Tooth Aging??

[ghosthunter]

I read somewhere a while back that the most accurate way to age a deer is some sort of tooth aging process. I don't remember the name and I think UT can do it for a price.

What's that process called, how accurate is it, how much does it cost, and how do I go about doing it?

Thanks

 

[TRIGGER]

There is a helpful article on the home page here under tips and tricks I believe. At least it will give you an overview.

 

[BSK]

It is called cementum annuli. A front tooth is cut and the layers of enamel are counted like the growth rings of a tree.

In the North and Midwest, this is the most accurate aging process. However, in the Southeast, summer droughts can produce two growth/dormancy rings per year on the deer's teeth, which will produce an erroneous age (too old). In the Southeast, I still prefer toothwear for aging, although it has to be understood the ages indicated are just accurate minimum ages, and toothwear indicated ages of 3 or 4+ probably indicate a deer older than that.