Lots of interesting reading on this thread.
Does anyone else find it ironic that so many want the DOW to help gain access to those pockets of high density deer? Doesn't it seem ironic that we want to get into those areas to kill off what remains? Ha. This is exactly why we need a DOW to limit the harvest.
This.
Let's use driving and a speed limit as an example. If we didn't have regulations, people would do as they please. Instead, regulations are put in place, everyone then "should not" go over that limit. Those who choose to stay under that limit are fine. The speed limit is set by a slew of inputs (crash data, vehicles traveling it (think 18wheeler vs. 4wheeler), $ back in pockets from tickets, etc.)
The ODNR sets the speed limit. People are welcome to do as they please up to that limit (i.e. don't shoot a doe, shoot a doe, fill all tags - don't care). The limit is in place for the "best fit" for the slew of variables. If the variables change, so does the speed limit (think improvements in crash safety, type of transportation, etc.). You are welcome to do as you please but you do not have an impact on the speed limit (no matter how much you think you are) based on the slew of variables used to set it in the first place because meanwhile the majority of the population is pushing the max. Therefore, it is the responsible of a governing agency to set the regulation (i.e. max). If there was a united voice and a united voice to group together to educate and actually change the thinking, THEN (maybe) the herd would grow to a size that the variable used would alter the outcome. Until then, you are living in a make-believe world that what you do on your 50-300 acre land is making a difference for the whole.
Throw in WHY people drive and it gets even more complex. Most because they have to for work (meat hunter), some because they want to enjoy scenery on a Sunday drive (trophy hunter) or others because it's the only place to do so to open up the new 500hp engine they built in the garage (try out the new straight-walled rifle).