Give him a few years ....

[KANSAN]

Imagine giving this buck three more years. He's pretty thick-bodied!

 

[203ntyp]

Very nice specimen, looks like he's carrying some good gentetics for sure. I think I'd cave in after one or two years, couldn't wait three!

 

[hillrunner]

Very nice buck, I agree, I think he will be way to much buck for me to pass come next season.

 

[Scott]

I bet that deer is already 3.5, I got a couple that looked like that and really never turned into anything. Who knows, only time will tell.

 

[Shredder]

He is mature at this point, his antlers will grow a fair bit more probably.....another year, maybe two and he will be near his peak if not there already.

 

[Central Iowa]

I agree with Shredder. Mature buck with the telltale signs, sagging belly, squinted eyes, flabby chin, and neck meeting the brisket. Should have a couple more years of good antler growth, and hopefully more junk.

 

[DOUBLE LUNG]

MMMMMMOOOOOOOO, that bad boy is on full feed.

 

[SaskGuy]

Great photo and nice buck!!! When does everyone think a buck maxes out on his potential, I've heard alot of theories and I'm not sure which to believe.

 

[OneCam]

Nice buck!

My guess is he is 3 1/2 years old max would love to see him in 2 or 3 years.

As far as maximum antler growth I believe 6 1/2 + for whitetails if given the proper conditions ie nutrition, health, lack of social stress etc

I know of instances where captive deer were purchased that were thought to be past their prime by their previous owners (6 1/2 plus). The new owners put them on a nutritional diet, gave them the right conditions and saw an incredible jump in antler growth.

 

[caleb]

I agree with the guys saying this is a mature buck, but I disagree with the idea that he is anywhere near his peak. My friends and I have found sheds from the same bucks year after year, and in most cases the mass, tine length and character just continue to improve. I am posting a picture of one buck in particular that we estimate is now 8 1/2 to 9 1/2 right now and is still getting bigger. He has dropped the number of main frame points but keeps adding stickers and drops. These pictures do not do this unbelievable buck justice, I will try to take some better ones.