A couple 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 comparisons

[BSK]

These two bucks aren't anywhere near as impressive at 3 1/2 as JCDEERMAN's he posted on another thread, but that is probably because these two bucks were "bottom-end" quality 2 1/2 year-olds last year:


2009, 2 1/2:

2010, 3 1/2:

Another 2009, 2 1/2:

2010, 3 1/2:

 

[Jarred525]

Be interested to see what kind of jump they make at 4.5, or are you going to let them make it that far? :)

 

[BSK]

We shoot any 3 1/2, regardless of antler quality.

 

[Andy S.]

Good photos and comparison. These depict more the "norm" than the exception from my experience. Thanks for sharing Bryan.

 

[BigGameGuy]

Bryan,

What identifying characteristics are you using on that top deer?

The white patches on the muzzle don't appear similar from one year to the next. Are you sure that's the same buck?

 

[richmanbarbeque]

Bryan,

What identifying characteristics are you using on that top deer?

The white patches on the muzzle don't appear similar from one year to the next. Are you sure that's the same buck?

Not doubting him but was wondering the same.

 

[BSK]

Bryan,

What identifying characteristics are you using on that top deer?

The white patches on the muzzle don't appear similar from one year to the next. Are you sure that's the same buck?

I've noticed pelage coloration differences between summer and winter coats, so I don't but much stock in what I'm seeing from the summer coat. He didn't have the white nose ring in summer last year either. Here he is last year before shedding his summer coat:

 

[DOC1187]

cool pics

 

[Andy S.]

Bryan,

What identifying characteristics are you using on that top deer?

The white patches on the muzzle don't appear similar from one year to the next. Are you sure that's the same buck?

I've noticed pelage coloration differences between summer and winter coats, so I don't but much stock in what I'm seeing from the summer coat. He didn't have the white nose ring in summer last year either. Here he is last year before shedding his summer coat:

I was wondering if there "could be" a difference in "markings" from summer to winter coat. I think I just found out the answer. Thanks guys!

 

[Football Hunter]

the second one put on some pretty decent tine lenght

 

[buckhorn40]

:cool:

 

[BowGuy84]

Gets me excited for what some of my 2.5's could be if they made it. Cool pics!

 

[BSK]

I was wondering if there "could be" a difference in "markings" from summer to winter coat. I think I just found out the answer. Thanks guys!

The greatest inconsistencies from summer to winter coat appear to involve white hair, especially muzzle rings and throat patches. Interestingly, any black markings appear to stay fairly consistent between the two coats, especially the "chin strap"--the black markings that go under the lower jaw.

 

[RUGER]

Very cool.

 

[richmanbarbeque]

I was wondering if there "could be" a difference in "markings" from summer to winter coat. I think I just found out the answer. Thanks guys!

The greatest inconsistencies from summer to winter coat appear to involve white hair, especially muzzle rings and throat patches. Interestingly, any black markings appear to stay fairly consistent between the two coats, especially the "chin strap"--the black markings that go under the lower jaw.

That is very helpful.

 

[BSK]

I find there can be some much variation between deer in the shape/size of the black chin-strap that I can often use it to identify individual deer.

 

[BigGameGuy]

The greatest inconsistencies from summer to winter coat appear to involve white hair, especially muzzle rings and throat patches. Interestingly, any black markings appear to stay fairly consistent between the two coats, especially the "chin strap"--the black markings that go under the lower jaw.

That's good to know. I thought the facial markings stayed relatively consistent. But then again, I'm a newcomer to the trail camera business.

 

[BSK]

The greatest inconsistencies from summer to winter coat appear to involve white hair, especially muzzle rings and throat patches. Interestingly, any black markings appear to stay fairly consistent between the two coats, especially the "chin strap"--the black markings that go under the lower jaw.

That's good to know. I thought the facial markings stayed relatively consistent. But then again, I'm a newcomer to the trail camera business.

I've been really surprised at how different summer white throat patches can be from the winter coat. It must have something to do with the biology of white hair growth.

 

[Boone 58]

I like it!