Age Opinion

[TN Larry]

Here are a few bucks that I got on camera last year. I am still trying to learn how to age. How old do you think that these deer are? My guesses would be Buck #1 - 2.5, Buck #2 - 4.5, Buck #3 - 3.5 to 5.5 (not really sure).

Buck #1

Buck # 2

Buck # 3

 

[deerchaser007]

#1 2.5
#2 3.5
#3 1.5

 

[TN Larry]

#1 2.5
#2 3.5
#3 1.5

Why 1.5 on the last one? His neck is small, but his body is huge. This is what confuses me. To me from his shoulders forward he looks 1.5 and from his shoulders back he looks 3.5+. It may be the angle or may just be me. Unfortunately, this is the only picture that I have of this deer all year. I hope that 1.5 is right because his horns is not too good for 3.5.

 

[deerchaser007]

#3..Small neck and still has doe like features in the face,.. he is very healthy and has great potential for next year. He could be 2.5 ,.. but i would census him under as a early born 1.5. Hard to tell the difference sometimes between early born 1.5 and late born 2.5.

 

[JCDEERMAN]

1: 2 1/2
2: 4 1/2
3: 2 1/2 (Hard to tell from the angle, but has a pretty big body. The only thing that is confusing me is the little neck. Though he has a big body, he has short legs. Looks just to be a healthy young deer

 

[BigGameGuy]

Had you covered up the antlers on these pics I believe you would have received much different guesstimates.

 

[TN Larry]

Had you covered up the antlers on these pics I believe you would have received much different guesstimates.

No guesses.

I think that you are right. I nearly did that due to Buck #3. I am still leaning towards 3.5+. His neck is actually bigger than Buck #2. Since he does not have a swollen neck and has a huge, fat body in November (how do I say it without getting banned ) maybe he refrains from participating in the rut.

Where or where is BSK???

 

[BSK]

#1: 2 1/2
#2: 3 1/2 or 4 1/2 (would like to see him with his head up)
#3: 2 1/2

 

[TN Larry]

#1: 2 1/2
#2: 3 1/2 or 4 1/2 (would like to see him with his head up)
#3: 2 1/2

These are the only two that I have with his head up. I have very few pictures of him as he has only been through a couple of times. All of three of these deer only showed up during the rut.

 

[BSK]

Thanks for the extra pictures.

4 1/2 on buck #2. He has a lean body, but look at how his neck flows right into his brisket with no break.

 

[TN Larry]

Thanks for the extra pictures.

4 1/2 on buck #2. He has a lean body, but look at how his neck flows right into his brisket with no break.

Thanks. That is what I was thinking as well even though I am just getting started and no where near an expert. I didn't do too bad with my guesses. I will give you guys credit for posting useful information through the years. I took what people have said and try to guess when someone posts pictures like the ones above. I then go and compare my guesses to some of the "experts". For me, this is good hands on learning.

 

[BowGuy84]

well, I'm not an expert, but I agree with what others have said...the 2nd deer also has the short legged look that is always talked about with 4.5 deer.