They might be related…

So over 15 years ago (man that is crazy to say) I was in a coyote stand in late November when I caught just a slight glimpse of a buck. It was enough of a glimpse and enough of a buck to throw off the trajectory of mule deer pursuits…

The following year I harvested my best buck and what I believe had to be the buck I saw…




I have spent several weeks every year in the same country. Made a plethora of coyote stands, weeks scouting and hunting and more. Every once in a while I find a good buck, mostly only after the winter migration and the few deer that use this as winter range have shown up. I have not seen the genes appear.

Thanksgiving day we were once again in a coyote stand, looking across a massive sage and snow covered landscape, when over 2 miles away I spot one small group of mule deer heading over a little ridge. It was mid day, warm and there had been a total lack of action. The last deer to walk over the ridge out of sight looked to be a decent buck. Big enough I wanted to get a closer look for sure…

So my son and I abandoned the coyote hunt and went on a hike through the sage…
When we turned up the this buck, I am not entirely certain he was the one we saw from the stand, I knew instantly that the genetics were still around…

So I hope this begins a new epic story…

What do you think? Same genes a few generations down the road?

Nice deer and mount!

I guess there is a possibility of the deer being from same genes.

Definitely has same genes.

???

I don’t believe it’s the same genes maybe in a couple years he will be bigger and more defined to know for sure.

Well they are both mule deer so I’m pretty sure they are related ?

And if they are in the same area they are at least 3rd or 4th cousins twice removed.

Hunters are a funny bunch.

I don't know. That is pretty unique to be like that on both sides on both bucks. If the deer density is low, I would say the same genes is definitely possible.