The two bucks I filled my last tags with this year were special. I’ve watched them for years, both being over 6 to 8 years old. These were deer that had reached their peak size after 4 years old, adding little in antler growth afterward. This brings me to an important point about managing hunting properties.
In most cases, a single piece of land won’t produce giant bucks every year. There are natural cycles, and hunters need to understand that. If you own or manage land, it’s crucial to target older bucks with lesser antler scores during the off years. If you continually cherry-pick the biggest deer based on score, you risk harming the genetic pool. Over time, the overall quality of the deer herd can decline.
When I was younger, I would jump from farm to farm in search of the biggest bucks, often leaving deer unchecked for years. These “bully bucks” never had the chance to grow. Over time, I’ve realized the importance of managing my land responsibly. I still chase after the biggest deer with my first tag, but my remaining tags are dedicated to management or helping friends. This approach is something to consider as we roll into the next season.
