Diary of a Wisconsin Bear Guide 10-25-12
By Mike Foss
Once again the weather was not cooperating with me this week. I was only able to set up one more deer stand and also checked trail cameras. Less bear activity and more deer movement mostly at night. The Rut is getting closer, and bigger bucks are on the move.
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| This 3-1/2 year old 8-pointer was captured on trail camera last in 2011 by Mike Foss. | Recently captured on trail camera, this is the same buck, now a 4-1/2 year old. His antlers have an extra point making him a 9 pointer, although he is not much bigger than last year. |
Over the years registering my deer at the local registration station, I would often scratch my head in bewilderment as the DNR staff aged the deer that came in. The misconception that hunters have that bucks antlers grow from year to year based only on age without taking into consideration genetics and nutrition is funny.
Over the years of using my Cuddeback trail cameras, it has taught me a lot about deer and antler growth. It takes a special deer that has the right hereditary traits, access to the right food and manages to grow old to continuously grow larger racks from year to year.
I now know in the Northwoods you can have a 4 1/2 or 5 1/2 year old that sports a small rack.
Until next time, Good Hunting
Mike