RE: aging process
It's really hard to say without knowing the area. I can explain my area though and maybe it will be similar to yours.
Born this spring: This fall button buck, 1/2 year old.
Next fall: Spike - Small 6, 1 1/2 year old.
Fall after Next: Small 8 -Small 10, 2 1/2 year old.
Fall after fall after next: Large 8 - Large 12, 3 1/2 year old.
This is just what I have experienced with.