Deer Genetics: Why It Shouldn’t Matter

When it comes to giant whitetail, there are few things more important than genetics. Or is there? The power of selective breeding is incredible, but the key to any changes in this is the amount of control you have. No amount of selective breeding of wolves will ever produce a house dog, but take it away from the wild, control who breeds who for generations, and then change can arrive quickly. So why should deer genetics even matter?

In relation to the whitetail, the key to actually being able to single out genetics is a high fence. Without it, hunters who are after free-range whitetail cannot properly manage genetics solely through selective harvesting and expect a genetic change. Put the deer in a pen and control the breeding and you can see some amazing results, but many hunters are under the false assumption that the same can be done in the wild. 

There are many reasons why you shouldn’t worry about deer genetics. For example, you must realize that many deer move around more than they realize. Most yearling bucks will move away from their birth areas. Some deer have been known to move over 40 miles until they set up a more permanent home range. And of course, there is the giant range of bucks during the rut. During this time of year, bucks will travel miles looking for does to breed. These two instances will mix genetics, leaving it pointless to worry about it.

A few other things to consider are that does carry their own set of genes as well. And, much like the bucks, does will have plenty of traveling as well which will further diminish any chance of trying to control the genetics in an area. Younger bucks are also subject to breeding does, and if they have bad genetics and are not taken out before this happens then any efforts to manage the genetics are in vain. 

Despite any efforts to maintain genetics in your deer area, it is almost impossible to make any noticeable changes that would last for very long. If you really want to have the bucks in your area grow their antlers to their true potential, there are a few things that you can do. Simple things like enhancing a deer’s nutrition, balancing buck to doe ratios, and allowing bucks to grow up to maturity are all things that can help the deer in your area to sport bigger and better antlers. 

So the next time someone tells you that they are managing for genetics, you can help them by showing them that this is almost impossible. Deer genetics are a touchy subject, but overall they don’t matter. By doing other things you have your deer grow better antlers without ever having to worry about genetics!