Here in WI, we had a long tough end to the winter this year. Basically we had 2 1/2 months of February. It seems that the racks I've been seeing are smaller this year. Harvested bucks that are 3 1/2 years old are sporting racks that I would swear are typical for 2 1/2 yr. old deer.
Anybody else seeing this?

Why it would be the death of modern deer hunting, post 70's. How could we have any cable tv hunting shows just showing Y racks? Why people are expecting a 35 point buck any day now.

Can you see some guy spending 45 hours in a tree stand, without a working iphone, waiting patiently for a huge y buck. And some poor guy spending thousands to do it.

I do not observe long winters = small racks but if your opinion is based on deer getting malnurished during tough winters then you might have a point. It is all the reason to set up mineral licks after season and throughout the winter and early spring.

Anything that puts stress on the animal and results in it being in poorer condition will have an effect on the antlers it can grow.
Just like your rose bushes will bloom less when the plant itself is putting all it's energy into basic survival.

Thats a good way of putting it

Rack size is proportionate to food/minerals availability IMO...a mild spring with lots of food through the summer will give the antlers good growth. likewise a dry spring/summer will hurt antler growth. previous long winter really don't affect the "antler growth" because they aren't growing...it does deplete their body fat if food is scarce. just from what ive seen...spring and summer is vital for antler growth.

I also hunt in wisconsin, Oconto county to be exact. And i have seen nice deer but i would have to agree on a smaller antlers in general.

You could say long winter or crappy spring...however you want to say it.

Long winter = small racks ?

Hmmmmm, that explains that gal from Fairbanks I dated back in the 70s.

Lol!thats funny