What Determines a Buck's Antler Size?

There are three major factors that determine a buck's antler size: age, genetics, and nutrition. You won't get maximum antler size unless the animal is a healthy, mature buck with the proper genetics and the diet necessary to achieve that genetic potential. Fortunately, we have some control over these as we manage our hunting areas. Here are some tips:

Avoid harvesting young bucks

Instead, take only the bucks that are at least five years old. This isn't easy, of course, since it's always tempting to take anything with antlers. But this is an important way to manage for bucks with optimum antlers. Over time, deliberately harvesting only mature bucks lets you 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.

Harvest undesirable bucks

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. But this should only be practiced once your herd has the proper age structure, with at least 30% of your bucks being in the 5-1/2 or older age bracket. Also, harvesting mature bucks displaying undesirable antler characteristics can help clean up the gene pool for the next generation.

Provide optimum nutrition

For bucks to reach their full genetic potential, they need the proper blend of nutrients. This often means supplementing natural forage with a high-quality protein, and that's where we can help! Our stores carry premium deer and elk supplements produced by our partners at Record Rack, along with the feeders and other accessories necessary for you to nurture your herd's healthy growth. Stop by anytime, and our staff will be more than happy to take care of you! 

NOTE: This post is adapted (with permission) from content proudly brought to you by our partners at Nutrena and Cargill Animal Nutrition. The original article appears here.