First, if anyone thinks you can stroll into an SOA smash a 150 class deer or a gobbler that will score 70+, you are sorely mistaken. The deer I killed last week was the the result of the hardest hunting I’ve done in 20+ years. I saw a total of 2 deer in 3 days. One set of hunters saw a couple of does and hogs. One set of hunters I spoke to did not see a single deer and only 1 hog between them the entire time. So an SOA hunt is by no means a guarantee you kill or even see the game you are after. I do think by limiting access and limiting pressure increases the odds of allowing deer to mature and along with strict antler restrictions imposed, you MAY have a better chance of seeing and taking a mature deer. But at the end of the day, you still have to hunt hard to have success.

I think it’s a great program. The chances of the state taking away any existing WMA lands and turning them into SOA’s is zero. As far as requiring the purchase of the WMA license to apply, so what? Sure it generates a little revenue but it also insures the hunter who is chosen has the proper license and doesn’t risk being ticketed. I really don’t understand the push back. What is wrong with the state setting aside land to create a “special opportunity” for a fortunate hunter? Even had I not been successful in killing a buck, I can promise you I would have enjoyed the experience of seeing and hunting some beautiful land that I would otherwise never see and doubtful that I’ll ever see again.