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Thanks Peter.
You are of course 100% right about about genetics and calcium for good antler growth. this is proven by the not unsubstantial industry that has sprung up in New Zealand, ( and other countries) resulting in some of the biggest antlered Red deer ever seen, one might even say abnormally so.

Unfotunatley this "industry" has no intention of releasing this "Improved herd" back into the wild, or wilderness areas of New Zealand where all Hunters have access, accept of course where the odd one gets out from behind the wire.( lets hope so)

So that means they are available at a sliding price scale to those who are interested in the biggest antlers, ( and who isnt), not the quality of a fair chase hunt.( open to definition), but I am sure you know all this, as you do everything.

As for your sheep comment, I might ask you same about small horses!!!

Good Evening

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Paradox

the reason why most people with a real interest in herd improving make sure that it is on private land. is simply because when all hunters have access, very little improving takes place if any at all. thats why many people put down large sums on farms, breeding stocks and the time to make it exellent. being green with envy is allright we all are at times, putting other peoples hunts down when you dont know enough about it, is plain dumb in my book.

if by "industry" you mean the people who have a hunting farm, where they try to make a perfect biotop for the species they chose to have on their farm, and you cry about them not releasing them to the places where they can be poached by the masses, why should they ?
i dont mind a great fallow deer escapes from our forest(that we rent from an estate) but only if he gets pushed out by a bigger one. when i spend a lot of time and money on improving the roe and fallow herd on our lands, why would i want these animals to be shot down by the unpaying masses ?

yes it cost to have a place all to yourself, but it is worth it to some.

about me knowing everything, well i dont, but i have spent enough years on estates, to know the fundamentals about this, including poachers and freewheelers, and i rather know a little about a lot, than to know jack shit about anything.

i can't catch my horses with my pants down and i dont think they would be to impressed if i did

best

peter