Informational Links
Please take some time to read the articles below (click the picture). Many of this information is referenced to help make game management decisions for the ranch.
Dr. Deer has an article stating at 4 1/2 years, all difference in antler development disappeared from bucks that had 3 points or less than those with 4 points or more as yearlings . (Click Picture to Read More)
Hunters of free-ranging whitetails cannot manage genetics through selective harvest and produce measurable genetic change. Period. Since we can’t control breeding in free-ranging deer, we can’t shape genetics. But put the deer in a pen and explicitly control who breeds who for several generations and, yes, results will be measurable, and they can be quite amazing. Because of this fact, many hunters assume the same can be done in the wild. (Click Picture to Read More)
Anybody who has taken part in deer camp conversation knows that many hunters blame a buck’s odd-looking antlers on “inferior genetics.” It is crazy how this thinking has spread despite a lack of published research to support these claims; after all, I don’t think many hunters would deny that both sides of a buck’s antlers are determined by the same genetic code. There is not a “left antler” genetic code and a separate “right antler” genetic code, which is why the vast majority of whitetail bucks display left and right antlers of roughly equal shape and dimensions. (Click Picture to Read More)
In many areas, whitetail populations are at or above the carrying capacity of the land, and herd reduction or stabilization is needed. This can only be achieved through the harvest of adult does, the reproductive segment of the herd. Ironically, one of the greatest obstacles to the acceptance of doe harvest by some hunters is the adage, “I won’t shoot a doe because it would be like killing three deer.” While on the surface this would be true — assuming the doe was mature (generally 2 1/2 years old or older) and carrying twin fawns — it demonstrates a lack of understanding of deer biology. (Click Picture to Read More)
The number one reason that many hunters delay harvesting does is because we fear that if we shoot a doe with our bow or gun, the imaginary buck that might be following will vanish. Many hunters can tell stories of seeing or harvesting mature bucks while a doe is already down near their stand, but the more important consideration is the long-term effect on your buck-harvest opportunities. Over the long haul, balancing the population with the habitat will increase resources for the young bucks that you pass, including food and cover, allowing them to better express their body and antler potential. (Click Picture to Read More)
Most whitetail experts say the best doe to harvest is the first one that stands still long enough to provide a clear shot. I generally agree, though it can depend on the situation. In most cases I recommend harvesting adult does because they are the most reproductive part of the herd, generally producing twin fawns annually. In areas of high deer density, they provide the most “bang for the buck” with regard to lowering density. In areas with low to moderate deer densities, a balanced harvest of all age classes, focused primarily on yearling and fawn does, is generally more appropriate. (Click Picture to Read More)
In most areas the rut varied very little from year to year. Conception dates in the Cross Timbers and Prairies were as early as October 13 and extended to December 17. In the northern portion of the region the average breeding date was November 15. The average breeding date in the southern part was November 17. Biologists recorded an average of 1.7 fetuses per doe and 95 percent of the females had been successfully bred. The majority (90%) of the fawns are born by June 15 in the northern area and by June 20 in the southern area. (Click Picture to Read More)
Tooth wear and replacement is one of several methods for aging white-tailed deer. Although this method is not perfect, it has been used for the past 35 years in the successful management of deer herds in Texas. (Click Picture to Read More)
"Big 6-pointers are about as rare as straight up 12-pointers"