Mature Buck personality

[BigHills BuckHunter]

I realize mature bucks act a lot differently than young bucks do. But do mature bucks differ in personality compared to other mature bucks? For example: Do some travel a lot more than others during rut or in general? Difference in range size? Food preference? Daytime movement?

[Bucky]

I realize mature bucks act a lot differently than young bucks do. But do mature bucks differ in personality compared to other mature bucks? For example: Do some travel a lot more than others during rut or in general? Difference in range size? Food preference? Daytime movement?

For sure.... They are different just like u and I

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[phade]

For sure...

This is purely anecdotal, but in my time in the stand, the mature bucks with the highest scoring racks tend to be loners OR, they tend to be socially inactive even come rut. Many of the largest scoring bucks on properties I hunt have not been involved in chasing or seeking behavior - they seem to lay back, feed at times when other mature bucks are on the hoof after does, and stay on the fringe of most deer social behaviors. I've seen a few shy away from any competition with other mature bucks, too. The most agressive mature bucks are usually that second-highest scoring or second-tier...attitude is everything.

Who knows how much truth there is to it, but those aggressive bucks burn down a ton of calories and energy...maybe that gives them slightly less overall physical shape to grow their BEST quality racks whereas the other buck lays back, stays healthy and has a larger rack as a result.

Now that is not to say it is the rule, I've seen a few who are agressive and the highest scoring bucks on the ground, but usually there are fewer mature bucks on these pieces and not much in the way of competition (ie most bucks are young on the ground so small % actually make it to maturity).

[dan]

Yes... Getting to know your target buck is a great way to hang him on the wall. Some are passive, some aggressive, some travel for over a mile some stick tight to a tiny area. Some rub only certain trees, etc...

[PLB]

For sure...

This is purely anecdotal, but in my time in the stand, the mature bucks with the highest scoring racks tend to be loners OR, they tend to be socially inactive even come rut. Many of the largest scoring bucks on properties I hunt have not been involved in chasing or seeking behavior - they seem to lay back, feed at times when other mature bucks are on the hoof after does, and stay on the fringe of most deer social behaviors. I've seen a few shy away from any competition with other mature bucks, too. The most agressive mature bucks are usually that second-highest scoring or second-tier...attitude is everything.

Who knows how much truth there is to it, but those aggressive bucks burn down a ton of calories and energy...maybe that gives them slightly less overall physical shape to grow their BEST quality racks whereas the other buck lays back, stays healthy and has a larger rack as a result.

Now that is not to say it is the rule, I've seen a few who are agressive and the highest scoring bucks on the ground, but usually there are fewer mature bucks on these pieces and not much in the way of competition (ie most bucks are young on the ground so small % actually make it to maturity).

Great post!! I agree with everything Phade...

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[BigHills BuckHunter]

For sure...

This is purely anecdotal, but in my time in the stand, the mature bucks with the highest scoring racks tend to be loners OR, they tend to be socially inactive even come rut. Many of the largest scoring bucks on properties I hunt have not been involved in chasing or seeking behavior - they seem to lay back, feed at times when other mature bucks are on the hoof after does, and stay on the fringe of most deer social behaviors. I've seen a few shy away from any competition with other mature bucks, too. The most agressive mature bucks are usually that second-highest scoring or second-tier...attitude is everything.

Who knows how much truth there is to it, but those aggressive bucks burn down a ton of calories and energy...maybe that gives them slightly less overall physical shape to grow their BEST quality racks whereas the other buck lays back, stays healthy and has a larger rack as a result.

Now that is not to say it is the rule, I've seen a few who are agressive and the highest scoring bucks on the ground, but usually there are fewer mature bucks on these pieces and not much in the way of competition (ie most bucks are young on the ground so small % actually make it to maturity).

I have never thought of that but it sure makes sense. Thanks for the post phade.

[BigHills BuckHunter]

Yes... Getting to know your target buck is a great way to hang him on the wall. Some are passive, some aggressive, some travel for over a mile some stick tight to a tiny area. Some rub only certain trees, etc...

The trick is getting to know him but at the same time doing it so he doesnt get too pressured. Must be a fine line between the two.