Should you harvest bucks with smaller antlers to get their genes out of the population, leaving more big bucks in the woods to pass on their trophy racks? Probably not. In this episode, we explore models led by scientists at Mississippi State University that evaluate how selectively culling deer herds can influence antler growth based on the number of points and overall antler size. We discuss two models from the paper that predicted generational changes in antlers for simulated deer in a captive, controlled breeding population and those in a free-range environment that most hunters would experience hunting public and private land. Listen in to find out why culling deer in the free-range environment is not practical to have any substantial population-level effect on the deer you’re seeing in the woods.

Announcements:

- Florida BHA small game hunt at Triple NNN Ranch WMA, January 2026

- Florida BHA small game hunt at Upper Hillsborough WMA, February 2026

- Saddle Hunter 3D Archery Challenge and Workshop – February 7 (more info at this link)

- Florida Archery Unleashed – Skullhill Archery – February 6-8 (more info at this link)

- Purchase your 2026 NWTF gun calendar at this link

- Get your tickets to the Montrose CO NWTF annual banquet at this link