TexasOaks

Little poll and some helpful pictures on how toidentify different age classes of whitetail deer.

http://www.huntingnet.com/forum/tm.aspx?m=2155212

huntingson

Honestly, as far as I am concerned, it is very difficult to age a deer exactly, even with the jaw bone. Depending on diet, the teeth can wear differently, and so a 4 year old in lush farm country has the teeth of a 2 or 3 year old in harsh country. The black strips on the teeth are the best indicators to me, but I am no expert. The belly sag thing for on hoof is a good indicator, but again, it really is a guess on hoof of +/-1 year IMO.

GMMAT

Also....after 3 to 4.5.....I couldn't hazard a guess.I haven't had much experience with deer that age (almost none).....and it absolutely makes me laugh when I see the guys on TV saying their deer is a 6.5 yr old when they're posing for photos with it (assuming they don't have trail cam photos of the deer from day 1).

I also find it mildly amusing when people are trying to educate me RE: deer and they refer to "horns".

Bullet Hole Bailey

I know, some of these high class hunters on TV will say horns instead of antlers and sometimes it just makes me wonder if they are all that experienced.

IL-Cornfed

Aging deer is an art but the average hunter only needs to know what a yearling buck and a 2 1/2 year old looks like because they'll shoot anythinglarger on sight. I just wish more folks would learn to identify atleast immature bucks and learn to pass on 'em.

HuntingBry

That is an interesting post to watch the development of that buck. The 7 year old picture really shows decline with the loose neck skin and swayed back. With older deer so rare where I hunt I don't even try to age. I go with "shooter" or "not a shooter."

LebeauHunter

I am getting better at it but had an embarrasing and frustrating kill last year.

When it is getting dark and the deer is by itself and it is a quick rifle shot, it is easier said than done. I mixed up a yearling buck for a doe (trying to take out some does and thought it was a second year doe).

I'm learning and am going to do what it takes not to repeat that (including not shooting unless I am sure).

I think a lot of people will have to learn from mistakes or kills when they are young b/c looking at pictures doesn't always help when your out there in the heat of the moment.

YooperMike

Good point. Where I hunt in the UP, there are some potato fields in the area, and the deer that grow up eating taters need dentures by 2 because of all the sand. Very tough to age deer in my opinion, and not something I claim to have any expertise at.

TROPHYHUNTER25

theres a big difrence from 2-3 years so thats what i worry about

CrazyJoeFreaknDavola

Good thread.

A couple of years ago I quit trying to put a number on the deer. What I mean is, I don't call a certain deer 1 1/2 years old, or 3 1/2 years old. Now days,the deer is either mature (3 years old or order) or immature (less than 3). This system works for me.