How old is this deer?

06 January 2009, 04:19

DC Roxby

I would guess at least 6 years old. Depends on the area though. My dad has had several does with similar teeth aged by biologist at between 7 and 9 using the growth ring method. These deer were from northern Alabama. Any more info on the deer?

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06 January 2009, 04:51

new_guy

I shot it as a "mature" deer outside of Brady, TX. I'll hold off on the picture (looking at antlers seems to throw off people's guesses) until we have a few more posts.

I don't know the answer to how old it is, just curious about what others saw in the teeth.

Thanks for your input!

06 January 2009, 05:05

308Sako

My guess, not based on specific knowledge but ratehr years of observation was 4 1/2 because of the amount of tooth still above the gumline. I must confess that it is only a guess.

06 January 2009, 05:09

DTala

THAT deer hasn't seen 4.5 in a number of years...

One needs a from the top view to properly age teeth, but that deer is at least 7.5

troy

06 January 2009, 05:26

ravenr

i'll throw my hat in for 6 1/2+
i've never been to brady tx and would be curious if the soil there is sandy or fine?
would make the difference between being close or way wrong

06 January 2009, 06:19

Techsan

I was born and raised in Brady. Curious to hear on who's place you shot the deer. As for the age, I won't even guess, as I haven't inspected enough teeth over the years to guage the age of deer.

06 January 2009, 06:28

new_guy

My guess was 6 1/2.

The center of the 4th tooth is concave and smooth with no enamel ridge in the middle. I'd say that makes him over 5 1/2 years.

Teeth 5 & 6 are also concave, but there is still a distinguishable enamel ridge in the middle. If tooth 5 had no enamel ridge (like tooth 4), I would have added a year.

Regardless, he was a "shooter."

06 January 2009, 06:58

Charles_Helm

Nice buck -- age and a good rack both.

06 January 2009, 06:58

Bobby Tomek

I'd have to say 6 1/2 with the distinct possibility of even being 7 1/2.

Regardless, that is a very nice buck.

CONGRATS!

06 January 2009, 07:15

DC Roxby

That's a pretty buck!

06 January 2009, 07:17

308Sako

Damn nice buck, well done on the shot placement

06 January 2009, 07:18

blackbearhunter

Dandy! congratulations on a great old buck

06 January 2009, 18:14

new_guy

Thanks for the age input. I think we all agree that he's at least 6.5 yrs.

07 January 2009, 01:55

Futrdoc

I've heard that after 5 1/2, it's both difficult to tell, and a moot point. He's mature at that point, and a very nice deer. Since I like the game, I'll just say he's at least 5 1/2, with a good chance of being 6 1/2.

07 January 2009, 05:19

Eland Slayer

quote:
Originally posted by Futrdoc:
I've heard that after 5 1/2, it's both difficult to tell, and a moot point. He's mature at that point, and a very nice deer. Since I like the game, I'll just say he's at least 5 1/2, with a good chance of being 6 1/2.

07 January 2009, 06:01

duikerman

quote:
Originally posted by new_guy:
Thanks for the age input. I think we all agree that he's at least 6.5 yrs.

Experienced people will disagree a bit so I'm with the 6 1/2 guess.

07 January 2009, 07:42

IdahoVandal

That deer is between 2 1/2 and 4 1/2.....any suggestion otherwise is ridiculous......I have investigated over 400 deer killed by cougars in the last 3 years and found jaw bones and intact antlers on dozens of the kills. I have seen jaw bones from fawns with teeth worn down almost as much-- tooth wear is highly variable and has more to do with the diet, eting habits and genetics of the deer in question......

07 January 2009, 08:20

Troy Hibbitts

quote:
Originally posted by IdahoVandal:
That deer is between 2 1/2 and 4 1/2.....any suggestion otherwise is ridiculous......I have investigated over 400 deer killed by cougars in the last 3 years and found jaw bones and intact antlers on dozens of the kills. I have seen jaw bones from fawns with teeth worn down almost as much-- tooth wear is highly variable and has more to do with the diet, eting habits and genetics of the deer in question......

Having seen lots of teeth sets from known age deer from the Texas Hill Country (e.g. from the Kerr Wildlife Management Area), there is absolutely no way that deer is 2 1/2. 4 1/2 would be a remote possibility, but doubtful. That deer is at least 5 1/2, and quite possibly older. My first thought was probably 6 1/2, but as another poster suggested, once its past 5 1/2, it really doesn't matter and all becomes a matter of guesswork.

Troy