Hunting Washington Forum
Big Game Hunting => Deer Hunting => Topic started by: AKBowman on September 05, 2015, 10:06:44 PM
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I shot a regressed Blacktail buck a few years back and was just wondering at what age they are most likely to reach their potential in antler and body size.
What's everyone's opinions on this buck. Mature or not? (Sorry no photos better than this)
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That's hard to say, because a lot of Blacktails don't have good or consistent genetics. I see lots of 4 to 6 year old bucks with big bodies with compact or crab clawed racks. Some never get better than big 2x3's. It's pretty common for a 3 year old Blacktail to still be a 2 point.
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From my memory of studies I've read, I think the age is 6 - 7 y/o is max antler size, with regression occurring after that age. Don't quote me on that 'cause my memory aint what it used to be.
I agree with the last post that you can't really judge whether the deer is in a state of regression (or just a deer with genetics that will never produce four points with eyeguards) without having a historical set of images of that individual deer over several previous years. Regardless, he looks like a stud!
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It is hard to say but in the picture he looks to have a lot of mass at the bases which would indicate he is mature. Doesn't necessarily mean he is regressing but he certainly could be.
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Old blacktails are interesting. It's like the antlers do can't grow as tall anymore so the mass that uses to add tine length just gathers at the bases instead. My buck this year had 6.5" bases - that's always the sign of an old buck!
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This guy was judged by two taxis and myself to be 8. I'd seen him the season before, and he was taller. Other than that, he looked the same, hornwise. When I killed him, he looked way bigger in the body. Oh he had a gut on him.
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I say he looks good. Time to stick an arrow in the engine room.
