Wyoming G/H Genetics/Age

[Roadgoat]

How old do you think a G/H buck has to be to be a 185"+ deer? Under normal conditions. Can he get there at 5?

 

[rogerthat]

How old do you think a G/H buck has to be to be a 185"+ deer? Under normal conditions. Can he get there at 5?

Can they? Unquestionably however I don’t think a “normal” G or H buck ever gets to 185 because that’s not an average sized buck. Most bucks don’t have the genetics to get to 185 even in G or H.

 

[rogerthat]

An exceptional buck in G or H can be 185 by 3 years of age

 

[Deleted member 16014]

A few years ago when numbers were better I used to mess around on the winter range between Pinedale, Piney, and Farson now and then. I worked out there quite a bit as well. About 1/25 bucks would be something like 170-180 (gross) class deer. Over that was extremely rare.

 

[Roadgoat]

@SnowyMountaineer how old do you think those deer were on average?

 

[Roadgoat]

Maybe a better question is when do you think a G/H buck is in his prime?

 

[Deleted member 16014]

@SnowyMountaineer how old do you think those deer were on average?

No idea, truly a mix of ages I’m sure.

 

[Deleted member 16014]

Certainly most had the 4+ look, but I didn’t keep specific notes or anything.

 

[nrpate05]

The does were in really good shape going into this winter so if the winter continues to be mild we'll see some strong fawns. Those male fawns should be throwing some impressive racks in a few years.

 

[appaloosa]

I have taken five deer over 180" in region H, I have lab ages on all but one of them.
197" - 8.5 yrs
197" - 6.5 yrs
183" - 5.5 yrs
181" - 3.5 yrs

Anyway, to answer your question, yes I think a 5 YO deer can get to 185". Do all 5 YO deer get to 185"? probably not, but I would be interested to know what percentage do.

 

[antlerradar]

Maybe a better question is when do you think a G/H buck is in his prime?

120 to 220+. The 120 inch bucks have never been big and the 220 inch bucks have been better than 180 since they were three.

 

[Bluffgruff]

This would be a good time to talk about bell curves and expansion phenotypes, but I don't have all the information or energy to find it.

 

[Trial153]

Better off just looking at historical winter data and try to time a hunt base in two consecutive years of good/fair weather and add three or four years

 

[Addicting]

I have taken five deer over 180" in region H, I have lab ages on all but one of them.
197" - 8.5 yrs
197" - 6.5 yrs
183" - 5.5 yrs
181" - 3.5 yrs

Anyway, to answer your question, yes I think a 5 YO deer can get to 185". Do all 5 YO deer get to 185"? probably not, but I would be interested to know what percentage do.

Do you need a hunting partner? lol

 

[ccc23454]

I miss pre 2016 g/h! Thats what i call the good old days of muley hunting.