South Carolina White-tailed Deer Antler Records Program
The South Carolina white-tailed deer Antler Records Program was initiated in the spring of 1974 and since that time, 4,488 sets of antlers (4,328 typical and 160 non-typical) have been officially entered onto the list. Initially, scoring sessions were only conducted a few times each spring but, since 1987 antler scoring sessions have been scheduled throughout the state with approximately 15 sessions occurring annually. Each year SCDNR wildlife biologists and wildlife technicians score approximately 400 sets of antlers. Generally, only about 25 percent of the antlers that are scored make the Antler Records List with the bulk of entrants falling short of the minimum scores.
The purpose of the Antler Records Program is two fold. First, because of the increased interest in deer hunting exhibited by sportsmen, it is a means of recognizing outstanding white-tailed deer taken in South Carolina. Secondly, it provides management information that allows SCDNR wildlife biologists to identify areas that produce quality deer. When particular areas stand out it is important to attempt to recognize the underlying characteristics that produce outstanding animals.
As deer populations have grown in South Carolina it has become more apparent that deer herd density in a given area is related to the production of large deer. Typically, areas of the state that are recognized as having large numbers of deer do not produce as many large antlered deer as those areas with fewer deer. Even areas that have exceptional habitat can only support a certain number of deer before the quality of the animals begins to decline. During much of the 1980's, the statewide deer population and annual deer harvest were perhaps one-half of what they are today, however, a tremendous number of deer were harvested that made the records list. In fact, the period between 1982 and 1992 accounts for approximately 40 percent of all records even though the list contains records that date to the early 1900's. Over the long term, approximately one of every 1,000 white-tailed bucks harvested in South Carolina qualifies for the records list.
This addition of South Carolina Deer Antler Records 2005 is based on activities conducted in the score year 2005. Antlers from deer that are taken in the fall are typically scored the following spring. For example, antlers from deer taken in the fall of 2004 were scored in the score year 2005. Antlers taken in other years may also be included in this publication since they were scored in 2005.
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