To cull or not to cull....that is the question

[Mudshack]

History:
Last year I shot the buck in my avatar on this lease. Freak. Last weekend, one of our kids missed an "8pt with one broken main beam." So essentially a 5pt.


This morning I see this trash buck in the feeder pen. But I have yet to get a good look at his forehead. One guy on the lease says cull him because he is 2.5 years old. I think he is 1.5yo.

The question is.....do you cull him if he has a bald head on one side...even if 1.5yo? Or do you give him until 3.5?

With the short history of some freak bucks would it be better to just take him out regardless of his age?

[Fishndude]

not to cull!!

[Mayhem]

hard to say without a front view.

[philafal]

ahhh. give him a year

[Kevin]

The rack of the buck in your profile appears to be damage related, not genetics. If you have a very well managed ranch with a large number of bucks and does I would take him out. If you don't its not going to help or hurt, just one less mouth to feed but also one less mature buck in 4 more years.

[Mudshack]

Oh, this is a tiny lease right on I-10 (100 huntable acres). Biologist says we have a 2:1 ratio in our area - and I would guess more realistically we are 4:1. We are trying to manage the property.....but with such a small lease, we are at the mercy of the neighbors.

He got the pass from me this morning, and will continue to for the year........not so sure with others on the lease.

[W-L-F]

SHOOT HIM--you just hit the nail on the head--100 acres & at the mercy of your neighbors---i think if you wont him take him

[Encinal]

I wouldn't shoot him especially since you are doe heavy.

[Biff]

yep....pass.

[cosmiccowboy]

If it makes any difference in your decision I think he's already 3.5. Look at the bottom (smooth) slope of his neck to his brisket and the heavy stained hocks...

[1FREAK]

let him live 1 more yr

[Split Arrow]

I'd say pass.

[bcdawg1]

I think he is at least 2.5 and unless his horn(s) are mangled from an accident I would say cull him. If the one side is broken off or mangled from an accident in velvet (need the front view) he should recover and be normal down the road. Even for just 2.5 his good side looks really weak.

[Mudshack]

Well, the word is out....he is going to be checked over by the next to see him, and if his head is bald on one side, he will be freezer bound. I still think he is 1.5 and my buddy says 3.5.

[bear]

live live live!!!