does drought affect horn growth

[crestedbutte]

I talked with a local outdoor writer recently about my upcoming hunt.  He mentioned I may have a hard time finding bucks with good sized horns due to the drought that has continued in my hunting area for the last year and a half.  Have any of you heard or experienced this before?  This writer seems to think next year would be a better year especially if this area comes out of its drought.  Have any of you noticed a difference in horn development in your herds when compared to drought/non-drought years?  All responses are greatly appreciated.  CB<font color="Blue">Text</font>

 

[Grail]

In Arizona, at least this year, the drought has not affected horn growth.  In fact there are more 90's roaming Arizona this year than any other year I can ever remember.  I've seen/confirmed six 90's myself and I've heard rumors of a few others.  Now, New Mexico is a different story.  The antelope seem to be suffering greatly from the drought as we haven't seen a single buck that would make 90 and only a couple that would hit 88.  As far as the stats go (in AZ) the most record book heads are taken after 3 years of excellent rainfall completely disregarding the year the buck is taken.  It almost seems as though the biggest bucks are being killed during drought years.