Age???

[tree_ghost]

Have a couple years of history with this old boy on the right. Hes definitely deficient in the gene pool because hes sported that same rack both years. Just curious as to how old you think he may be? Hes definitely a mature trophy!

 

[ROUGH COUNTRY HUNTER]

I am guessing 5 1/2.he will fill out alot more later on

 

[Andy S.]

The deer on the left is mature, no doubt about it.

 

[TheLBLman]

I am guessing 5 1/2.

Yep, 5 1/2 or older.

He's definitely deficient in the gene pool . . . . .

This seems to have become the "new norm" for most mature bucks in Tennessee.
Smaller than average antlers has become the #1 factor causing multiple hunters to pass up 2 1/2 & 3 1/2-yr-old bucks.
Then, while many hunters would be happy to take these bucks at 4 1/2 or older, 4 1/2 and older bucks become much more hunter wary. Plus, few hunters will then specifically target a buck of ANY age that has relatively small antlers.

Thus, we hunters tend to kill off the best individual antler genetics when their carriers are 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 (if not 1 1/2) years old, leaving mainly the below average to survive to maturity.

 

[tree_ghost]

I'll post a picture of him last year in rut after everyone gets there guesses in...

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