Urban Deer-How are they growing so BIG ?
For several years now I have had one question for a wildlife biologist, “How are Urban deer growing so big?” Well I was fortunate enough last week to talk with John Shaw who is a District Wildlife biologist for the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. John gave me the answer I was looking for.

#1 Reason these Urban deer are reaching these large sizes is.. AGE!

After publishing the story on HuntingtheCarolinas about Sterling Austin’s 19 Point Mint Hill Monster buck I really became interested in understanding more about deer growth in populated urban area’s.

According to John “these deer are not being hunted and are able to reach their maximum age and size potential ,when deer can live past the 3 years old they are going to be larger animals” At that point I knew John was right, since understanding the basics about Quality Deer Management programs, age is the key. The longer a buck lives the bigger he becomes both in body size and rack.

Another question that I had been curious about regarding large urban deer was, Nutrition. Were these Urban deer getting better nutrition by eating ornamental plants and grasses from all the available sources in urban areas such as, peoples yards, vegatable gardens or on golf courses ect.?.. again the answer was AGE. We discussed the nutrional differences between, say a deer out in an agriculture area in the middle of the county vs urban city deer. John explained” it is about equal balance in the nutrition that both deer feed on”. “The difference with the deer living out in the county area’s, is that they are hunted and on an state wide average these deer are not making it much past 2 ½ to 3 years of age". Statewide statistics in NC show half of the average deer harvested are between 1-2 years old.
There fore they are not reaching their maximum potential.

Genetics; another question that I had for John: How much importance is placed on genetics of a large urban buck ? “a small part” John explained. So my take from this part of our conversation was that, as long a new born buck has the opportunity to live to 3 years plus and grow to it’s full size it has an equal chance of being a large deer with a good rack, it does not matter what the gene line is.

We also talked about the buck to doe ratio in our area, now let me point out that John only has statewide statistics not specific areas but his answer is still a reflective number not matter what part of the state you live in. The answer is currently 1 to 2.5 (buck to doe) which is “not as bad as you might think” John stated. We discussed for minute danger levels of the buck to doe ratio. John explained “ When you reach a 1 to 3 ratio or more that is overbalance, but that is unlikely to happen” Currently it appears that the NC hunting seasons, more either-sex days are keeping the overall ratio’s in check. It was at this point of our conversation that John expressed his support of more Urban Bow seasons, which the state of North Carolina now has. “If more municipalities would incorporate the Urban Bow Season after January this would further help keep the white tail deer ratio’s in check”

So, Next time you see a large 12 Pointer wondering around town, just remember he’s been around for a while. !


We want to thank John Shaw NC Widlife Resources District Biologist for taking his time to share this information with us.

Not much story telling going with the tourney coming up but he claims to have caught 13 blues from 15-69 lbs last night. His names is Eric Fincher from Mt. Plaesant NC. He is the current state record holder for blue cat at 89 lbs. Fish was released but he held it for a weight is the reason for the rope in the mouth. Glad to see NC anglers appreciate these big cats enough to release them for someone else to enjoy one day. Studies suggest these fish to be at least 15 years old.

Dave: "This past weekend the weather was perfect for this time of the year. We had lots of rain through out the night with light rain during the day. That makes for a lot of deer movement through out the day. Lots of deer spotted in both morning and evening hunts. Some of the bucks were chasing does but it is still a little early.
Again this weekend we all noticed lots of scrapes and rubs. The rut is around the corner. I was fortunate to take two exceptional bucks this weekend. Saturday morning a 9 point came in around 8.30. He weighed in at 215 lbs 18 ½ inch spread with real heavy and dark antlers. Sunday evening around 7.00 a 10 point came in and I was able harvest him also. He weighed 185 lbs with a 19 ½ inch spread and he also had real heavy and dark antlers. Both of these bucks were seen last year and were good shooters but letting them walk has paid off with two exceptional bucks. Good management does pay off.