Biology And Management Of White-tailed Deer In Alabama

only opens up the door for higher buck mortality from hunting. Removing
these deer may actually be self-defeating if the manager’s goal is
producing more adult bucks (3-1/2 years old and older). Potential cull
deer may have been injured during the previous year or during antler
development and their small or malformed antlers may not be genetically
caused at all. Even if bucks with smaller antlers are removed, no
conclusive research exists to prove the better bucks that are protected
will pass on genes for big antlers to their male offspring.
With so much uncertainty about heritability of antler traits,
when, if ever, is removal of limited potential, or cull, bucks recommended?
The only situation where this may have some applicability is
in a very healthy deer herd being managed for trophy deer. This herd
should be well below carrying capacity (50 percent or less) and have
very high quality food available throughout the year (excellent habitat).
Bucks in this setting should be expressing as much of their genetic
potential for antler growth as possible in a free-ranging deer herd. Only
in this type of situation would the idea of culling bucks be even remotely
advisable. If culling is to work, it will have to focus on selection
for desired antlered traits among mature (5-1/2 to 7-1/2 year old) bucks,
as well as removal of undesirable traits among mature bucks (Jacobson
1998). This means deer managers would remove the mature bucks
with undesirable antler traits and protect the mature bucks with the
largest antlers. They also would hope the protected bucks are able to
pass their desirable antler traits on to their male offspring. This correct
approach to genetic management has little chance of working
because few hunters are willing to pass up the biggest buck they likely
have ever seen so it can remain as a breeder buck. Also, there is no
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