Because of the data we have collected in my county in Maryland, this deer, where I live and based on your description, would likely have been a "low end" 3 1/2 year old. In our county, it would be a certainty the animal was over 1 1/2, none of our 1 1/2 year olds are over 15 inches wide (outside). Yours was likely 17 1/2" outside.

There would be a 2/3 probability the animal was 2 1/2, 1/3 3 1/2. 4 1/2 and older are so rare as to be highly unlikely.

Given what you describe as extraordinary body size, I'll give a guess that he fits that 1/3 probability of being a 3 1/2 year old. He was probably born late in the year, as nutrition does not appear to have been a problem at that body weight.

All of this is based on where I live. Your area may be very different. We produce some very good 3 1/2 year old bucks. Just so few get to that age.

If you have checking stations where your DNR ages deer, spend a day collecting data on antler dimensions and age. It's an eye opener.

Good luck.