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Ohio Antler Restrictions and Hunters’ Concerns

Hunters in Ohio have brought concerns to the attention of the American Deer and Wildlife Alliance (ADWA). Current practices in Ohio could change the habitat that exists for deer hunting, and some sportsmen want clarity as to why the state has not implemented an antler restriction policy on the bucks that are harvested in the state.

Michael Tonkovich, Wildlife Research Biologist working at the ODNR Division of Wildlife states, in regards to antler restriction policies: “Because they do restrict opportunity and we’ve accomplished as much or more without them, I will oppose them for use here in Ohio as long as voluntary participation (antler-less harvest) in other programs continues to be successful. I see no reason for this to change any time soon.”

John McLaughlin, an ADWA member and supporter says, “I currently reside in Delaware, Ohio and am a landowner of a 100-acre family farm in Southeastern Ohio. I am concerned over the quality of the deer herd throughout Ohio, and the detrimental effects that harvesting bucks of all sizes and age classes will have on the deer herd long term.”

Previous studies and research provide data to support that the only successful way to curb a burgeoning deer population is to reduce the number of does in said population. “The Ohio DNR is attempting to enact, but I believe it is a failed measure without also restricting the age class that a buck can be harvested. Antler restrictions are not an exact measurement of a deer’s age, but I think we can all assume that if a ‘4 points on one side’ stipulation is enacted, we can expect a minimum of 3.5 years on that animal, a far better scenario than spikes, 4 points and 6 points being harvested,” adds McLaughlin. “When you see the buck-to-doe ratio in terms of harvest this year, it will once again favor the bucks as the highest proportion harvested, or at least a lop-sided ratio. Premature harvest of young bucks needs to be replaced with a healthy doe harvest to steady the ratio.”

Ohio is currently in the top five destination states for record book bucks, bringing millions of dollar from hunting tourism. “I have to disagree that our herd will continue to disintegrate due to the ‘shoot the first buck that walks by’ mentality,” adds Tonkovich. “Our herd is not going to disintegrate. It may deteriorate some. If it does, it will be due to hunters passing antler-less deer waiting for that buck that we’ve placed on a pedestal, not because hunters are shooting small bucks….our data show that yearling bucks in the antlered harvest continue to drop due entirely to voluntary restraint exhibited by Ohio’s hunters. From a statewide perspective, our program is working very well and in no need of major repairs. We will continue ‘tinkering’ as long as it continues to be successful. When that fails, we may have to take a look at antler restrictions or other similar tools.”