The South TX experiment was a one-time trial. It was only done once…that’s it…and only in South Texas. Not all ranches have the great native nutrition South TX has, so that research means nothing to those of us hunting in the Hill Country.

The TPWD has OVER THIRTY YEARS of data from native Texas Hill Country whitetail deer that were put into pens that were captured from the wild. They put deer on 16% and 8% protein supplements and concluded that all bucks with less that 5 points as 1 1/2 year olds should be shot based upon their average B&C score as a mature buck.

We have 1,000 acres high-fenced and we have followed TPWD recommendations (leaving the occasional big 4 or 5). When we got the place, we started shooting trophies that were in the 120’s max. Now, 10 years later, we harvested 2 bucks in the 160’s (last year) and have one walking around in the 170’s that will be taken next year (most mature bucks we have are in the 150’s now). We no longer have bucks that have one or no brow tines (spikes or 3 pointers as 1.5 years old usually).

The problem with “let ‘em walk” is that research confirms that bucks of ALL age classes will and do breed does during the rut. You are letting inferior bucks breed does for 3 years. When we first got our ranch, we had the occasional mature 10 pointer. Now, we have over 35 bucks with 10 or more points (some at 2 years old) and the occasional mature 8 or 9 pointer…and those occasional mature 8 pointers are shot and they are usually very big 8’s.

Will some 2-5 pointers become big bucks?…the answer is yes, but we’re talking 1 out of 100. Is it worth keeping the true potential of your herd inferior for that one good buck (that may appear after 5 years of letting all of them go)? The answer is no. He may be a wall- hanger, but the more inferior bucks you have breeding does, the less chance you have of the “right buck” breeding the “right doe” and creating the monster buck of your dreams (which is a lot bigger than the buck you “let go” as a 4 pointer). It will also increase your herd size by letting all those bucks walk.

This is without a doubt the most hotly debated topic in the history of whitetail hunting and can certainly turn hunters against each other. We use the best research available for our region (TPWD). We have proven results and we’re shooting bucks that I only used to drool over in magazines. Everyone has their own take on what is best for them and there is so much conflicting research that hunters cannot differentiate what is best. I have my take, Someone who lets their bucks go at all ages may have great deer also. We started with poor genetics and worked hard to get what we have. Some ranches have great genetics already and can afford to let bucks walk. My suggestions are apparent, but you need to do what you think is right for your lease or ranch.