BuckAlley wrote:
But the bulk of the population being only 1.5yrs old isn't balanced or healthy.
What evidence do you have to claim that the deer in the present herd are not healthy? Are there any studies whatsoever that indicate genetic problems on any scale? Are there any studies that indicate our deer are abnormally small or weak for their age?
As far as genetics I agree its obvious a deer's genes are what they are regardless of age.
Then you agree that it makes no difference at what age a buck passes on those genes. Think about this...Many studies have shown that over 90% (some say over 94%) of even yearling spike bucks will be in the Pope & Young category if they are allowed to live to be 4 1/2 years old. Therefore if those same spike bucks were able to mate they would be passing on the genes of Pope & Young class deer. The idea that older deer pass on better genese is a fallacy.
Some studies even indicate that in herds where there are too many older buck it is MORE likely that a buck will mate with a doe that is actually one of his great grand doe so to speak. This situation increases the likelyhood of genetic problems. The best situation for genetic diversity is to take out a buck soon after he has passed on his genes. 1 or 2 old timers in small herd doing all the mating is a bad thing not a good thing!