When do they start degressing from antler size? 8ish?


A little info from whitetails.com[*]Buck 1/2 year old - It will have small bumps for antlers, these are called button bucks.[*]Buck 1 1/2 years old - It will usually have one or two points on each antler, however they can have as many as 3 or 4 points on each side. The antlers are usually small in size.[*]Buck 2 1/2 years old - It will usually have 3 to 5 points on each side. The antlers will usually be small to medium in size.[*]Buck 3 1/2 years and older - It will usually have 4 to 6 points on each side. This is a mature buck and will usually have medium to large antlers.[*]Some bucks never develop large antlers. Antler size is influenced by genetics and diet

Nevermind got my answer:
Antler size generally peaks at 6 to 7 years of age. After that, antlers may regress somewhat, maintaining main beam thickness but losing inches in point length.

I would say their bodies are pretty much mature and filled out by 3.5. That way the extra nutrition can go to make their racks the largest in the next few years.

I am going to go with 4.5!! Walt

You always seem to shoot a 4.5 or higher thats why.
Morning Walt.

I agree Greg. What is a bucks full life expectancy anyway? I know most bucks in some of our heavily hunted areas probably dont get much past 3.5 or 4.5 if that, before being shot, wounded, hit by cars etc. I voted 3.5 based on trail camera pics of bucks Ive hunted in my area. After 3.5 yearsthe antler growth doesnt seem as dramatic as it does between 1.5 and 3.5. Im sure this varies in some areas as antler growth may be greater depending on what they are feeding on, planted food plots, natural crops etc, ...

It's relative to the area. I live in PA with lots of pressure and 3.5 and up is a mature veteran and 5.5 and up is a real geezer

I also hunt Illinois where 2.5 is still a baby and 3.5 is when we start thinking about taking them

I've always maintained that a buck in their highest glory is around 5.5 to 6.5 yrs. old but very few live to be that age. I voted 3.5 as mature because they are just beginning to get in their prime years. 4.5 is prime IMO.

I'd have to state 4.5-6.5. While there are plenty of bucks that score very well at 3.5 y/o, most all sheds show a buck will gain antler when they turn 4.5. Mature to me means near or at their peak physical development and dominant ability.

4.5