This year our deer are better than normal, but specifically we are seeing lots of deer with really long brow tines. Whereas our deer typically grow 3-5 inch brow tines, this year we have seen many bucks with brow tines in excess of 6 inches. Is that an indication of good rain and browse during the early growth stages? It can’t be just an overnight genetic shift. Any thoughts from the THF gurus?

By way of example, last Friday I encountered a buck we bad not seen nor had on camera. He has probably the best set of matching brows I’ve ever seen in person.

I dont know. I could guess but nothing makes sense to me. Anything that would make brows grow it seems would make all other aspects of the rack grow as well. STx or someone may have the answer.

Earlier this year I was talking to an outfitter about mule deer in Sonora and he commented that the mass on the bucks is often better at the H3 measurements than at the h1s because they get a lot of rain in the later growth stages. It made sense to me, so I’m just wondering if there is a similar explanation for our deer’s growth this year.

Very nice sir

Genetics

Interesting info. Keep it coming. I still don’t know answer but STx will have a good answer so I’m waiting. Of course I don’t know that an answer will make much difference but still fun to know.

I don’t think that’s the explanation. The deer in the photos is just one example. We went from average brows to way above average brows in one year. I could post a lot more examples.