Herd management is one of the most important deer hunting tips. The large antlered deer are prized among trophy hunters. The bigger the rack, the more valuable the prize. All proud hunters will swap tales of giant antlers, diameter, point count, etc. What is it that determines the size of the animal's antlers?
There are three main things that can influence buck antler size:
1. The Deer's Genetics
2. Nutrition
3. Age
Genetics determine how big the antlers might become. All experienced game managers or deer hunters know what is scientific truth: maximum antler size is largely determined by genetics. Sometimes, the best managed leases impose limits on how big an antler can be if it's to be harvested. A limit is put each season on genetically desirable prey and killing of genetically inferior antlered deer lets the gene pool move towards more favorable traits. Although there is some doubt regarding the benefit of these practices (effective killing of inferior antlered deer is sometimes impossible given the harvest rates to population in general), it has a genuinely good motive.
Nutrition is the next contributor to antler size. Regardless of a deer's genetic potential, it won't reach it's optimum level if it doesn't eat the right diet. Professional hunters have each gone through seasons with drought that's affected the natural food sources for deer, and they haven't found any with large antlers. In order for the deer population to realize it's complete antler producing potential, it has to eat a proper diet all year long. Summer and spring diets are the most vital since the majority of antler growth really happens during those seasons. Bad forage conditions throughout this time can negatively effect antler growth. Good habitat management will help promote healthy nutritional options. Sometimes, it's necessary to implement additional feeding.
The final factor is age, however research suggests that once a buck has reached 3+ years of age genetics and nutrition play a larger part in antler growth. The size of the antler tends to increase greatly during the first few years of age and then to level off sometime between the fourth to sixth year depending on the breed and its genetics. For this reason, the harvesting of bucks younger than 4 years is not encouraged. The practice by insensitive hunters of culling bucks that are too young can lead to such colorful expressions from more experienced hunters as, "That deer still had milk on its breath." It is best overall to harvest only the mature bucks. If you are in need of venison and a mature buck is not in evidence then harvest a doe. The hunt next season will reap the benefit. - 31499
There are three main things that can influence buck antler size:
1. The Deer's Genetics
2. Nutrition
3. Age
Genetics determine how big the antlers might become. All experienced game managers or deer hunters know what is scientific truth: maximum antler size is largely determined by genetics. Sometimes, the best managed leases impose limits on how big an antler can be if it's to be harvested. A limit is put each season on genetically desirable prey and killing of genetically inferior antlered deer lets the gene pool move towards more favorable traits. Although there is some doubt regarding the benefit of these practices (effective killing of inferior antlered deer is sometimes impossible given the harvest rates to population in general), it has a genuinely good motive.
Nutrition is the next contributor to antler size. Regardless of a deer's genetic potential, it won't reach it's optimum level if it doesn't eat the right diet. Professional hunters have each gone through seasons with drought that's affected the natural food sources for deer, and they haven't found any with large antlers. In order for the deer population to realize it's complete antler producing potential, it has to eat a proper diet all year long. Summer and spring diets are the most vital since the majority of antler growth really happens during those seasons. Bad forage conditions throughout this time can negatively effect antler growth. Good habitat management will help promote healthy nutritional options. Sometimes, it's necessary to implement additional feeding.
The final factor is age, however research suggests that once a buck has reached 3+ years of age genetics and nutrition play a larger part in antler growth. The size of the antler tends to increase greatly during the first few years of age and then to level off sometime between the fourth to sixth year depending on the breed and its genetics. For this reason, the harvesting of bucks younger than 4 years is not encouraged. The practice by insensitive hunters of culling bucks that are too young can lead to such colorful expressions from more experienced hunters as, "That deer still had milk on its breath." It is best overall to harvest only the mature bucks. If you are in need of venison and a mature buck is not in evidence then harvest a doe. The hunt next season will reap the benefit. - 31499
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