[Triple Creek Hunter]

Have someone explain the chart I posted to you. What you are describing is caused by high grading.

Don't need an explanation just saying not all of, maybe a few will reach 150s at 51/2. I have seen that over last 15yrs on my Ozark property. I also have seen plenty of 3 1/2-4 1/2 yr olds up north reach that without trouble. I owned property in Putnam County right on Iowa border for 30 yrs so I know 100% there is a difference. Not only in body size but size of racks.
Nothing wrong with MO Ozarks just have to be realistic about what your property is capable of producing.

 

[PoisonSnake]

I do what some might say is rigorous, peer-reviewed, science. I work with a lot of folks that do the same. What I can say with 100% certainty is that folks can promote themselves, their work, and their data to the highest of levels while everyone else just sits back and says "yeah, nothing fantastic about that". I'm pretty skeptical of most anyone. Except of myself of course.

 

[cowboy]

I do what some might say is rigorous, peer-reviewed, science. I work with a lot of folks that do the same. What I can say with 100% certainty is that folks can promote themselves, their work, and their data to the highest of levels while everyone else just sits back and says "yeah, nothing fantastic about that". I'm pretty skeptical of most anyone. Except of myself of course.

Some folks use a lot of wiggle room with their inferences when they have a gullible audience wanting to believe every buck will get really big.

 

[kgdog]

All the available data collected by rigorous science says otherwise.

And where is this science data located .?

 

[Sugar Tree Ranch]

Potential, but reality and real life deer I have followed, sheds I have found and measured prove to me that not every deer that makes it to 5.5 will score 150+! I’ll give you that most 5.5 yo bucks will get close to and surpass 150 but not ALL

well said

 

[421sd]

Even Mo big buks club and the other one has different criteria for the different geography

Not sure what the other one is, but Show Me Big Bucks Club no longer makes a distinction between south and north Missouri for entries. For typicals, it used to be minimum 150 north, and 140 south. Can’t remember NT minimums. It’s now minimum 140 T and 155 NT statewide.

 

[WBF]

I do what some might say is rigorous, peer-reviewed, science. I work with a lot of folks that do the same. What I can say with 100% certainty is that folks can promote themselves, their work, and their data to the highest of levels while everyone else just sits back and says "yeah, nothing fantastic about that". I'm pretty skeptical of most anyone. Except of myself of course.

Your participating in a post with an individual that does just that… 😂

 

[BC-Buck]

Had a guy hunting on a neighbor. He said he would not shoot a buck unless it was 170 or better. I asked him if he understood where he was hunting. Told him he would be waiting a long time in the MO Ozarks for a 170 buck. Guy was full of BS and ended up taking what he called a 150. In reality it would be a stretch to hit 130s. Nothing wrong with a buck that size, but the guy had an unrealistic idea of what our area will produce.

Dud, that's the kind of story I would love you to tell while were all sitting around drinking a beer. Hilarious.

 

[BC-Buck]

What are 3 variables that produce big deer antlers



The three primary variables that produce big deer antlers are
age, nutrition, and genetics. All three factors must be aligned for a buck to achieve its maximum antler potential.

1. Age
As a buck gets older, its antlers generally become larger and more complex.

• A buck reaches its prime antler size between 4 and 7 years of age.
• While a 1.5-year-old buck's antlers may only be 10–25% of their maximum potential, a 2.5-year-old buck's antlers can nearly double in size to reach about half their full size.
• Past their prime, very old bucks often show a decline in antler size.

2. Nutrition
A deer's diet has a profound effect on antler growth.

• Protein: Bucks require a high-protein diet (around 16%) during the spring and summer antler-growing season to achieve optimal growth. Younger deer require an even higher percentage of protein for their developing bodies.
• Minerals: Key minerals like calcium and phosphorus are critical for building dense, strong antlers. Deer can get these minerals from rich vegetation and mineral licks, and they can even draw reserves from their skeletal system during the growth cycle.
• Habitat quality: A healthy and diverse habitat that provides a constant source of nutrient-rich forage is essential for antler development.

3. Genetics
A buck's genetic makeup determines its potential for antler size and shape.

• A deer inherits its genetic potential for antler growth from both its mother and father.
• While genetics establishes the upper limits for antler growth, external factors like nutrition and age determine if that potential is ever reached.
• In wild deer populations, it is nearly impossible to manage genetics through selective harvesting alone. However, allowing bucks with superior genetics to reach maturity can increase the chances of passing those traits on to the next generation.

Scientist have always said areas with best soils have most BC entry's. There are many more variables other than the big 3 but trigger control is not all that.

 

[bverboy]

im after a 150" doe

 

[Danimal]

All the available data collected by rigorous science says otherwise.

Is the rigorous science in the thread with us?

 

[rat]

Is the rigorous science in the thread with us?

It’s always with us… all around us… in the ether, finely appointed with stardust and pixies.

I did see what you did there. 😂

 

[cowboy]

, finely appointed with stardust and pixies.

You forgot stripper glitter.

 

[rat]

You forgot stripper glitter.

I didn’t want to cheapen it.

 

[cowboy]

I didn’t want to cheapen it.

Stripper glitter doesnt come cheap. Or so Ive heard.

 

[callaojoe]

Im not sure someone that is an elitist should throw that term around.

Only when it comes to cigars, bourbon and golf courses bro. 😎

 

[20']

I do agree with one of your statements that if you let 100 deer live from 0.5 to 5.5 years of age, that you will have move 150" deer on the landscape.

I do not believe that the average deer in MO will ever reach an average score of 150" north to south, east to west, across the entire state even if you allow them to live to infinity. But, you will have, on average, bigger deer.

And older deer👀

 

[20']

All the available data collected by rigorous science says otherwise.

Did I misread what you said and said the data stated??? Did you say every bucknin MO allowed to reach 5.5 would grow/score a 150” or more

 

[Triple Creek Hunter]

Dud, that's the kind of story I would love you to tell while were all sitting around drinking a beer. Hilarious.

Yep he only hunted there one season. Think he got embarrassed. The buck he shot was nice for the Ozarks, just not a 150

 

[BC-Buck]

Yep he only hunted there one season. Think he got embarrassed. The buck he shot was nice for the Ozarks, just not a 150

Probably only hunts Iowa now for twohundy.