Hunter traditions change slowly. Given our choices, we often hunt the same stands or ridge tops year after year, even if calcium white grass seems to grow better on the other side of the mountain.

For more than a decade, the principles of Quality Deer Management have urged deer hunters to harvest mature animals and to take fewer yearling bucks. Regardless of the region in which you hunt, age is the greatest factor in large antler production. Even the scrawny spike buck may be headed for the record-book pastures if we give it four to five more years to develop.

Thanks to the QDMA philosophy, hunters are showing that they prefer to take larger bucks and pass on 1.5-year-old deer. Some states have implemented minimum point standards that promote this type of harvest as well. For a quick look at the QDMA report, check out their website.

Photo: Game & Fish

Tell us what you think in the comments section below.