When bucks are born late in the year, antler development is likely to be poor because of a short growth season and because nutrient abundance and food quality is low, late in the year. No matter how good the food, no matter how intensive the management, a late fawn crop may result in a large number of small-antlered yearlings. Yearling antler development is a poor index to deer response to management, both to habitat or density (i.e., habitat per deer) changes. Antler development is inconsistent. Late-born bucks can "catch up" in antler size growth in later years.
Other Resources:
[ HOME | Lasting Forests (Introductions) | Units of Lasting Forests | Ranging | Guidance | Forests | Gamma Theory | Wildlife Law Enforcement Systems | Antler Points | Species-Specific Management (SSM) | Wilderness and Ancient Forests | Appendices | Ideas for Development | Disclaimer]
This Web site is maintained by R. H.
Giles, Jr.
Last revision January 17, 2000.
