Many people say that age determines the trophy. Why do these people then complain that their area doesn't produce inches?

Most I see in this thread talking about it....aren't complaining. Pointing out something thats simply "the way it is" isn't a complaint, at all. It stating a point of view (and most likely...a fact).

Why do they suppliment with minerals? Minerals don't increase age.

Minerals aid not only bucks....but does, alike. Does use the minerals to aid them during lactating. Mineral sites are also good spots to put up trail cams to get an inventory of the herd one is hunting. It serves a valuable service to the hunter and the herd, in triplicate.

Why do they plant food plots?

See above.

Why don't people look at a deer mount or picture and ask "how old was he"?

I do. First thing I wanna know is: 1. Where was he shot? 2. HOW was he taken (what weapon)? 3. How old was he? & 4. What did he score?

People come in the forums all the time and ask opinions on a deer's age v. what he might score.

Why do people ask "what did he score"?

Because they want to know what he might/did score???

Why does the deer contest on this forum go by score and not age?

Because it had to have SOME method of distinguishing a "winner". Ask the forum (via a poll)if the 5.5yr old the man from TN shot that scored 105" is a bigger "trophy" than the 110" 2.5yr old from IL that was entered. The contest, of course, notwithstanding