early, two reasons I say he's 3 1/2 not 2 1/2. First his neck and chest are simply two big for a 2 1/2 year old deer but are still not as thick and filled in as i'd expect from a prime buck. Second, his antler bases (pedicles) have started moving to the side of his skull. A 2 1/2 buck would still have them closer together and more on the top of his skull. Also, his bases are too big for 2 1/2 but too small for a prime deer. there's definately exceptions to that rule but in general a 2 1/2 buck's skull (and skeleton) hasn't fully developped and his bases will be closer together than your buck.

Part of the reason the edmonton bow zone is as good as it is has to do with access. more posted land = more bucks live to maturity and overall densities are higher. the genetics are no better/ worse than anywhere else in western canada and that looks like a textbook 3 1/2 year old buck anywhere that i've hunted. Good deer with a bow either way. Congrats again! Are you coming back this year?