Here's the rule as it's written up (see link). You're correct in saying it doesn't specify how far from the base, but a tine is a tine.. Your first and 2nd point is the G2 and G3, 3rd would be your main beam....G1's or brow tines are not counted in WMU's 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B & 2D. My guess is a brow tine is not 8" from the base as you describe. Most all whiteails horn's curve toward their nose, so a "tine" as described in their document below would be the first point on or after that curvature of the main beam. Seems pretty simple to me, but as with most laws written by our PGC, they are open to interpretation by the arresting WCO. I think it's written in plain English and easy to understand. If the buck looks questionable...let him walk...plain and simple. Why risk it? I sure wouldn't and I let those little guys walk besides the point. (on public ground)
http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal...strictions_pdf
Also to the point of no place to hunt...I call BS as PA is a state with about the most public hunting area's available per state size...I'm counting roughly 4 million acres that's open to you, me and anyone else. Surely you can find a place? And I know for a fact there's a ton in Adam's area, as I've hunted on state land this year out there.
http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal...=617662&mode=2