Here’s a startling fact: Mississippi’s deer population is booming, reaching record highs, yet the bucks themselves are shrinking. But here’s where it gets controversial—while hunters have long prized mature bucks with impressive antlers, this selective approach might be backfiring, leading to unintended consequences for the deer population. Let’s dive into why this is happening and what it means for the future of deer hunting in the state.
Mississippi’s deer numbers are soaring, with the state boasting the highest deer density in the Southeast at 33 deer per square mile—a staggering 36% above the regional average. This surge in population, however, comes with a trade-off. Over the past few decades, the average weight of mature bucks has declined significantly in some areas. For instance, in the Big Black River corridor, a region renowned for producing large deer, bucks aged four years and older have seen weight drops of up to 55 pounds since the late 1980s. And this is the part most people miss—this isn’t just about smaller bucks; it’s about smaller antlers too, as malnutrition from overpopulation stifles their growth.
William McKinley, Deer Program Coordinator for the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks, sums it up: ‘We have a record number of deer, but not all areas are affected equally. It’s a double-edged sword.’ Hunters’ tradition of passing on younger, smaller bucks to target trophy-sized antlers has allowed deer to age but has also led to overcrowding. With more mouths to feed and limited resources, deer aren’t getting the nutrition they need to thrive.
Take the Mississippi Delta, a region famous for its giant bucks. Historically, only 15% of bucks aged five or older in this area score 150 or higher on antler measurements. Meanwhile, the Magnolia Records Program, which tracks the state’s largest bucks, reveals a telling trend: since 2016, only two bucks have cracked the top 25 for typical or non-typical antlers. In contrast, between 2006 and 2015, nine typical and seven non-typical bucks made the list. McKinley notes, ‘We’ve got more older deer, but they’re not reaching their genetic potential.’
So, what’s the solution? Wildlife officials suggest a shift in hunting practices. Instead of focusing solely on antler size, hunters should prioritize age when harvesting mature bucks. Learning to age deer ‘on the hoof’ and removing older bucks, even those with smaller antlers, can help manage population density and improve overall deer health. Here’s a thought-provoking question: Are we prioritizing trophy hunting at the expense of the deer population’s well-being?
Keeping detailed records of harvested deer—including age, weight, and antler scores—is another crucial step. This data helps hunters identify slow-developing issues that might otherwise go unnoticed. As McKinley puts it, ‘Collecting data is the basis of deer management. If you’re not collecting data, you’re not managing your deer.’
For landowners and leaseholders seeking expert advice, the MDWFP offers onsite visits and management guidance through their Private Lands Program (www.mdwfp.com/privatelands). The challenge now is balancing tradition with sustainability. Will Mississippi’s hunters adapt their practices to ensure healthier deer populations for generations to come? That’s a question worth discussing—what’s your take?
