Interesting article on mature bucks

[scn]

Several interesting points in this article: https://www.qdma.com/if-you-pass-a-mature-buck-will-he-grow-bigger-antlers/

 

[JCDEERMAN]

Thanks, scn. I always try to check often and keep up with new articles put out by QDMA, but you sure are more reliable with it than I am. Thanks for sharing.

 

[Bone Collector]

yeah no way I am passing a mature buck.

 

[megalomaniac]

Crazy that we have gotten to the point where new topics of discussion are passing 5.5 yo bucks. I can't believe how far we have come!

That being said, I've passed several 4.5 and 5.5 yo bucks with broken racks hoping to get a crack at them the following year. And last year was the first time I've passed on a solid mature buck that wasn't a cull. A 130in 4.5 yo buck. But I had what was my personal largest TN buck I was chasing as my buck of choice....

Oh, BTW, keeping with the theme of this article, he ended up being 6.5... and he scored about 5 to 6 inches LESS at 6.5 than he would have scored at 5.5

 

[Southern Sportsman]

I think the premise of the article is laughable for 99% of deer hunters. If you're hunting a 5000 acre ranch or a high fence setting, that's a different discussion. But if you're hunting 200-300 acres or even 1000 contiguous acres in a free-range setting, I'd guess the odds of a 5 1/2 yr old deer living to see 6 1/2 are not great. The odds of getting another shot at him the follow year are much, much lower still. And the research in the article indicates that a deer that age is more likely to lose 5-10 inches the next year than he is it gain anything.

To be fair, the article is simply presented as a topic for discussion, not a suggestion. And the author concludes that he has no intention of passing 5 1/2 year old deer. But I have to wonder if QDMA has run out of things to talk about.

 

[JCDEERMAN]

I think the premise of the article is laughable for 99% of deer hunters. If you're hunting a 5000 acre ranch or a high fence setting, that's a different discussion. But if you're hunting 200-300 acres or even 1000 contiguous acres in a free-range setting, I'd guess the odds of a 5 1/2 yr old deer living to see 6 1/2 are not great. The odds of getting another shot at him the follow year are much, much lower still. And the research in the article indicates that a deer that age is more likely to lose 5-10 inches the next year than he is it gain anything.

To be fair, the article is simply presented as a topic for discussion, not a suggestion. And the author concludes that he has no intention of passing 5 1/2 year old deer. But I have to wonder if QDMA has run out of things to talk about.

Totally agree. I'd love to see the same type article on 3.5's and also 4.5's. I am typically on the 4.5+ wagon, but occasionally take a 3.5 with no hesitation or regrets whatsoever. Antler growth is so fascinating

 

[megalomaniac]

Data is out there from 3.5 to 4.5.... most places the jump is IMPRESSIVE, and only rarely negative (aside from extreme drought years or injuries). Not impressive from gross inches added (probably only 10- 15in on average depending on locale), but how those 10 inches are distributed throughout the frame in the form of additional mass, just making the rack look way bigger.

 

[catman529]

Interesting stuff as usual. A 5.5 year old buck has good odds of surviving till next year, but unless he's a predictable homebody, most hunters wouldn't likely get another shot at him.