The midwest has tremendous soils which contributes alot to the good antler growth. Soils and minerals make up alot of what nutrition is. That's a huge reason why eastern ny/new england bucks don't compare with western ny. Even "big" adirondack bucks require an extra year or 2 to get the same antler growth as a central/western ny deer.

Genetics can be diminished in an area for sure. Where I grew up hunting in Otsego County, no does were shot for decades on a piece a thousands of acres in size. The only bucks surviving were those with spikes etc. that were hard to see. NOt that all spikes are inferior, but over time the pool will be hurt.

I was fortunate enought to get redemption on this buck yesterday morning in Chautauqua county, after missing him on Sunday. Sunday he was on high alert because thedoe he was shadowing was on high alert. Yesterday, he was shadowing a yearling buck and was just the opposite. Honestly, he looked completely exhausted. He had no fat and is wayyy run down which is surprising because the rut just didn't seem intense at all this year. good luck to everyone still hunting...you just never know what may come by. It'll be tough for me to top this year.
http://s670.photobucket.com/albums/vv65/Harley3476/