For those deer hunters that love the extra challenge and covet big antlers, mature bucks are the things dreams are made of. But to catch up to them, you have to acknowledge and account for their ways. Though it differs across areas, mature whitetails are at least four years of age. And they get that way from a lot of experience, including human pressure and even flying bullets and arrows.
Here are a few qualities for these cunning critters that have been around the block. I’m not talking about physical traits such as belly-sag, a swayed back, or even inches of antler. Rather their unique personalities and tendencies.
Intentional Reasoners. Mature whitetail bucks in particular do things with a purpose. I truly believe this. This can include such actions as what trails and beds they use, as well as when they decide to venture more out in the open (not to mention daytime movement). They’re intentional and their actions are advantageous. As a seeker of big old bucks, the hunter should not only observe the behavior but always ask “why?”
Mature Texas 8-point buck
The Elusive Ghost Buck. Whether avoiding over-pressuring or hunting hard and often, these anti-social bucks typically show up in person or on a trail cam only to vanish for long periods of time. This type of buck is fun, fascinating, and downright baffling to hunt. Despite the frustration, it’s also one of my favorites. These elusive bucks almost always grow old. And big. I’ve lost most battles with ghost bucks but it’s worth every minute trying. If nothing else, the legendary status they take on is worth the price of admission.
From Fighter to Survivalist. Though there are bucks of all ages that are prone to fighting. Bucks approaching maturity feed their need to breed with sparring and all-out brawling. On the other hand, mature bucks get increasingly cautious and are more intent on survival. That’s not to say old mature bucks don’t fight. We’ve all seen it, if not from video footage. Still, these old bucks are less likely to bow up and yell “get off my lawn!” via fighting.
First Responders (to Pressure). No wild free-range deer likes to be pressured. It’s true. However, even more so for mature bucks. They’re wise and will flee without a doubt when faced with undue pressure – especially from humans. That’s one basic reason why care and calculated approaches are a must for hunters pursuing them. If you compromise a mature bucks home range, you’ve likely blown it for the foreseeable future. How many negative encounters does it take to ruin the deal? It may differ from place to place, but it’s often only one.
Home Sweet Home. If a buck has lived two or more years in the same general area, why move? After all, they have survived and likely feel pretty safe. This is specifically true for older bucks. Studies suggest that as bucks age, they become increasingly homebodies. These old-timers spend about half their time in their core area. Also, their home range tends to even shrink, all things being equal. This is good news for hunters trying to locate mature bucks. Once the core area is determined, it can be hunted with caution and calculated strategy.
