What many people may not know about me is that I used to be a successful door-to-door salesman in the home protection industry. For nearly a decade, I would move to a new state for about six months at a time, knocking on doors and selling alarm systems all day. It was a tough job, but it taught me invaluable life skills—and it also gave me the flexibility to hunt as much as I wanted in the fall.

That career even led me to my first-ever mule deer hunt in Alberta, Canada. In 2008, a company that was recruiting me took me there, and from that moment on, I was hooked. I’ve been itching to get back ever since.

About seven years ago, I started following a guy named Blake on social media (@big_tine_adventures). I was immediately drawn to what he was doing and what he stood for. He hunts massive black bears and giant mule deer—two of my favorite big game species. Over time, we started chatting, and in 2020, I finally made it up to hunt bears with him. Blake and I often talked about me coming out to hunt mule deer, and he promised that as soon as he had an opening, I’d get my chance.

That opportunity to hunt trophy mule deer with Black finally came in September 2024. Blake called to tell me he had a tag available and had spotted a couple of old, mature bucks. The timing wasn’t perfect—my son had just undergone a tonsillectomy, and I already had another out-of-state hunt planned that month—but there was no way I was passing up the chance.

Within a day of that call, I was on a plane to Grande Prairie, Alberta. The hunt turned out to be unforgettable—not only did I harvest my biggest mule deer buck to date, but I also gained incredible insight into mule deer behavior and management. Blake is as passionate about studying mule deer as he is about hunting them, and I walked away from that trip with a whole new appreciation for these animals. Below are some key takeaways from the hunt about properly managing for trophy mule deer.

And if you’d like to see how my hunt with Blake played out, check out the video below:

Mule deer bucks don’t just grow into giants overnight. It takes the right combination of age, genetics, and nutrition for a buck to reach its maximum potential. Without one of these three key factors, even the most promising deer won’t develop into the kind of mature, heavy-racked animal that hunters dream of. Let’s break down each factor and why it matters.

The single most important factor in a mule deer buck reaching his full size is time. Antler growth is directly tied to a buck’s age, and without the opportunity to mature, even a genetically superior buck with perfect nutrition won’t develop the large, impressive antlers associated with older deer. However, reaching an advanced age is no easy feat. Bucks face numerous challenges, including predation, hunting pressure, disease, and harsh environmental conditions. Those that survive long enough to reach maturity are often the most resilient, having learned how to avoid predators and navigate tough winters.

Stages of Antler Development:

• Young Bucks (1-3 Years Old): At this stage, bucks are still developing their body structure and muscle mass. Their antlers are typically small, with minimal mass and tine length. They are often mistaken for does at a distance due to their slender build. These younger bucks are the future of the herd, and allowing them to grow ensures stronger genetics and larger trophies in the coming years.

• Mature Bucks (4-6 Years Old): This is when bucks start reaching their prime. Their bodies fill out, and their antlers gain significant mass and tine length. These are the deer that begin standing out in the herd, exhibiting dominant behaviors and establishing territories. At this stage, they are often sought after by hunters and become more cautious in their movements.

• Old Bucks (7+ Years Old): If a buck survives past 6 or 7 years, he is considered truly mature. By this stage, his antlers have reached their full genetic potential, with maximum mass, tine length, and spread. However, in extreme old age (10+ years), some bucks may experience antler regression, where their racks begin to shrink due to declining health and reduced testosterone levels.

Why Age Matters:

Many bucks don’t get the chance to reach maturity due to heavy hunting pressure, predation, or extreme environmental conditions. Harvesting young bucks too early removes them before they ever have the chance to develop into true trophies. By allowing bucks to grow past 3 or 4 years old, we improve the overall genetic quality of the herd and ensure that hunters have the opportunity to pursue mature, fully developed deer.

While age provides the time necessary for antlers to develop, a buck’s genetics determine his maximum potential. Some deer are simply born with the ability to grow larger, wider, and heavier antlers than others, while some will always have smaller, more compact racks regardless of age. Genetics are inherited traits passed down from generation to generation, meaning that strong bloodlines play a crucial role in producing trophy mule deer bucks.

Genetic Factors That Influence Antler Growth:

• Beam Length & Mass: Some bucks naturally grow thick, heavy antlers with long main beams, while others have thinner racks with less mass. This trait is often hereditary and can vary significantly between regions and bloodlines.

• Tine Configuration: Genetics influence how many tines a buck grows, their length, and whether the deer has a typical or non-typical rack. Some bucks are genetically predisposed to develop drop tines, forked tines, or unique antler formations.

• Spread: A buck’s genetics determine if he will have a wide, sweeping rack or a more narrow, compact spread. While both styles can produce impressive trophies, wider antlers tend to stand out more in hunting photos and scoring systems.

Why Genetics Aren’t Everything:

Despite the importance of genetics, they are only one piece of the puzzle. Even a deer with world-class genetics won’t grow impressive antlers if he lacks proper nutrition and time to mature. Additionally, culling bucks with smaller antlers has little effect on improving genetic traits in a wild population, as does play an equal role in passing down genetic material. Instead of focusing on selective removal, hunters and conservationists should prioritize habitat improvement and age management to allow bucks to reach their full genetic potential naturally.

Even the best genetics and the perfect age won’t produce a giant buck without the right nutrition. Nutrition plays a vital role in both body growth and antler development. Mule deer need access to high-quality food sources throughout the year to reach their full potential. Unfortunately, habitat loss, overgrazing, long winters, and drought conditions can severely impact the availability of food, leading to smaller, weaker bucks with underdeveloped antlers.

Key Nutritional Factors for Antler Growth:

• Protein Intake: Bucks require a diet high in protein (16-20%) during the spring and summer to maximize antler growth. Foods like forbs, shrubs, and nutrient-rich grasses are essential. Without sufficient protein, antler development will be stunted, even in genetically superior bucks.

• Minerals: Calcium and phosphorus are critical for strong antler development, just like they are for bones in humans. Bucks obtain these minerals from natural forage, mineral-rich soil, and sometimes even shed antlers. Without adequate mineral intake, antlers may be brittle, weak, or lack proper mass.

• Winter Survival: Bucks that enter the winter healthy and with good fat reserves are more likely to survive harsh conditions and rebound quickly in the spring. A rough winter with deep snow or limited food can significantly impact antler growth the following year, as bucks must prioritize survival over antler production.

Why Nutrition Matters:

Even a 7-year-old buck with excellent genetics won’t grow a massive rack if he’s struggling to find food. In areas with poor habitat, drought, or overgrazing, bucks often don’t reach their full potential. Proper land management, controlled grazing, and conservation efforts that preserve critical feeding areas can make a significant difference in antler growth and overall herd health.

The biggest trophy mule deer bucks are a product of all three factors working together:

 They live long enough to reach their prime (5-7+ years).

 They inherit great genetics for antler size, mass, and spread.

 They have access to top-tier nutrition year-round, allowing them to grow without stress.

If even one of these factors is missing, a buck won’t reach his full potential. That’s why habitat management, conservation, and responsible hunting practices are crucial to maintaining healthy mule deer populations and allowing bucks to reach maturity.

In the graphic below, you can see what happens when all three key factors align for a mule deer. This particular buck was one our friend Blake observed for three years.

• At 4.5 years old, he had developed into a solid buck but hadn’t yet reached his full potential.

• At 5.5 years old, a long winter followed by a dry spring led to poor forage conditions, resulting in limited antler growth.

• At 6.5 years old, with the right age, strong genetics, and a wet spring providing excellent forage, he was finally able to reach his full potential—growing into a true giant.

This example highlights how crucial it is for bucks to have the right conditions to maximize their growth.

For hunters and conservationists who want to see more trophy mule deer, focusing on these three key factors is essential. Managing a deer herd isn’t just about individual success—it’s about ensuring the long-term health of the population and creating opportunities for future generations of hunters.

• Practice Selective Harvesting: Passing up younger bucks gives them a chance to mature into fully developed trophies. While it can be tempting to take the first legal buck, waiting for an older, more developed deer helps improve the quality of the herd. As our friends over at HuntStand have stated, "There is really only one secret to having large-antlered, older-aged bucks on your hunting property and it's not really a secret: just don't shoot the young ones." While they were referring to whitetail and whitetail hunting, the same applies to mule deer.

• Improve Habitat Quality: Supporting conservation efforts that preserve winter range, increase forage availability, and reduce habitat loss will lead to healthier deer populations. This includes advocating for controlled burns, planting beneficial vegetation, and reducing human encroachment into key habitats.

• Control Predator Populations: High predator numbers, particularly coyotes and mountain lions, can reduce deer numbers before they ever reach maturity. Balanced predator management helps ensure that more young bucks survive long enough to reach their full potential. Learn how predators helped destroy one of the most prominent mule deer herds in the west in another article that we wrote.

By understanding what it takes for a mule deer buck to reach maturity and grow to its full potential, we can make more informed decisions that contribute to the overall health of the herd. Proper age structure, habitat conservation, predator management, and responsible hunting practices all play a role in ensuring that these incredible animals thrive. When we prioritize selective harvest and allow younger bucks to mature, we not only increase the chances of encountering true trophies in the field but also promote a more balanced and sustainable ecosystem. In the end, good stewardship benefits both hunters and wildlife alike, ensuring that future generations can experience the same excitement and fulfillment of chasing big trophy mule deer across the rugged landscapes we love.