I read a lengthy article this weekend describing the mortality rates of bucks starting from the fetal stage through adulthood. One of the points that came up in the article was that when an area was virtually void of mature dominant bucks, the younger immature bucks were able to take a much more active role in the breeding of the does (obviously). This resulted in a vastily increased % of loss of body weight, thus weakening them for the winter and making it much more likely that they would die throughout the winter. Conversely, in areas with dominant mature bucks, the younger bucks did not have a highly active role in the rut and therefore did not lose a high 5 of their weight and were therefore much more likely to survive even a harsh winter. The older, mature bucks have much more body mass and can withstand the higher % of body weight loss and still have enough in reserve to stay warm in the cold months. This obviously has more of an impact in the northern regions, but it was an interesting point of view that I had never taken or heard before.

The article also covered the differnce in nutritional needs between bucks and does, etc. It was one of the most informational reads I have ever had regarding whitetail nutrition and mortality.

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I have heard that same basis, except not to as an extreme. I've heard/read that if younger bucks get more involved in the breeding, they can wear themselves down too much and take too long to recoverand it affects antler growth for the following year as they just aren't as healthy as they could/should be coming out of winter.

It did mention reduced antler growth as well as mature bucks that were barely larger bodied than the does in areas of the Carolinas asa result as well. The high mortality rates were in Wisconsin.

Sounds interesting.........where did you find this info?

I will try to remember to get the issue # etc tonight, but I believe it was from a Deer and Deer Hunter, older mag as I get everything once my dad is done with it. Yes, I am that cheap.

I can see this happening right here where I hunt. It's no excuse....it's simply fact. Bucks here get worn to a frazzle spreadin the love.

I've also heard that it's only possible for a buck to breed just so many does. These two trains of thought seem to contradict one another, though.

For those who asked, the article was in the November issue of Deer and Deer Hunting. It was titled "Stressed Out".

I've been saying that for years. My thoughts are if you shoot all those young bucks you won't have to worry about them dying during the winter. LOL