Kerr WMA: Deer Research Projects

Time of Birth

Whitetail Antler Whitetail Antler

Also early in the studies, the time of birth became a concern. It was felt by some that fawns born in later August or September would be spikes just by virtue of their late birth date. Again, this concern was not specifically addressed in a separate research program. In the deer pens, over 80% of the spikes were born before July 15th. A 3-year, statewide study in Texas indicated that 95% of Texas deer are born before July 15th. Again the only study to produce a significant number of spikes after July 15 was the study in which spike bucks were bred back to their daughters. This was to be expected.

Graph showing Antler Quality By Birth Date