why do deer get bigger in some states?
10-26-2006 | 04:41 PM
#4
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 120
Likes: 0
From: North Central Kansas
RE: why do deer get bigger in some states?
Yes like they said food sources and genetics. The midwest and up into canada probably the best areas to find bigger bodied deer due to all the agriculture and good deer management practices.
10-26-2006 | 04:43 PM
#5
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 79
Likes: 0
From: Onalaska, Wi
RE: why do deer get bigger in some states?
Lots of agricultural land to feed the deer a good diet, long term quality deer management practices, steep or hilly terrain that makes it difficult for hunters to get to, in effect making sanctuaries for the deer to hide during season, I think Iowa has lower hunting pressure (specifically non-resident hunting), rifle seasons that are shorter and do not coincide with the peak of the rut prevent more good bucks from being shot... lots of reasons.
10-26-2006 | 04:43 PM
#6
Boone & Crockett
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 11,682
Likes: 0
From: Michigan/Ohio
RE: why do deer get bigger in some states?
States like Iowa, Kanasas and Ill have hunters who can not shoot, these guys can not hit a deer until they are 250lbs[8D]
States like MI, NY, PAand MD have guys kill fawns at will at 50 yds,they are such good shots, I know you midwest guys only wish you were as good as us
States like MI, NY, PAand MD have guys kill fawns at will at 50 yds,they are such good shots, I know you midwest guys only wish you were as good as us
10-26-2006 | 04:55 PM
#8
Boone & Crockett
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 10,679
Likes: 0
RE: why do deer get bigger in some states?
Genetics and nutrition are only a part of why deer are bigger in some states and it has more to do with the overall health and antler size than average body mass.
Climate is the only reason why, on average, animals get bigger. The farther north you go the bigger the animals get as a general rule. The larger the body the better it is able tomaintain its corebody temperature during the winter months. That's why Florida deer only weigh about 150 pounds, Iowa deer will weigh 250, Canada deer can weigh up to 400 pounds. It's a product of adapting (evolution) to the environment where they live.
Climate is the only reason why, on average, animals get bigger. The farther north you go the bigger the animals get as a general rule. The larger the body the better it is able tomaintain its corebody temperature during the winter months. That's why Florida deer only weigh about 150 pounds, Iowa deer will weigh 250, Canada deer can weigh up to 400 pounds. It's a product of adapting (evolution) to the environment where they live.
10-26-2006 | 04:59 PM
#9
Giant Nontypical
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 6,598
Likes: 0
From: Kansas
RE: why do deer get bigger in some states?
The colder the climate the more hearty the deer will be. Thats why you see 300 pound deer from Canada. Its true large racks come from good genetics, but good genetics comes from quality deer management. Example- Missouri my neighbor state has there gun season right at the peak of the rut. Poor judgment. Western Missouri has the same crops and food sources that we have here in Kansas but when it comes to big bucks Kansas puts a spankin on them. Missouri's deer population is est. clost to 1 million while Kansas is 400,000. You get one buck tag in Kansas and you have to choose witch weapon you will use to get it. If I don't get a buck with my bow buck tag I can't transfer it to my gun. Quality management produces big racks.
10-26-2006 | 05:16 PM
#10
Boone & Crockett
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 11,682
Likes: 0
From: Michigan/Ohio
RE: why do deer get bigger in some states?
ORIGINAL: MOTOWNHONKEY
The colder the climate the more hearty the deer will be. Thats why you see 300 pound deer from Canada. Its true large racks come from good genetics, but good genetics comes from quality deer management. Example- Missouri my neighbor state has there gun season right at the peak of the rut. Poor judgment. Western Missouri has the same crops and food sources that we have here in Kansas but when it comes to big bucks Kansas puts a spankin on them. Missouri's deer population is est. clost to 1 million while Kansas is 400,000. You get one buck tag in Kansas and you have to choose witch weapon you will use to get it. If I don't get a buck with my bow buck tag I can't transfer it to my gun. Quality management produces big racks.
The colder the climate the more hearty the deer will be. Thats why you see 300 pound deer from Canada. Its true large racks come from good genetics, but good genetics comes from quality deer management. Example- Missouri my neighbor state has there gun season right at the peak of the rut. Poor judgment. Western Missouri has the same crops and food sources that we have here in Kansas but when it comes to big bucks Kansas puts a spankin on them. Missouri's deer population is est. clost to 1 million while Kansas is 400,000. You get one buck tag in Kansas and you have to choose witch weapon you will use to get it. If I don't get a buck with my bow buck tag I can't transfer it to my gun. Quality management produces big racks.
BTW motown I notice the your post being very educational lately, very well written and making serveral great points. Are you feeling okay?
Keep it up, I am enjoying your work!!