When antler-point restrictions took effect in 2002 for Pennsylvania deer hunting, the hunters’ reaction was immediate: There were skeptics and there were advocates. Most everyone had a firm opinion — and the debate is far from over.

No matter what hunters are thinking about the law, though, one thing is certain: Hundreds of thousands of them will invade the woods one week from today in search of their trophy.

Whitetail deer-hunting season in almost all of the state, including Crawford County, will run from Nov. 30 through Dec. 12, with either antlered or antlerless deer allowed to be harvested for all two weeks.

So, does are legal, but many hunters wait for their big buck to come along, and that’s where some claim growing frustrations in recent years. Others say they are seeing and bringing home the biggest deer of their lives.

In 2002, a statewide regulation was implemented where, based on location, hunters could only harvest bucks with at least three or four points on one antler (based on location of the hunting area), a scientific effort to allow the population of older bucks to increase. All of Crawford County is under the four-point regulation.

According to Pennsylvania Game Commission press secretary Jerry Feaser it has to do with ensuring bucks reach their second year before harvest, due to differing genetics and food sources, thus increasing chances for a larger, healthier herd.

Now, seven seasons later — the woods being the pudding — the proof should be out there. Here’s what we’ve found:

n The Pennsylvania Game Commission is pleased on all fronts with the results of the Antler Restriction Program.

According to the PGC Web site, “Following the implementation of antler restrictions, considerably more adult bucks are surviving the hunting seasons.”

An antler restriction report card can also be found on the site which shows a passing grade on increased buck survival, avoidance of negative genetic impacts, maintaining hunter success rates, increasing the number of adult bucks, increasing the number of adult bucks, increasing the age structure of the buck harvest and maintaining hunter support.

In terms of deer kill numbers, between 250,000 and 500,000 are harvested each season in the state.

n Northwest Region Information Education Supervisor Regis Senko’s sentiments concur with those of the commission.

“Overall, antler restrictions have certainly resulted in a much higher ratio of bucks to does,” Senko said. “We have moved those deer from being harvested at a year-and-a-half to two-and-a-half or even a little older than that.”

Senko also acknowledged the element of the ARP which could have hunters a little frustrated.

“While that results in a much more mature deer in antler and body size, it also makes it much harder for hunters,” he said. “The rewards can be a whole lot greater, but those deer are much more educated and tougher to harvest.”