Gman it’s still a very nice deer. Don’t get too caught up on score. He looks high 120s to me but could hit 130”.

If people would pass the genetically superior 1 and 2 year olds instead of killing them on sight, I’d guess about 20% at age 5. Deer are like people, some are just bigger than others. With the currentlong season and the, shoot any good rack buck you see regardless of age, typical mentality, I’d guess 5% actually make it to 130” here in AL. Most of the ones that have the genes to make or break past 130” are killed as 1.5 or 2.5 yr olds. Naturally more in better managed, good soil areas, with large landowners, but way less in small parcel dominated, poor soil, unmanaged areas.

I’ll also say this, I’m talking about legitimate properly measured 130” deer. Not the “my buddy killed a 130” buck”. I’ve put the tape on a bunch of bucks that the shooters thought were 130” and they were really 115-120” deer. A 130” buck is a really good deer.

I’d be interested to see what Brock, Troy, Jeremy and others think on this topic.

I have to disagree with you just a little bit. From what I’ve read, a 4 year old expresses 90% of antler growth. Now I’m sure that isn’t a hard and fast rule, but I do believe by 5 for sure, that is about all the deer is going to put on antler wise. May add some character, but don’t think they are gonna add many more inches

That 90% is an average. I’ve seen deer have their best racks at 3-4. Most have their best racks at 5-7. Some have their best racks at 8. I’ve seen more than a handful of deer go from high 140s to 180+ between 6 to 7 years old. You never know what an individual deer will do until he’s had the chance to do it.

I definitely can see this. I have killed a 4 yo and my son has as well. Neither deer broke 120 but are both very nice deer. My daughter killed her first buck this year and I believe it was a 3 yo. Would have been a giant when fully mature but he is going on the wall