Healthy NY Deer

[farm hunter]

Scouting this year has shown some real nice heavy deer. Not just the older deer - but most deer seem to have considerably more weight than compared to the previous few years.

I think the above average summer rains had a lot to do with this. I do think that the deer's antlers could have had a better year - if last winter had not been so bad. The deer I saw in April, were scrawny - there is just no way most could start off the year with a head start on their Rack. So my take is that more 2.5 year old 4, 5, 6 & 7 points will be taken this year than usual (that usually would be 7-9 points)- but they'll weigh in the 150s dressed.

I'm curious that when the season opens in a couple weeks - if people can confirm this. My observations are 7M.

FH

[Phade]

I would venture the same. I too have had similar ideas. Racks based up the game cameras I have set up, are smaller mass wise than I am used to seeing.

Body size, I believe the deer are marginally heaveier. Especially the does, and yearlings.
I feel that the antler growth periods suffered a bit from the weather.

All observations in 8H.