What is a 10-Point Buck?
A 10-point buck is a male deer (buck) with 10 antler points. The term “10-point” refers to the total number of points on the antlers, which is a characteristic used to age and score deer. The 10-point mark is the highest score a buck can achieve.
What Does it Take to be a 10-Point Buck?
In order to reach the 10-point designation, a buck must meet certain criteria. Generally speaking, a 10-point buck fits the following criteria:
- Age: Most 10-point bucks are between four and six years old
- Size: The head should span at least 16 inches between the outside points of the antlers
- Antlers: The antlers should have at least 4 points on each side, for a total of 8 points
- Body: The buck should weigh at least 120 pound
What Benefits Does a 10-Point Buck Offer?
A 10-point buck offers a number of benefits. The main one is that it is a sign of a healthy deer. A buck with 10 points is usually closer to the prime of its life, meaning it is better able to survive and reproduce. The 10-point designation also gives hunters an indication of their deer’s age, size and individual health. Finally, the 10-point buck is sought after by hunters because it is an impressive trophy and can be used as a bragging right.