.
There have been less hunters out in the woods as compared to as years before – reasons vary from changing the opening day – price increase on license – antler restrictions – CWD – posted property not allowing hunters in and the gossip goes on.
Hunters also are complaining about not enough deer out there. The past several years I have hunted in several different locations in Pa – the deer herds are about medium size (once you find them of course) – and the only bucks seen in these herds are smaller ones – ranging from spikes to nice four point bucks – but the antler restrictions does not allow either of those bucks to be harvested.
If a hunter is out there looking to harvest a “trophy buck” – they are not going to shoot anything smaller than what they are truly looking for in the first place – hunters out there to enjoy the hunt and harvest meat – they don’t care if it’s a spike or four point buck – they will harvest this animal and enjoy the hunt; there isn’t much enjoyment in hunting anymore (as I was told by hunters I spoke to in the woods) and not many memories are made as there use to be either.
Lift the antler restrictions on everyone – give hunters the freedom to harvest the deer of their dreams (which could range from a spike up to a nice 4 pint or bigger) – in my opinion only – you’d have more sales on license and more hunters enjoying the sport of Pa deer hunting.
I am also a senior and feel seniors shouldnt have to cout points it should be there choice. Once it gets later in the season and weather changes it get harder for a lot of seniors to get out in the weather so if they wanted to shoot one earlier a be happy with it that is there choice. Also I saw a article about adding more Sundays to hunt would help with crop damage remove antlers restrictions for seniors would help more i think.
Totally agree 👍
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I have said that about Bucks traveling farther looking for Does in 4A there are very few Doe so the bucks are going to travel more looking for them,I’m 66 years old this year I got a buck the first day it was the first one in 10 years because of antler restrictions. Please change it before I can’t hunt no more
The only positive outcome for hunters that the post 2002 management strategy has created is the improvement in antler size and you would throw that away too? There are very few deer in large areas of public land in some areas, especially in state forests. I hunt with a large camp and we drive deer for the first 8 days of the season. Including the 6 pointer I killed, I saw 8 total deer this year. The silver lining is that if you can find deer, you have an excellent chance of killing a decent buck. Removing the point restriction would leave public land hunters with nothing. I’ll get concerned about CWD when we start seeing bears,coyotes, and other predators and scavengers getting it. They would have a much higher potential exposure than any human and it’s presence has never been documented in those animals.
I started deer hunting in 1970. No one was allowed to hunt from blinds or enclosures and because we all walked or still hunted more deer were seen. Now everyone seems to have a high mounted box to “hunt” from. The posting of land by hunting clubs also has changed hunting in NW Pa where I live. It’s not unusual to see one deer on opening day. Antler restrictions have caused me to pass on bucks because I can’t count them on the run. It may be time to hang it up. It’s just not fun anymore.
oh Tom… there are a larger number of doe than buck. shooting more doe is the key. Shooting more buck is not. Tell me how not shooting more doe and shooting more buck helps?? no logic in your article. We should actually stop buck season for one year and hunt doe only. The hunters who complain about trophy hunters should have no problems with this. Shooting doe for meat.
The PGC needs destroyed and no Quater given to all involved
My restrictions say 3 up on a branch. Brow tines don’t count. Do you know how many 4 pts and 6 pts I’ve seen and can’t shoot?. They keep getting bigger and more of them every year but illegal to shoot. Plus saw a 200 pounds plus bucks, older buck, antlers back sliding, not legal to shoot. That was a huge deer. Solid 5 pt but again not legal.
I agree with the comment about hunting license drop off and one of the primary reasons. Changing the opening day from Monday after Thanksgiving to the Saturday after has destroyed traditional deer camps. Many people can’t get off on black Friday, so they leave Friday night after work. Arrive upstate around 9pm. And now have to be ready to hit the woods the next morning.nefore the sun comes up. No time to small game hunt Friday and Saturday, which doubles as time for scouting for sign and travel routes. No opportunity to go to local restaurants and bars to watch football on Sunday. No time to sight in your rifle at camp. No time to get settled in. Everything is rushed and it has lost much of the luster. I’ve been hunting for 43 years, and the changes over the last couple of years have had a direct negative effect on the number of people coming to camp. Reverting back to Monday as opening day would benefit the establishments that rely on the yearly migration to hunting camp.
I also agree that dropping antler restrictions for seniors, disabled, active military and mentored hunters makes sense. The restrictions have produced bigger buck opportunities which I appreciate. Seeing an 8 point in the past in central and eastern pa was like the holy grail. Now it is much more common to see. That helps hook in the kids that will be the future hunters in our state, in addition to dropping antler restrictions for the above mentioned categories. After all, we are trying to tear them away from screens. Attention spans and patience are much shorter in this instant gratification world.
Senior hunters should be exempt from the antler restrictions. We put our time in.