Average age of 160" bucks

nocwalker

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Hey guys, I know there won't be exact answers to this question but, I was wondering what you guys think is the average age of 160" bucks?

I'm a whitetail hunter from the east and don't have an idea on age structures of mulies. I listen to how some areas have had bad winters that have hurt the herds so, I thought I might consider the years between the bad winters and the years to produce these types of bucks to determine when to try a mulie hunt.

Thanks, nocwalker
 
I would say on average with the right genetics that a 4-5 year old deer could reach the 160 mark thats just my guess/opinion. Some could probably reach it younger and some might never reach it. Alot of variables here, feed, water, etc.
 
LAST EDITED ON Mar-21-12 AT 04:52PM (MST)[p]Depends on the deer, I've seen some that were 170 at 3 years old, And I've seen bucks that were 7 that wouldnt break 140.

It all depends on the genetics really, I would say a buck with average genetics will reach 160 around 4 years old.

But I'm no biologists, so who knows. Haha


Jake H. SHED OR DEAD IT DONT MATTER TO ME!!!
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Right on, Jake. No one knows, because we have no idea about bucks' potential. 3-7 years old.

It is like asking at what age will a human be 6' tall? Many never will, while those who do make it to 6' will do it between 11 and their 20's.
 
I have looked at antler size from thousands of bucks taken over the last three decades. The average buck gets to 160" at 4 years of age and the average buck never gets over 170", regardless of age. These data were taken from units with relatively high buck to doe ratios. The average size is likely lower than this in units with relatively low buck to doe ratios.
 
Thanks Guys, you helped me decide. I was thinking about putting in for a unit that had bad winters in 07/08, 08/09 and was told by the biologist and others that the fawns did not fare well those years. that fawn crop would be right in that age range I'd be looking for. The biologist and a game officer told me there are good bucks there still, I've decided to take a chance and wait a few years to try and draw that tag.

I knew that there was no exact answer to this question with all the variables so, I didn't know if anyone would throw out an opinion at it.
Thanks for the input. Nocwalker
 
I think genetics of an area also plays a huge role. My buddy once shot a huge bodied buck that was still a small two point. His score wouldn't break 60", but I know he was at least 5 years old.
 

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