Antler Points

Many studies over many years, at least since 1956, have revealed that antler development is influenced by age, nutrition, genetics, and general health...all together. Extensive study of 73 captive deer has provided some generalizations. Remembering antlers are shed every years, then:

1. Antler mass (weight) increases through age 4.5 and stays large after that.
2. There is a decreasing increase in the weight each year.
3. Antler points increase through age 3.5, then are similar in subsequent years.
4. The percentage of bucks with 8 or more points increases with age of deer.
5. Bucks with big antlers produce big antlers in the next year.
6. Yearlings with big antlers produce big antlers several years later at 3.5 years of age. After they show big antlers at 2.5, they continue to do so in later years.
7. The equation for the antler mass increase (y) in grams is:

   y = 397 + 0.5x

   where x is the weight of the yearling's antler. There are 453 grams in a pound.

8. There is too much variation in nutrition and other factors. Weight in one year does not assure the weight of antlers in the next.
9. Points are related to age, the more the age, the more the points, but only through 4.5 years.
10. Yearling bucks getting a slow start on antler production do well in increasing points in the next two years. The equation for points added (P):

    P = 7.25 - 0.81 p

    where p is points as a yearling.

11. Similar relations for future years, where P* is points at older ages is

    P* = 2.75 - 0.29 p*

    where p* is the points at age 3.5.

12. Branched-antler yearlings produce larger antlers with more points in the next years than "spikes." Afterwards, conditions are too variable; one year's large antlers do not lead to the next large antlers.
13. In general, bucks with good antlers in one age class have good antlers in the next classes. Spike-bucks as yearlings generally remain inferior in antler mass and points through life.
14. Bucks with good early development should be passed over in harvests so their later potential may be achieved.
15. Spike bucks should be taken because of the likelihood of poor antler development.
16. Tine length, beam circumference, antler spread, and antler symmetry are all part of the concept of trophy.

The complexities of antler development are great and have prevented clear understandings from being developed. More research is needed, but R* System staff now know enough to be able to design populations that produce superior trophies in keeping with the other needs and objectives of land owners.

This Web site is maintained by R. H. Giles, Jr.
Last revision January 17, 2000.