What is the typical peak buck age for antler development? Full potential? Asking because I don't know. My guess is 6 or 7.
I believe the current world record was 3.5 yo. That said we don't know what he would have been after. 5.5 I think is what most tend to believe.
There is no correct specific answer to this question outside of “it varies animal by animal.” Barring serious injury, I've seen deer carry the largest rack they would ever produce anywhere from 3-9 years old.
We got a buck in NW Ontario a few years ago that was aged at 9 1/2. It was a normal looking buck with 10 antler points, that scored 145. Dressed weight was 235. We have shot quite a few that were 5 1/2 and 6 1/2 that were very similar. Weights varied from 180's to 200's. I believe the old buck, going down hill might be true, but we will never see it in a wild deer herd. Same with the old, dry doe. They simply don't live that long in the wild.
https://www.realtree.com/deer-hunting/galleries/photo-gallery-from-buttons-to-booner Ive posted this before but read through it, it is very interesting. Hit the arrows right to follow it.
