Genetics does play a roll in the size of the Antlered horn that a mature whitetail does produce. Just like your genteicsplay a role inhow tall, short, hair color, eye color etc. that you will be. However there are several things that can affect these genetics from reaching there full potential on a whitetail deer.Onekey ingredient is the amount of nutrition the deer gets.The vital organs ofthe body are the first to receive nutrition, andwhen they have an adequate amount to sustain each organ, then themuscles bone structure etc. get their share. The horns are last in the equation because they are not signifacant for the deer tosurvive. Much like the fingers and hair on the human body.So if the deer is not getting enoughgood nutrition to sustain his body the horns will suffer.

Now maturity of the deer.Most studies show that a buck does not reach maturity until he is 5-6 year old, give or take a half a year. If you believe thatthe averagebuck can be judged at a 1 1/2 or 2 1/2years to what kind of horns he will have at 5-6 years of age then you need to do a little more research on this subject becasue they have people that are educated in this field that can not do this just do to the simple fact that they can not predict a deers genetics, how much nutrion the deer receives through out the year and the amount of stress that is placed on the animal forany reasons.Once the deer is the age 4, I believe you can come close to predicting its potential but5-6 yrs wouldgive you a better shot at it.Simply put can't shoot a big one if you shoot the little ones.

Antler restricitons - this has its pros and cons but for the most part I agree with it provided that the restrictions benefit the deer more than the hunter.

In my opinion one of the most over looked key part of all of this is, the doe's. When doe's fawn, the first 10 monthsof that fawns life are the most critical in the overall makeup of what that animalspotential will be atmaturity.The doe has to maintain not only her health butbe able to produce enough nutritional milkfor the fawns.(keep in mind this could be up to3, most of the time 2)If she is stressed forwhatever reason, drought, cold, or any other act of god that will affect hernutritional sources the fawn(s) will suffer.If moma ain't happy ain't no body happy, including you as a hunter.

Just my 2 cents for what its worth.