Average gross score per age-class is going to vary widely by the quality of the habitat/soils of the area. As the MS study on antler scores by age-class and habitat/soil quality pointed out, there was a nearly 30 inch difference in average gross score of same-age bucks from the poorest habitat to the best habitat. In fact, in the poorest region, bucks had to be 5 1/2 to equal the same scores as 3 1/2 year-old bucks in the best habitat.

In the best habitat in TN--the MS floodplain and the Nashville Basin, 4 1/2s probably average around the mid 130s. In the ridge-and-hollow hardwoods, 4 1/2s average in the low 120s. In the far eastern mountains (Smokeys), 4 1/2s probably only average in the mid 110s.

However, never forget the difference between average score and the range of scores that are possible. In any location in TN, the RANGE of scores possible for 4 1/2 year-old bucks will exceed 100 inches. This means you may see a 4 1/2 with antlers gross scoring less than 60 and another 4 1/2 scoring more than 160 on the same property.

yep BSK that one on the right is a true giant anywhere. These rich farms and land owners that dont let anyone hunt lets the bucks get to their full potential. I have a friend who gets trail pics of bucks 180 to 200+ every year in town at a customers house but she wont let him hunt just photo's.So come rut there's no telling what might show up. I've had my chances at some 160's but choked with the bow twice. I had to watch him for to long and i was just to tore up by the time he got to me and gave me a shot. I wish I could gun hunt these spots but their bow only. I'll have to figure out how to post some pics on here..