my small 5pt elk dressed 370 this year. you think a possible hand picked,raised and bred whitetail would be better eating?
I think that as in all meats it depends on the diet of the animal. Here in Iowa, a corn fed whitetail would taste alot different than one in South Dakota that feeds on grass and wild sage.
If the deer in the OP was being fed a ration of corn and protein and grass to suit, it could be a very nice tasting deer. But maybe not because of age. Older animals aren't generally thought of as the best eating ones...
How it was when shot makes a difference as well, as a scared, overheated and well run animal is not what you want. Also how well the meat was handled, and how soon it was cleaned and chilled are important to..
So it depends is the best answer IMHO...
Regards, Kirk