Antler growth?

[Elkslayer]

I kinda curious to see what others think the average buck puts on for antler growth from year to year. I not talking about the older ones that start loosing after a few years but the younger ones and the ones that are in there prime. i know there are many things to take into consideration such as bad winters, droughts etc.. Lets just say an average all around good year what do you guys think. I have a few sheds that I have found off the same buck from year to year and i would say off of those sheds it appears that they have put on between 15-20 inches of growth. I would say these were from 3.5 yrs old to 4.5yrs old. Again just wondering what others think, might have to google it and see if there have been any studies on it.

[huntnnw]

I agree with ya on that,big jumps from 1.5 all the way to 4.5 then I have noticed with lots of bucks they start adding just a few inches a year after that till they get to old and begin to regress

[buck man]

Well I know "your" bucks don't put on as much growth as "mine" elkslayer.

[DBHAWTHORNE]

I think you are spot on. The buck my wife killed last year went from 120ish to 143. I think that was 2 1/2 to 3 1/2. I recently read a story about a whitetail killed in Ohio (if I remember correctly) this past year. The guy had found the previous years sheds. Apparently the buck put on over 60 inches of non-typical growth  in a year. That is the most I have read aout.

[whacker1]

I would also add that it will be species specific.  I think a Mule deer has potential to put on more growth in a year than say a White Tail, and then say a black tail. 

But I think as over all concept, you are on the right track at 15-20 inches.

It would be interesting to see the feedback on Rocky Mountain Elk as well. 

[huntnnw]

that giant muzzy buck killed by that kid a few years ago put on some unreal antler growth in a year..something like 80" estimated... I know the buck I killed in 04 put on alot form what I was told by people who hunted him.. the years moisture has alot to do with it.. and not spring..always wet here in the spring..its a wet summer late june into early august where the forage stays green and alive....that year in 04 was one of the wetest summers on record. This year isnt looking to be wet in July around here