Antler restrictions in Texas!

The state of Texas has more whitetailed deer than any other state. However we really don't produce enormous low fenced free ranging deer. Also some areas that used to be highly populated have become low volume deer areas. About 15 years ago in Columbus Texas my brother-in-law's dad's farm was in an area that used to produce good deer in the late 70's early 80's. In the late 80's however deer numbers declined or the buck to doe ratio was way out of wack in their area. People were looking for meat and meat only. They over looked the fact that they should be in a management program. As local land owners watched the numbers fall they became concerned. So in his town of Columbus a co-op was put together. Many like-minded individuals got together and decided on a scheme for hunting. First was to get the ratio of deer close to 1 to 2 or closer instead 1 to 20 which was actually more like it. These folks realized they were only shooting 1.5 yrs old deer. Where are the 2.5s and 3, 4, 5.5s? They weren't there for one cause they never made it to the next season. So some restrictions were brought about. All bucks must have an inside spread of 13 inches or more. If they were genetically inferior like a spike or at least 1 unbranched antler then they must be removed. This area saw an increase in deer age in 5 years. More older bucks were being taken and they were breeding rather than a 1.5 yr buck.

So here's where TPWL saw a difference in that area. So Biologists in 2001-02 decided to implement a 6 county area as a test zone. It had Colorado Cnty and Austin Cnty and 4 other surrounding counties. The state posted an antler restriction law that got some area owners upset. Remember that not everyone cares about deer size but deer meat! In these counties all legal deer must have inside spread greater than 13 in. Also have 1 side with 6 or more branched points or have 1 or more slick unbranched antlers. 3 years later and the area is experiencing an explosion in deer population. The state tossed out the 6 or more branched points clause and now threw in an extra tag for a buck! Now my bro-in-law can shoot 2 bucks. I can't recall a time that they could shoot 2 bucks in that area. Now you can shoot 1 trophy and 1 cull or 2 culls! Now if the meat hunters aren't happy then they don't see the great opportunity that has fallen in their lap. So the above picture is proof of the test working. I was told that deer was 5.5 yrs with an almost 20in inside spread. 4 years ago that buck would have not stood a chance in hell to mature and pass his genes on to the next generation! My applause to the TPWL biologists and staff!