Elevation - SW Washington Blacktail Population & Doe/Buck Ratio

[KILLA]

Awesome information that you guys have shared! JD--I have read that article before, but I read it three more times. Something about Blacktail that fascinates me. They are mysterious and there are so many unknowns!

FishNFur--I could not agree more on the subject of Mature Buck. I really don't think antler size is the best way to tell, however the antler displays much more--a combination of genetics, age and nutrition. My definition of a fully mature blacktail is one that has successfully bred for 4+ seasons, has a big wide chest, lengthy body, a pot belly and USUALLY has three or more points.

That said, I have a 2Pt. Blacktail that has been on my cam for 5 years in a row and he has always been a 2pt.  He's body has developed substantially, while is antlers have become wider, taller and thicker. However he has not grown more than 2 pts. per side. He will be a six year old deer this year--the only time I ever get him on the cam is between November 6th and November 30th.

[JDHasty]

Awesome information that you guys have shared! JD--I have read that article before, but I read it three more times. Something about Blacktail that fascinates me. They are mysterious and there are so many unknowns!

FishNFur--I could not agree more on the subject of Mature Buck. I really don't think antler size is the best way to tell, however the antler displays much more--a combination of genetics, age and nutrition. My definition of a fully mature blacktail is one that has successfully bred for 4+ seasons, has a big wide chest, lengthy body, a pot belly and USUALLY has three or more points.

That said, I have a 2Pt. Blacktail that has been on my cam for 5 years in a row and he has always been a 2pt.  He's body has developed substantially, while is antlers have become wider, taller and thicker. However he has not grown more than 2 pts. per side. He will be a six year old deer this year--the only time I ever get him on the cam is between November 6th and November 30th.

If your experience is anything like mine... you will find that a lot in blacktails that are fully mature bucks in their prime.  I would have to ponder on it to put a percentage on it, but it is fairly common in my experience. 

[fishnfur]

That's the difference between hunting the islands, where only a relative few deer are taken compared to an area like Vail or St. Helens Tree farms, that get hammered every year.  There's probably quite a few bucks dying of old age in some of the spots you hunt JD.

 I wish I had a best friend with acreage up on Anderson or one of the other S. Puget sound islands.  (yes, any members reading this, please feel free to PM me if you want to be my best friend   )

[dadeo316]

564 battleground is loaded with deer.  Was out tuesday and found 9, but only 1 was a buck. Most all of 564 is private.

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