Here is a slightly different take on nutrition, you really will never know the true genetic potential until there is adequate nutritional food to give the bucks the oppertunity to send the extra minerals to the antlers. If the deer numbers/ratio of bucks and does is way out, doe reduction is necessary. When the deer density is such that good food is available it will take several years to see the genetics maximize. In PA where spikes,three,fours were the norm, now 6,8,10, and even a 12 pt was seen yesterday. We didn't import new deer just helped with nutrition, doe reduction and antler point restrictions by the state. The bucks never had the chance to maximize antlers as the food source was minimal in nutrirional support. Food plots may not be the only ingredient but certainly can't hurt in helping to maximize the potential of the bucks you do have. I do not know enough about the term let them go let them grow to agree/disagree with. If a nice buck comes my way in range I'm going to let the arrow fly!