SPIKE DEER DEVELOPMENT PATCH
SPIKE DEER DEVELOPMENT FULL

With good nutrition, however, he’ll likely grow longer tines and lay on a lot more mass each year.īecause of inadequate nutrition or other limiting factors, some deer might not achieve their full genetic potential until later in life, if ever. With excellent nutrition, he could even achieve that as a yearling, then live for five or six more years and never grow any more points. A buck could be genetically pre-disposed to sport a typical 8-point rack (many, perhaps most, are). Most of us know three things influence antler growth: genetics, nutrition and age. Surprisingly, there are still a lot of folks who mistakenly believe that a buck grows more points every year. The Older a Deer Gets, the More Points Its Antlers Carry Let’s take a look at some of the more common ones. There are a few, however, that are just downright negative. Some probably detract from the success rates of some hunters. Many are harmless and merely make for interesting conversation at the local diner. I quickly rationalized that there was little to be gained by informing him it probably wasn’t “THE” dominant buck, or that there probably wasn’t one dominant buck.Īfter we parted ways, however, I started to think about how many other deer-hunting misconceptions have been perpetuated. The cynical biologist in me wanted to ask how he’d come to the conclusion it was the dominant buck, but he was so enthusiastic, I couldn’t. “Couldn’t get a shot ’cause it was too thick,” he explained. I chuckled inside, raised an inquisitive eyebrow and politely offered, “Do tell.” He went on in an excited tone about how he had seen a big buck chasing a doe. His eyes widened and the corners of his mouth turned up in an exaggerated expression that revealed he had indeed seen something quite interesting. “Seen anything?” I offered as he came within earshot.

SPIKE DEER DEVELOPMENT PATCH

I recognized him as an older gentleman who hunted this patch of woods regularly. I’d just cleared a thick patch of firs when I spied another orange-clad hunter coming my way. There was a chance I might jump one, but I was more interested in doing a little scouting. The sun and the temperature were well up, so I decided to abandon my stand in favor of a stroll around the woodlot. If you repeat something often enough, people will think it’s true.

Spike deer development