What Determines Antler Size Of A Buck

Three major factors that determine antler size are: age of the buck, genetics of the animal, and nutrition.  Said another way, you will not get maximum antler size unless the animal has the genetics, is a healthy mature buck >5years old, and has consumed the nutrients needed to achieve the genetic potential.   We can have some control over these as we manage our hunting areas. 

1)    Avoid harvesting young bucks; take only the bucks that are at least 5 years old.  Believe me, I am not saying this is easy, but it is one way to manage for bucks with optimum antlers.  Harvesting only mature bucks lets you, over time, select from the bucks with the best genetics in your area.   This is much easier if you own a large plot of land, but even working with your buddies, you can manage an area of a few hundred acres and make a difference. If your deer herd has the proper age structure and buck-to-doe ratio, bucks that exhibit less than desirable antler characteristics can be removed at an earlier age (3-4 years old). Research has shown that this age class of deer do most of the breeding during the rut. This should only be practiced though when your herd has the proper age structure with at least 30% of your bucks being in the 5.5 or older age bracket.    

2)    Number 2 is easier than number 1- harvest the mature bucks displaying undesirable antler characteristics.  Let’s make sure we have the best gene pool. 

3)    Number 3 is to provide as near to optimum nutrition for the deer as you can. 

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