TPWD SPECIAL ANTLER RESTRICTIONS TEST
by DUKE WALTON
HGC-SCI First for Hunters Newsletter
(Editor’s Note: Duke received this e-mail from Matt Raney, and was kind enough to take note and pass on

TAKE THE (FOLLOWING) TEST … and then check out the answers! First I would hope that you would be hunting in daylight and not at night, which would make it easier to see and tell which ones are legal and which ones are not. I would question Deer F as to being legal or not, as his ears are not out but laid back. Have fun ! … The reason for this law is so deer can grow to maturity, 5-6 years or older, then you won't need to look so close!

Matt Raney’s email:
This is the new law regarding deer hunting in Liberty and Hardin counties where my new ranch is located. Even though you think you understand this law, 90% of people tested fail this simple test.  See how you do ………first read the law then look at the pictures below and make your decisions.

This is the Texas Parks and Wildlife regulation for hunting Whitetail deer in these two counties - both have what they call “Special Antler Restrictions.” Don’t get caught breaking this law - it will be very expensive and you could go to jail depending on the circumstances. They can also take your hunting license away for the rest of your life if …. the right circumstances are present. Starting in Jan-2010 they can also fine the rancher and hold him partially responsible for not keeping the laws on his ranch if he does not turn you in to the authorities. The days of “get
drunk and shoot the place up” are gone.

For counties with Special Antler Restrictions, a legal buck deer has:
1. at least one unbranched antler, or
2. an inside spread of 13 inches or greater. The inside spread requirement does not apply to any buck that has an unbranched antler.
3. Not more than one buck with an inside spread of 13 inches or greater may be taken.

Now you have read the new law; take a look at the deer below and tell me are they “legal shooters,” (in other) words is it legal to shoot one of them? Each deer is in alphabetical order A thru H. Ok, now as you scroll down and begin your hunt. You must write down each one that is a “Shooter”. No cheating! Write it down (your answers) before you (look) to the answer.

See pictures below

What are your answers? How many deer did you shoot?

Answer: If you answered anything but deer F you failed. There was only one correct
(shooter) answer, sorry:
A. Deer A is not a shooter. His horns must be outside his ears and they ain’t.
B. Deer B is not a shooter although he has one unbranched horn. It is a damaged horn and
therefore is not legal. If deer B was legal everyone would just break off one horn to stay inside the
law; therefore a damaged horn Is not allowed.
C. Deer C is not a shooter; again the horns must be outside the ears.
D. Deer D is not a shooter because he has two horns that are branched. Yes it is hard to see
and that is the point. You must be sure before you shoot. Deer D is a four-point buck; two on
each side.
E. Deer E is not a shooter; not outside the ears as required. He is close, but close is not
legal.
F. Deer F - yes this is a shooter! He is well outside the ears and will meet the 13 inside inch
requirement.
G. Deer G is not a shooter.
H. Deer H is not a shooter.
It is good to brush up on this stuff now and then before you go out hunting …