To cull or not to cull?

[claymac1]

Our group seeks to cull "slightly older" deer. There seems to be some discussion as to whether this means 2.5 or 3.5.

Thoughts?

[cstrey18]

Pass, looks like a big yearling. Even if he's 2.5 I would still let him go until next year at least

[gekko man]

I wouldn’t!

[Mex. Bowhunter]

Shoot a Doe instead

[HoustonHunter]

Pass, looks like a big yearling. Even if he's 2.5 I would still let him go until next year at least

My thoughts. You likely have better cull material out there. Let him see Santa just one more year.

[Reaper311]

I would let him go one more year

[PondPopper]

NO

[elkaholic9292]

He’s not an aggressive breeder this year anyway, look at him next year to see if he’s filled out.

[xman59]

hes young, let him go

[stickemhard3]

I think the parameters of "slightly older" are "slightly off". 2.5 / 3.5 should not be in any discussion that suggests they are older deer. Be patient and you will see the results, as hard as that is at times.

[lovemylegacy]

He is a baby

[Hydestik]

I think the parameters of "slightly older" are "slightly off". 2.5 / 3.5 should not be in any discussion that suggests they are older deer. Be patient and you will see the results, as hard as that is at times.

Agree you prob shouldn’t consider less than 4.5.

[AntlerCollector]

If you're not culling deer until they are 4.5 then what's the point? Culling deer to me is done to remove them from the gene pool and prevent them from passing on the inferior traits. If he's 4.5 before you even think about him being a cull, he already passed down those genes. IMO





The deer in the picture I wouldn't shoot either. I think he has potential to get better. Like someone said their are probably much better cull candidates out there.

[deerwatcher51]

I generally start culling at 3.5.

[JeffJ]

Culling at 2 is pretty aggressive IMO.