Aging help please

TNlandowner · Sep 19, 2014

I'm hoping this fella lives another year. He has a good chance if I can convince the neighbors that he is only 2.5 years old.

Notice the split G2 on his left antler. The right antler has a bump, which could indicate both G2's could split next year.

BSK · Sep 19, 2014

Very good possibility that buck is already 4.

richmanbarbeque · Sep 19, 2014

BSK,
In detail can you explain why you think he could be 4? I only seen one indication that he was a mature buck. Not doubting, learning. Thanks

TheLBLman · Sep 19, 2014

I believe this buck is more likely 3 1/2 than 2 1/2, and do not disagree with BSK that he may be 4 1/2.

A 3 1/2 can easily look more like a 2 1/2 during the summer, and is actually more like just "3" anyway while in velvet. We're just properly "categorizing" for labeling consistency by using those "1/2's" when calling a 3-yr-old summer buck 3 1/2.

BSK · Sep 19, 2014

richmanbarbeque said:
BSK,
In detail can you explain why you think he could be 4? I only seen one indication that he was a mature buck. Not doubting, learning. Thanks

Right now, I lean towards 3 1/2. But summer bucks can really fool you. Quite often they look like a completely different animal from August to October. As Wes pointed out, often a 3 1/2 looks like a 2 1/2 in summer, and a 4 1/2 looks like a 3 1/2.

Again, right now, I see more characteristics of 3 1/2 than 4 1/2. But that buck sure has a lot of chest depth. And at this time of year, a 3 1/2 should have a fairly narrow waist, and that buck doesn't. I wouldn't be surprised if he ends up having classic 4 1/2 body conformation come late September or early October. In fact, right now I give better than even odds he turns out to be 4 1/2, hence my previously posted age estimation.

But you were correct in seeing a lot of 3 1/2 characteristics in him NOW.

TNlandowner · Sep 20, 2014

I need a lot of practice aging the 2.5 - 3.5 year old bucks. I think my mistake was looking at how long his legs look compared to his body. Here's another picture that may help. I could see him as 3.5 if the buck in the background is 2.5?