Important Antler Restriction Notes
Antler restriction regulations have been developed and implemented as MINIMUM standards for antlered deer harvest in this program. Antler restrictions are largely an effective regulation tool for protecting younger bucks and improving the age structure of the remaining bucks in the herd. We ask for your cooperation in maintaining this standard by educating yourself and exercising good judgment in the field.
The Restrictions
In order to be eligible to harvest a mature antlered deer, participants must first harvest at least one antlerless deer. Once eligible, hunters may harvest ONE antlered deer with an inside antler spread of at least 15 inches. Adult female deer remain the desired harvest objective.
Exceptions:
- Buck Lottery Tag: Participants who are drawn for a buck lottery tag on the morning of their hunt may harvest an antlered deer of their choice, prior to harvesting an antlerless deer. Antler restrictions will not apply to buck lottery tags, though they remain encouraged.
- Youth Hunters: Participants under the age of 18 who are hunting at Little Bennett Regional Park, only, may harvest a buck of their choosing without antler restrictions and without the requirement of first harvesting an antlerless deer. However, youth hunters are also encouraged to follow the antler restriction parameters voluntarily. A maximum of ONE antlered deer may be harvested.
- Participants who FIRST harvest 3 ANTLERLESS deer may harvest an antlered deer of their choice. This means that the antler restriction is removed. However, hunters are encouraged to follow the antler restriction parameters voluntarily.
Spiked Bucks
Spike bucks with at least one antler measuring 3 inches or longer are considered antlered deer and are not eligible for harvest! (Exception – participants who first harvest 3 antlerless deer and youth hunters under the age of 18 who are hunting at Little Bennett RP, only.) Be absolutely certain of your target before squeezing the trigger. DO NOT harvest a mature antlered buck unless you are certain that you have first harvested an antlerless deer AND that you have not mistakenly harvested any spikes or other legally antlered deer!
Marginal Bucks
Avoid harvesting marginal-sized bucks. Please squeeze the trigger only if you are certain that the buck has an inside spread that exceeds 15 inches! It is recognized that some mature antlered deer may not exhibit antler characteristics meeting these restrictions. In the case that a harvested buck does not meet the antler restrictions, antler beam circumference will be measured at the base. If antler beam circumference is greater than or equal to 3.75 inches, an exception will be made for the participant. While our goal is to restrict the antlered deer harvest to 3.5 yr old bucks and older, we have found that aging bucks by tooth wear and replacement is simply too subjective for proper enforcement. While still not perfect, utilizing the circumference measurement as the exception will keep things black and white for staff and participants. NO other exceptions will be made. We appreciate your best efforts and cooperation with this restriction.
The following images are great examples of the types of mature antlered deer that exist in our parks. These are the types of bucks that we hope and expect you to wait for the opportunity to harvest. We recognize that restraint can be difficult. However, we believe the benefits far outweigh the costs. All photos were taken in past years on Montgomery County parkland!
ALWAYS be sure of your target. ALWAYS be sure of exactly what you have harvested. ALWAYS hunt safely and ethically and use the best possible judgment! All regulations will be enforced by Wildlife Staff and Park Police (if deemed necessary). In every case, honesty is the best policy. Staff recognizes that mistakes can be made but must also maintain minimum standards. Infractions will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, and penalties issued accordingly. For example, participants who harvest antlered deer that do not meet the antler restrictions will forfeit the antlers to Wildlife Staff who will remove the antlers from the skull with a saw. Any participant found repeatedly in violation of the Antler Restrictions will be subject to further disciplinary action. Dishonesty and/or failure to comply with this enforcement will not be tolerated, and offenders removed from the Managed Deer Hunting Program. Likewise, Participants who harvest antlered deer without first harvesting a female deer, will be required to forfeit the carcass with antlers still attached, and will be subject to further disciplinary action as evaluated by Wildlife Staff and/or Park Police.
As a standard procedure, Wildlife Staff will remove antlers from any previously wounded, antlered deer that is harvested by another participant who is not “buck ready” (whether or not authorized by staff to do so).
Any participant found to be unsafe, unethical, and/or dishonest will be permanently dismissed from the program and citations will be issued as appropriate.