Just pointing out that KY's gun season is at the height of the rut and the KY bucks seem to be gittin'-r-dun.
Is there something different about PA bucks?
Don’t know about the bucks being different, but yes, hunter participation and hunting pressure is much different in PA. The 2017-18 deer harvest in PA was 367,000 deer while in KY it was 130,000 deer (with MUCH more liberal bag limits). As previously stated a firearms season during peak rut would decimate the PA buck population. Just ask a PA rifle hunter what impact they think bow season during the rut has on the overall buck population.
I think the point restriction has a big influence on the reproduction rates as well. Adding to your hunting pressure comment, before the point restriction, when most people saw antlers, pull the trigger, not allowing him the chance to do his thing. Now, that spike, forky, and small 6 has those three extra years to bang that many more does. Also, in the last 5 years or so, we see big boys on a regular basis. We pass on deer we would have had mounted 20 years ago.
I prefer dangerous freedom over peaceful slavery - Thomas Jefferson
