What are “cull” bucks?
By Kip Adams, Quality Deer Management Association Deer managers are often asked about “cull” bucks. Specifically, they want to know which bucks should be culled to improve herd quality. Cull bucks are defined as those deemed to be of inferior (usually antler) quality. The answer to this question depends on several factors including the intensity level and goals of your management program, amount of control you have over the deer herd’s mortality sources, relationship between the deer herd and the habitat’s carrying capacity, and the herd’s adult sex ratio and age structure. The variety of factors influencing this decision causes a variety of answers depending upon who you ask.
