Lots of things at play that the DEC considers. Lobbyists from the automobile insurance agencies, QDMA members that want antler restrictions, out-of-state and in-state hunters that don't want antler restrictions. I have heard rumblings that the tree-huggers that bring lawsuits are pro- QDMA.....huh? QDMA means small deer are spared and less tags filled means less deer shot. License sales are dropping in NY......being inclusive to the majority "will of the people" is in the DEC's best interest. Personally, I have hunted other states....I will take more opportunity over quality anytime. More state land, more deer, more tags means more opportunity. I have never had a problem seeing deer in NY woods.....trophys are another story. Rack size is approx. 90% genetic......can't do anything about that. If you want to see bigger/older deer then reach out to neighboring land owners and try to come to an gentleman's agreement to let the young ones walk.