Riflescopes and Scope Accessories

Proper management of the deer herd are usually the most effect deer hunting tips. The large antlered deer are prized among trophy hunters. Every hunter dreams of bagging a deer with a humongous rack. All proud hunters will swap tales of giant antlers, diameter, point count, etc. However, do you know what really makes a difference in regards to antler size?

There are three main factors that decide the overall size of a buck’s antlers.

1. The Deer’s Genetics

2. What The Deer Has To Eat

3. Age

The genetics of a deer help to determine how big the antlers have the “potential” to get. Science has verified that antler size is an inherited trait among deer. Of course hunters always knew this. Leases are often managed in a way to produce the biggest bucks by limiting the size of the antlers that are permitted 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. 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 next contributor to 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. Summer and spring diets are the most vital since the majority of antler growth really happens during those seasons. This means that when foraging conditions are poor during the spring and summer months, antler growth will be limited. However, if time and energy are put into habitat management, adequate nutrition and foraging will be made more likely. 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. Usually antler size potential increases throughout the first few years of life. It continues to increase some during the fourth through sixth year. However, the actual growth rate and size depend on the breed of deer and the deers genetics. For this reason deer under four years of age should typically not be harvested. 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 recommended that young bucks be allowed to mature fully before being harvested. If you’re not able to kill a mature buck but require venison, shoot a doe. The hunt next season will reap the benefit.

If you really want to learn what it takes to be a master deer hunter, keep these deer hunting tips in mind when your next hunt comes up.

And please visit us at www.Deer-HuntingTips.com to learn more secrets and advanced deer hunting tips.

Filed under: Rifles and Shotguns on November 26th, 2009