Thus, deer with large antlers are rare and difficult to find. But biologists have a different view. Antler growth is primarily dependent upon nutrition. Age and genetics only play small roles in antler development. Usually the best antler growth occurs in three to eight year old deer that have plenty of forage.
Science also shows that certain plants, such as clover, help the deer grow larger antlers.
Because Connecticut's deer forage often consists on non-native decorative shrubbery, the deer rarely grow extraordinarily large antlers. Indian legend tells another story on how the deer got its antlers. In the early days, the deer and rabbit were both very fast animals. The two animals decided to have a race to see which one was faster. As a prize, the winner would get a crown of antlers.