And again, I still ask, why fixed what wasn't broke? If Texas herds were broke, I would like to know how...and trying to make more trophy bucks doesn't count as herds being broke. Due to the extra unbranched (spike) antler tag, I don't wanna hear the TP&W is just trying to protect bucks so that they can mature doodoo either. Tha doesn't hold water in my book.

Then why implement them in a County when simply lowering the bag limit to 1 buck/1 doe would accomplish the same purpose of improving the age structure of the bucks? Now it appears we will be stuck with a lot of old narrow racked bucks with few does to breed!!!

What, no audio?

Just be very glad you don't live in a state like Mississippi where the entire state is broken into regions of counties.

Like any issue involoving TPWD decisions, your best and only move is to participate in their feedback process. I can assure you the QDM folks do.

So they should only consider your personal goals on hunting and not that of others?

You do live in a state that has 8 regions in Texas.

Not what I meant at all. I just wish they would explain the reason we are able to legally shoot a young spike or unbranched antlered buck as an extra deer if if the real reason behind antler restrictions is that they are really trying to protect young bucks to mature and that it's not all about the big antlers. Now go eat some popcorn.

You are able to legally shoot those young bucks but do not have to nor does anyone else. It falls in the hands of the individual lease or ranch at that point. If a hunter is in it for the meat it should not make any difference what size the deer is at that point. TPWD has their "research" on spikes to back why they want it done. TPWD has enough data on deer numbers to back why they want more deer killed. But it still falls in the hands of hunters to follow or not follow TPWD guidelines. Your lease/ranch your management.
BTW I hunt in an AR county also. So pass the salt.

I just feel like they are saying, go ahead and shoot a spike or unbranched antler buck as an extra because they ain't pretty and probably will never be but do not shoot the even multi-pointed racked buck with the rack they say has an immature width because they will grow up to be what modern day society claims as a trophy. Then shoot away. Thus it's really all about antlers. But what do I know? Curly just pawn in game of hunt.

This Fall, my youth son and I will be hunting in an AR county for the first time. I am naturally a diligent person, and will be as careful as possible, but I was wondering what if the unthinkable happens and we harvest a buck that, upon examination, may be closer to 13 inches than we anticipated. What does one do then? Nothing? If we never actually measure the spread, and if a GW never measures it, how does anyone know? Will the deer processor know (I do not think they normally keep the head).

That's a very good and common question.

It boils down to the judgement of the TPWD officer should you get checked in the field. While some are very strict and measure down to the gnat's bristle, others are flexible within reason. As for making sure a buck satisfies the 13-inch rule, the best approach is to look for a safety margin with space between the inside edges of the rack and outside edges of the ears. IMO, it's far easier to make a mistake when shooting a spike by not seeing small brow tines behind the ears. Anything more than an inch long would constitute a point and make it a branched antler. A legal spike is one that carries at least one, unbranched antler.

Good luck to you and your son!

Here's the # 1 answer you'll get Stat:
"If you're not sure don't shoot." Although I'm willing to bet those that it has happened to, were sure it was wide enough at the time of the shot.

I have yet to personally see the mythical game warden give a pass on a 12,75 inch deer

Good advice, especially in East Texas. I've seen some massive racks that barely met the minimum when the hunter made his decision more on the excellent mass and 10-inch tines alone.

We are being very diligent and have been studying game cam pics so we are ready to identify candidate deer; but of course, come November, some bucks change territory. I tend to worry more than most about these things. I do not expect to violate the rule, but I am curious as to what happens in case.

On a side note: yes -- we are counting the days until the season starts (Saturday, October 27 will be the fist day with my son on the trigger, me with the binocs!) Next year, 2013, we hope to start bow hunting.

Again, I would advise all East Texas hunters, and especially those who have hunted the area during those pre-AR years, to be careful of going on antler mass and tine length when making a call. I've seen some true monsters with racks that didn't reach outside the ears.

If I happen to catch one on camera, I'll be sure to share it.

I've seen one 10pt with a drop that wouldn't cut the mustard...no clue what happened to that deer, wasn't but a 4yo

Sounds like Gumby 3-4 yrs ago. Seen deer grow a drop one year and never again.

Antler restricion cons and pros :

100% positive that's not him.

see curly... the big ones come out at night. that's why you just need a bigger scope.

I'm not that desperate for antlers. How you been doin Kyle?

not too bad buddy. fishing a lot.. getting ready for deer season. just moved from the great big hell hole of houston down to south texas after being gone for almost 10 years!

How far south Kyle?

Good news there bud!