I no longer think i can evaluate deer in the field

[mikemorvan]

So, on our lease we're allowed a cull and a trophy buck. A cull basically being defined as a mature buck w/ 8 pts or less. I watched this guy for quite awhile Saturday morning. In the field i thought he was a really nice 3.5 y.o. 8 pt. Now, in the pics, i think he's older and run down from the rut. I hope to see him again. Thoughts? That is, besides i'm a no field judging idiot.

[Planner]

Nice pics- I think he's mature. He's older than 3.5.


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[LHPanther]

There's nothing mature about this buck. I think you were probably right about him being 3.5. Late season bucks have lost a bit of weight, have saggy looking skin and look wore out....making them look older.

[kembry]

I think you made the right call.

[flywise]

Much older than 3

[150class]

I'd lean towards maybe 4.5 but 3.5 wouldn't be crazy to me

Not much for brisket, solid posture, not much roughness to the face.

I wouldn't kick yourself to much on it as its close

[rtp]

When in doubt give the buck a pass. You made the right choice based on that alone.

[Big pig]

I need to see another photo.
JK!
He looks 3.5/4.5 to me. Cull/management 8 on our lease.

[Fishndude]

Right choice. He does look 4 but in some photos 3. I'd say 4 but good call.

[Bh_liberty]

I see 4.5


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[bam bam]

young deer, good decision


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[Huntindad]

There's nothing mature about this buck. I think you were probably right about him being 3.5. Late season bucks have lost a bit of weight, have saggy looking skin and look wore out....making them look older.

what I was seeing as well.

[mikemorvan]

Well, i don't feel quite so bad now.

[d_e_smith]

Looks over 4..Roman nose is already there and more mass in his front end than in his hams even if he is run down.

[CastAndBlast]

4.5-5.5 is what I see. Leaning more toward run down 5.5