Wildlife and Fisheries Management
Genetics vs. Nutrition in White-tailed Deer
A controversial subject among outdoor enthusiasts is which is most important in white-tailed deer management; genetics or nutrition? A combination of these factors along with age will ensure a trophy buck population, but if you had to choose only one which would it be? Those who choose genetics would argue that larger deer with good genes increase the chances of having healthy buck fawns with the potential of trophy buck status. The ones that would argue for nutrition would propose that food availability and quality would outweigh genetics and allow for a better breeding population.
The truth is, although we do need both, nutrition does outweigh genetics in maintaining a healthy and thriving trophy buck population. Several studies were conducted by biologists on this controversy at the Kerr Wildlife Management Area (WMA) in Texas. These studies were conducted on several deer in confined areas to answer this question. Although genetics are important, nutrition held the upper hand in overall fawn production that eventually achieved trophy buck status. There were several reasons for this; first was quality milk production of lactating does, next was essential nutrients needed to grow larger antlers, lastly was that poor nutrition displaces good genetics. These factors collectively were just a few of the reasons that nutrition was chosen over genetics. You must aquire balanced nutrition before genetics will really make a significant difference in your deer herd.
Many of us who manage our ranches throughout the year spend endless time scouting, taking mental counts of different deer we see, and following nutritional guidelines with intentions of harvesting the buck of a lifetime. We often evaluate the large bucks that we see and make management decisions based on that, the truth is that we are leaving out half of the equation by doing this. The doe population has just as much effect on a trophy buck population, especially when they are young. So by managing bucks you need to also consider the doe population, and together you can stay under the capacity of animals that your land will sustain. This will insure adequate nutrition for years to come and make your land more valuable where white-tailed deer thrive. Proper whitetail management relies upon wise habitat management. Without the appropriate "groceries", trophy buck management will not be possible.
Nutrition is not the answer to having trophy bucks, but it is the single most important factor of the big three. 
The big three (nutrition, genetics, and age) are the foundation of trophy buck populations. Having all of these factors will ensure you many "buddys" when hunting season rolls around . For those who are still working on these different aspects, keep working and it will payoff in the long run. It is easy to get frustrated from year to year when you are putting in so much effort, yet it is not paying off. Other factors that could be considered is your neighbors exercising poor judgement on culling and managing their population. We know all of these things can be irritating. Try incorporating your neighbors in your management plans. I promise you that it will help everyone and you will see more trophy deer. Be mindful of the people around you and happy hunting.
Tim Trammell
School of Wildlife Management
Tarleton State University
