How old is this buck?

By Grant Woods,

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← Grant's AnswersHow Old Is This Buck?
Question
could you tell me how old this deer is. I’m thinking he’s 3 or 3 1/2 year old. Do you think i should let him pass this year and see if he makes it next year?

Braxton,

That’s a neat buck!  One of the first things I commonly do is to cover the buck’s antlers and see if his body resembles a mature doe. If it appears like a doe, the buck is likely a two year old.  I did that test on this buck and his body does appear like a mature doe.  His shoulders and hams aren’t fully developed.  His back and belly don’t sag.  I estimate this buck is two years old. Deer are typically born during the spring and therefore bucks during the fall are typically X and 1/2 years old. I often simple say they are X years old and know that during hunting season they will be X and 1/2 years old.

Enjoy creation,

grant

October 8, 2015