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In April of 2005
the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission
adopted hunting regulations for some Texas counties
that include antler restrictions for bucks.
The primary objective
that TPWD hopes to achieve with this regulation
is to improve the age structure of the buck herd.
If hunters do not harvest deer
until they have a 13 inch inside spread
except for those with an unbranched antler,
deer can make it into the older age classes.
This will result in a better balanced and natural deer herd
with mature bucks doing most of the breeding.
Properties that have been issued Level 2 or Level 3
Managed Lands Deer Permits
will be exempt from this regulation
because they are already operating
with restrictive harvest guidelines
as prescribed in their Wildlife Management Plan.
Basically, this antler restriction regulation
changes the definition of a legal buck deer.
With this regulation, a buck deer
must have a hardened antler protruding through the skin
and in addition, a legal buck
must meet 1 of 2 other criteria.
It must have at least 1 unbranched antler
or an inside spread measurement between main beams
of 13 inches or greater.
We'll run through a series of sketches
clearly showing each of the 2 criteria
in the regulation.
This is a legal deer
because it has at least one unbranched antler.
In fact it has 2 unbranched antlers.
Always be careful to look for hidden points.
This is a legal deer
because it has at least 1 unbranched antler.
This is a legal deer
because it has an inside spread of 13 inches or greater.
This deer is not legal
because it meets none of the criteria.
It should be mentioned here
that a violation of this regulation
is a Class C Parks & Wildlife misdemeanor.
Persons convicted of this violation
are subject to a fine of up to $500
and restitution for the illegally taken game.
For clarification,
a point is a projection
that extends at least 1 inch
from the edge of a main beam
or another tine.
The tip of a main beam is also a point.
This definition of a point
can be used in determining a legal deer
when you are looking for a buck with an unbranched antler.
The second criteria
requires that the hunter be able to estimate the inside spread
between the main beams.
This is what concerns hunters most
being able to determine
if a deer has a 13 inch inside spread.
and that is much of what this video
is intended to accomplish.
In essence, all buck deer
are carrying a measuring stick on their head.
This slide shows a deer
that has exactly a 13 inch inside spread.
Additionally, you can tell from the lines that are inserted
that the eartip to eartip width
is also 13 inches.
Hunters can utilize this guide
if they are able to view the buck
with the ears in the alert position
looking toward them.
An essential tool for determing antler spread
is a good set of binoculars,
a spotting scope,
or at the very least, a good rifle scope.
Good optics can help a hunter see
what the naked eye can't.
We're going to run through a series of images
and explain how you would evaluate each buck.
Please understand that not every buck
is going to give you a chance to get a good look.
When in doubt, don't shoot.
This deer is legal
because it has at least 1 unbranched antler.
In fact it has 2 unbranched antlers.
Remember, you may want to wait for a side view
to be absolutely sure the antlers are unbranched.
Here is a sideview of the same deer.
Notice the sideview is all that is necessary
to make the call.
The left antler is unbranched.
An unbranched antler on one side
makes this deer legal.
Same here.
1 unbranched antler makes this deer legal.
Now we'll look at some animals that are illegal to shoot.
This deer is possibly unbranched,
but better get a closer look with binoculars
or a spotting scope.
Optics are needed to see the points
that make the deer illegal.
Points, in a less than 13 inch spread
make the deer illegal.
But without optics, you probably couldn't tell.
This deer is illegal.
By using the ears as a guide,
you can tell it obviously has less
than a 13 inch inside spread.
Same here.
Branched in less than a 13 inch spread.
What about this one?
He is a little closer than the previous two
but looks to be less than 13 inches wide
judging by the ears.
Better get the binoculars and get a closer look.
These lines indicate that the inside spread
is narrower than the alert ear tips
that is less than 13 inches,
making this deer illegal.
How about this one?
Obviously illegal.
Can you tell from this distance
if this deer is a legal deer?
Better get a closer look.
A closer look through optics shows points
making this deer illegal.
The deer on the right is obviously illegal.
The spread is less than 13 inches.
The deer on the left is impossible to call from this picture
since its ears need to be in the alert position.
Close...
but the inside spread is just under 13 inches,
making this deer illegal.
This deer appears close at first glance.
but the lines indicate the inside spread
is greater than the ears,
making this deer legal.
Still close but when in doubt,
don't shoot.
If the ears are not in the alert forward position,
they can't be used as a judge.
Still too close to call.
Better not shoot under these circumstances.
Close...
This deer is probably legal
But again, if in doubt don't shoot.
Let's take a closer look with binoculars.
What do you think?
Sure, he is legal.
The following deer are legal
but a close call in some instances.
Once you've learned to judge antler spread
utilizing the eartip to eartip technique,
You'll recognize these deer as legal.
It should be obvious that this deer is legal.
So is this one.
This deer is legal as well.
Both of these deer are obviously wider than 13 inches.
This deer is obviously legal.
This is a don't shoot situation.
Visibility is limited
and it's not a good, ethical shot.
Never attempt to judge a deer's spread
when they're walking away.
They usually have their ears back
so judging antler spead is impossible.
Here the hunter should wait for a better view
to determine spread
such as when the deer's looking directly at the shooter.
At first this deer appears to be legal
but the hunter should wait for both ears
to be in the alert position before making the call.
Based on this view
you cannot make an informed decision.
You're going to have to look at deer closely
before deciding to shoot or not.
Hopefully these examples will help you determine
what is a legal buck.
Again, the goal of this regulation
is to improve the age structure of the buck herd.
This regulation is not a cure-all
for deer management problems in the area.
This regulation will only allow young bucks to get older.
However, if habitat conditions are poor,
fawning rates will be low
and there will be few young bucks to protect.
Areas that have a high percentage of land
cleared for improved pasture
will see little improvement
because of the low productivity of these lands.
Landowners that continue to protect and enhance
native habitats
will reap the rewards of this regulation
and good management.
You might want to review the examples
until you feel comfortable judging deer by these criteria.
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