mule deer age

21 January 2014, 06:38

BigB

mule deer age

I am fairly confident I have seen this deer the last 3 seasons. His antlers are a bit bigger this year and a tad wider. So If I am correct he would be 4 years old. Please let me know what you think.

nk. Just trying to improve my knowledge,

21 January 2014, 06:47

JBrown

I'm the last guy to ask, but with that sway-back and filled out look I would tend to agree.

It doesn't look like he has great genetics as far as antlers. Having said that I would shoot him in a second. I love those tall racked muleys. Beautiful animal.

And great photo, BTW.

Jason

"You're not hard-core, unless you live hard-core."
_______________________

Hunting in Africa is an adventure. The number of variables involved preclude the possibility of a perfect hunt. Some problems will arise. How you decide to handle them will determine how much you enjoy your hunt.

Just tell yourself, "it's all part of the adventure." Remember, if Robert Ruark had gotten upset every time problems with Harry
Selby's flat bed truck delayed the safari, Horn of the Hunter would have read like an indictment of Selby. But Ruark rolled with the punches, poured some gin, and enjoyed the adventure.

-Jason Brown

21 January 2014, 19:00

JGRaider

Did you look at his teeth? We killed one last year we guesstimated to be 7.5-8.5 yrs old due to the fact he pretty much had no back molars left.

21 January 2014, 19:14

Crazyhorseconsulting

I would go with 4.5 to 5.5. Range conditions/available food source can cause some discrepancies. With plenty of forage/browse an older buck can appear to be in better shape than a year or so younger buck off of poor range.

I go along with the concept of I would shoot him for two reasons. 1, I haven't hunted or killed a Muley since 1997, and its a Muley and they impress me. Nice looking buck.

Even the rocks don't last forever.

21 January 2014, 21:18

joester

I'm guessing it may be considered a 3x3; I've learned that the "western count" doesn't include the brow tines on mulies...Nice deer no matter how its " classified"! Instead of antlers, I'm seeing nice, rare steaks with all the fixins'!