2nd Opinion on Tooth Age

[grundsow]

I could use some more opinions on the age of this deer my uncle got last December in SE Pennsylvania. Deer was living on mostly forested range along the Appalacian Trail with farming in the valleys below. Thanks

Also, for some reason this deer was missing a premolor on one side. Don't know how common that is.

 

[pass-thru]

2.5 ....but tooth wear is variable...got a pic of the deer?

 

[8 POINTS OR BETTER]

3.5

 

[grundsow]

got a pic of the deer?

I came up with 3�

 

[BSK]

That's a "tweener" between 2 1/2 and 3 1/2. The dentine is not clearly wider than the enamel on the 4th tooth (first true molar), but the crests are definitely worn off that tooth. Premolars also show a little more wear than normal for a 2 1/2 year-old.

I would feel comforatable with either age classificiation, although if someone forced me to pick one or the other I generally tend to go with the older age on "tweeners".

 

[grundsow]

Thanks guys!

The weight seemed light for 3� (I�ve seen definite yearlings that were heavier), while at the same time the length of the jawbone was the longest I�ve ever handled � probably a full inch longer than the rest.

Very interesting, every time I think I have this aging thing down pat, I�m thrown a curve ball. I�m learning that there apparently is great variation within all age classes in terms of weights, antler size, bone structure. Makes me really question the aging on-the-hoof thing.

 

[grundsow]

**UPDATE**

I got test results back recently, and according to Matson's lab this deer is "1 - 2 years old", so obviously the age is 2.5.

Just thought I'd share that as I found it interesting.

 

[TheLBLman]

I think BSK pegged it best as a "tweener".

My initial "look-see" called him a 2 1/2.

Keep in mind no method is 100% accurate, including Matson's lab.
But I really doubt this buck could have been any older than 3 1/2, and may have been closer to 2 1/2 (early born 2 1/2).

Could also be another example of "Wesley's High-Grading Theory"
If that buck was only 2 1/2, he had some exceptionally good antler genetics for living near the Appalachian Trail.

 

[BHC]

I'd say that's one big 2.5 yr old..

 

[W.Seay]

Stud 2.5 year old!!!