One of the reasons why hunters let young bucks walk is basic math. Nowadays, many hunters let younger bucks walk on a regular basis. It wasn’t too long ago when if you heard a hunter saying he passed up a buck, you figured he was either lying, or was a complete idiot. Why is this happening? Because more hunters are letting younger bucks walk. Through the years, the nationwide data on deer age structure is clear: More 3½-year-old bucks are now being harvested than ever before. Although many hunters can’t control a deer’s nutrition or genetics, letting younger-aged bucks walk is one way to improve the age structure of the deer in your area. We all know nutrition, age, and genetics are the three building blocks for growing large antlers. Over a buck’s lifetime, the more offspring he produces, the better his chances of passing on his genes to future generations of deer. I can’t help but think that these fabricated Easter egg/shed-antler hunts played a small part in them eventually becoming successful bowhunters.Īlthough there are various theories on why bucks have antlers, it all boils down to establishing supremacy over other bucks. As they grew older, they realized just how addictive hunting sheds can become. Years ago, I would “plant” shed antlers for my girls to find. Whatever the market brings, there’s just something about getting outdoors and finding a treasured antler after a long winter. This is because many high-fence, or farmed deer, have inundated the market. Fresh elk and muley antlers can bring up to $10-$12 per pound fresh whitetail antlers bring much less - say $6-$8 per pound. Fresh antlers, or ones recently shed, are more valuable than bleached antlers. Antlers are sold by the pound, and on a quality grading system. Shed hunting can also pay some big dollars. The state regs on timing, location, and how you hunt sheds are put in place to reduce the stress put upon critters during the harshest time of year - just prior to green-up. So popular are antlers, that some Western states have implemented regs for shed-hunters. So majestic, they have become a symbol of spiritual authority in many cultures. Antlers have fascinated mankind for centuries.
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