Mike: Why do some bucks have chocolate antlers and others white racks? Seems like dark antlers are slightly more common on bigger bucks, am I right?—Tim from MN Whitetail biologist Mickey Hellickson told me in an email one time: Antler coloration is determined by several things, including: (1) buck age (older, more dominant bucks make many more rubs on trees than younger bucks, therefore.. Ever wonder why the color of deer antlers vary from deer to deer? We have seen really dark chocolate colored antlers all the way to bleach white antlers. But why? Is it genetic? Is it habitat related? Does it have to do with how old a deer is? Well, let's take a minute to unpack some information with some deer experts.
Finally, the time of year can influence color as antlers generally lighten over time due to the bleaching effect of moisture and sunlight. A buck's antler coloration is driven by genetics, age, behavior and the environment. This explains why you may see light, medium and/or dark antlers throughout the whitetail's range.. Antler color tells you about the environment, which can help you understand deer movement patterns and preferred areas. Appreciate the natural artistry. Each set of antlers is a unique record of where that animal lived and how he spent his time. Focus on what actually matters: body structure, behavior, and antler mass - not color. The Bigger.