Some hunters generally define a "trophy" buck as one with antlers that are larger than normal for a given region. Yet, another person may define a "trophy" buck as a wallhanger, or one that is large enough to take to the local taxidermist to have mounted. To others, a true trophy is one that exceeds one's own personal best. Therefore, the term "trophy" then is a relative term and means different things to different deer hunters.

In the modern age with so much emphasis put on large-racked bucks, many hunters are passing on immature bucks in hopes that a larger racked buck will present itself during the season. Some hunters go home empty-handed as a result. Yet, others are happy to harvest a surplus doe instead, providing excellent venison, while at the same time doing their part to manage the deer herd in their area of the state.

The one-buck rule is entering its fifth and final season this year. Some hunters didn't want to see it implemented in the first place; others are very glad that it is in place and would love to see it kept indefinitely. Other hunters would also like to see the firearms season closed during the rut, when bucks are the most vulnerable.

As in any trial period, there has to be some kind of way to measure the results (if any) of the enforced rule. Empirical evidence is perhaps the only way to measure the successfulness of the effects that the one-buck rule is having on the age structure of our herd. You couldn't convince any one of the volunteer measurers of the Hoosier Record Buck Program (HRBP) it isn't working.

To be eligible for entry in the HRBP record book, a typical rack must measure a minimum of 140 inches, while a non-typical must measure at least 160 inches. As of this writing, 266 total racks have been entered into the program's record book from 2005. To be eligible for the coveted Boone and Crockett (B&C) record book, a rack must measure at least 170 inches for a typical, and 195 inches as a non-typical. This organization has accepted more Indiana bucks in recent years.

As this issue goes to press, 17 B&C Club bucks have already been measured for the program from last season.

Never in the history of deer hunting in the state, has this number been so high at this stage. The overall single season record of 20 was set during the 2004 season. As in seasons past, not all B&C or HRBP bucks taken last season have been scored at press time.

Not only are we seeing an increase in the number of eligible racks in the Hoosier Record Buck Program, but we're also seeing a steady improvement in the quality of racks as well. Simply put, more bucks are living past their third and fourth birthdays, so the average rack score is going up.

Joe Bacon is president of the Indiana Deer Hunters' Association (IDHA) and a known mature buck enthusiast. "We have seen a definite improvement in the age structure as evidenced in the antlered age structure in DNR's age data collected during the first weekend of general gun seasons. Never before have we recorded 50 percent or fewer 1 1/2- year-old bucks. Trend data would have predicted 60 percent-plus 1 1/2- year-old harvests, yet Hoosier hunters have embraced the 'Let 'em go so they can grow' mentality. Hoosier deer hunters have embraced the one-buck rule, like Kentucky hunters. And after a few short years, they have seen the benefit, as has the record keeping of the HRBP."