Deer Hunting Tips - What Influences the Size of Antlers?
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?
Antler size is affected by three major factors:
1. The Deer’s Genetics
2. Nutrition
3. How Old The Deer Is
Genetics determine the potential size of the antlers. Science has verified that antler size is an inherited trait among deer. Of course hunters always knew this. Game managers will sometimes limit the size of the antler that is allowed to be harvested to maintain the quality of the herd. By restricting the number of genetically superior kills, the inferior herd is culled and the gene pool is allowed to “antler up” as a result. Though the theory behind this practice is sound, the benefit of the strategy is sometimes questioned because effective culling of the herd is often not effective when related to overall population.
Nutrition is the second factor which determines antler size. Even with optimal genetics, the deer will not realize its full potential if the animal does not receive the proper nutrition. Most experienced hunters have hunted through seasons where drought has affected the food sources for the deer and the large antlered deer just weren’t there. It is crucial for the deer population to receive adequate nutrition year-round if they are to reach their antler producing potential. Most antler growth takes place during the Spring and Summer months so this is the most important time. Inferior foliage growth during these months can greatly limit antler growth. Good habitat management can help alleviate the toll taken. Supplemental feedings are sometimes needed.
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.
We are hoping that you use these deer hunting tips during the upcoming deer hunting season. Please visit www.Deer-HuntingTips.com for more advanced deer hunting tips you can use this year.
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