ORIGINAL: jackflap
As a matter of fact.....
you might be surprised at how many would pass it up for a lesser mature animal with more inches of antler.
I'm not putting down anyone's choice on this....but I wonder how more inches and less maturity = even an EQUAL challenge.
Surprised? Why in the word would anyone be surprised? It has been said on here before. Right or wrong, inches, not age is how score is kept in the record books.
Equal Challenge? Some will try and justify it that way, but I think those that can be objective with themselves can still recognize the difference even though they elected to go after the larger rack.
And also keep in mind that if there is a large disparity between the two animals' racks, say like a 110" 4.5 yo as compared to a 140" 3.5 yo, that in most cases the hunting pressure will be that much greater on the younger deer as compared to the older one, possibly making him a bigger if not more of a challenge than the older deer.
Also depends on hunting situation. If I am hunting public land as I do for elk, you betcha that maturity means nothing - its ALL about the size of the antlers as I most likely won't get a chance at that bull next year anyway.
At my home place for whitetails. I might go after a lesser antlered 4.5 over a bigger racked 3.5 for a variety of reasons but most likely because I in fact do think the 4.5 will be a bigger challenge but just as important if not more, is that I at least stand a GOOD CHANCE that I will reap the benefit of letting the 3.5 turn into an even bigger buck the following year.
Very well put Jack, the key is dependant on where you are hunting, a public place or a place where the odds of not reaping the benefits of letting the younger deer go or you are hunting a place that you will likely reap the benefits of letting the young well defined deer walk. I hunt on a placewe will benefit from letting theyoung deer go, we are in our 3rd year of this program and are seeing great improvements in the deer because of it!!!!