WOW, a 30"er would be awesome! I can't imagine even seeing a buck that wide! In my area we are known for high scoring bucks but a wide spread is the rarest antlre trait seen in these parts.

I was wondering if alot of these ranches artifically inseminate thier does to introduce these genetics or is it naturally occuring?

TXSHIGHRACK, As you see there is vast misconceptions of Texas hunting. I will try and explain it but feel free to correct me where necessary.

A lowfence hunt is a free range hunt, the fence is a property marker and does not serve to cage animals in or out!

Deer on free range hunts (read low fence) breed like all other deer. Yes there are ranches that cater to the guy who wants to spend $20K and up on a book deer and some of these types of ranches use insemination techniques. But Gentlemen, this is something you can find in most states. It is not what Texas hunting is about!

Is it a different type of hunting than the northeast part of the country? in a word yes, but that doesn't make it wrong or easier it just makes it different. The same could be said about the south where dogs and pick-up trucks with high chairs are used. It's different than the vast majority visualize, but thats all..different not wrong or tainted!

Now for them bucks they are awesome..personally i like tall versus wide..but if one cruises by my stand, I could make an exception!

Kshunter:

Actually neither one of these bucks where shot behind a high fence. They both came from
"low fence, free ranging" ranches. The buck in the second picture came from a ranch that is situated in one of the best trophy producing areas of south Texas, the ranch that is next door is also "low fenced" and most years they take off 10+ bucks that gross over 160". The genetics are there, the deer are aloud to mature, and every plant/shrub in the area is full of protein. All south Texas needs is good rains during the month of April and May and the area will produce huge bucks.

Charlie P:

Very few ranches inseminate their does. Its to expensive of a pratice and there are no guarentes. The ranches who do inseminate the does are also the ranches who charge $15,000+ for a trophy buck hunt. They have to make their money back some how, but needless to say there are not many people who can spend that much money on a 5 day deer hunt. So theres not a big market, which means very few people do it. So to answer your question, these genes are naturally occuring.

Badatta2d:

Thanks, I think your the first "non-Texan" who knows what the heck there talking about when it comes to the way things are done down here. I couldnt find a single thing in your post to argue with