like most deer it comes down to genetics and nutrients when your talkn antler growth, i seen a buck with first year growth and he was a nice little 2pt. in some areas a 2pt is as big as their gonna get, they will add mass and length but never get any more point, that is a genetic thing i beleive... chip sounds like he has a good genetic line and is getting good minerals. remember his daddy has to be around there somewhere... keep at it, the key to blacktail huntn is knowing your area by the back of your hand, and be in the bush instead of the pick up... good luck, sounds like you found a good spot