Researchers Say More Hunting Leads to Smaller Antlers

(POCATELLO, ID)  —  A team of researchers from across the Intermountain West, including Idaho State University, has determined that increased hunting pressure has reduced antler sizes in big game animals over the past century. They say an intensive harvest of males has allowed fewer animals to reach trophy status. The researchers, all of whom are hunters, recommend a reduction in the number of tags for male big game animals and more tags for females to help offset the trend.