I am awful at aging deer... help!

[Pullersboy]

I'd say he's at least 5. Mature. Nice buck.

[idratherbhuntin]

Many years ago I had an old south Texas rancher tell me to count the creases in front of the ear. He said it was pretty accurate up to 7. I have found that to be true. The buck in your pic has 5 creases in front of his ear. There are many characteristics that help to judge age but I still look at the ear when I can see it.

Most interesting method i have heard yet.


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[ostey22]

go buy the book titled observing and evaluating white tails.

then spend a lot of time just watching deer. watch how they move, watch for loose skin, grey hair. in a lot of ways they're not totally unlike people.

X2 I’d say 6-7.5. Good shape but declining in the antler department

[Deathrow Jethro]

Many years ago I had an old south Texas rancher tell me to count the creases in front of the ear. He said it was pretty accurate up to 7. I have found that to be true. The buck in your pic has 5 creases in front of his ear. There are many characteristics that help to judge age but I still look at the ear when I can see it.

Never heard of that and in this case it was spot on....

[gingib]

5.5 easy

Perfect cull shoot him

[El Viejo]

Many years ago I had an old south Texas rancher tell me to count the creases in front of the ear. He said it was pretty accurate up to 7. I have found that to be true. The buck in your pic has 5 creases in front of his ear. There are many characteristics that help to judge age but I still look at the ear when I can see it.

I read a magazine article several years ago that said the same thing. I believe it's pretty accurate.

[2B4Him]

I'm no expert, but in trying to get an idea on age, I have started using a bit of football analogy on what deer look like. Leaving off the 1/2 year:
1: Kickers/punters - small, thin, often trying to run with the big boys
2: Wide receivers - not real muscular, long and fast looking legs
3: Running backs - starting to look more muscular and ready for action
4: Linebackers - muscular, tough, defined muscles with bulk, can take on anything
5+: Linemen - big, not as well-defined muscles, not in a hurry and not afraid of others

[gekko man]

I’d say 4.5 yoa!

[adam_p]

Ya I like this.

There are about 1,000 things to look for. And out of the things you (the OP) listed -get this--they don't always have a pot belly when they get old, or a sway back. There is no 100% when it comes to deer. Confused yet?


And that first one looks to be 5 or 6. The 2nd to the last I can't really tell from that pic. Last one looks pretty young.

People get way too hung up on that sway back nonsense.

[webb09]

Sometimes I use the deductive reasoning approach. Tell yourself what he's NOT. He's not 4 and he's not 7, therefore he's 5 or 6. Unless you watch him from a fawn till now, there's only 2 beings that know for sure, the deer and God and neither are gonna tell you.

[idratherbhuntin]

Sometimes I use the deductive reasoning approach. Tell yourself what he's NOT. He's not 4 and he's not 7, therefore he's 5 or 6. Unless you watch him from a fawn till now, there's only 2 beings that know for sure, the deer and God and neither are gonna tell you.

Thanks guys! All good info!


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[billfromtx]

I would peg him at 4.5 as well. Its tough for me to age 4.5 -6.5 YO deer

[KactusKiller]

min 5.5

Like RTP and Chance eluded to, try to start out eith thr 3 basics, 2.5 and youner, 3.5-4.5, 5.5 and up.

[Burntorange Bowhunter]

Thoughts on this guy? He is pushing 160. I have a 151 at the Taxidermist. Not sure I can let this guy walk but may try......

[Mexico]

Thoughts on this guy? He is pushing 160. I have a 151 at the Taxidermist. Not sure I can let this guy walk but may try......


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Now that's a perfect example of a 4 yr old