A friend at campshota small doe last week.Even though it's his first deer with the bow he was embarrassed. Famous words "it looked bigger than that from my stand".We all have been there and since he is fairly new to hunting and I told him that it's okay. He justneeds to learn to judge how old a doe is. I use their head size compared to the ears. What other tricks do you use?

If it's out of spots and within bow range, I shoot. I'm out for meat and I am an opportunist.

Experience is the best tool. Look for thick hips and narrow shoulders. Younger deer will be the same girth back and front. Long necks (not the bottles) andmore than twofeet of ground clearance under their bellies...it's tough to do!! After taking a little deer, he will be able to better judge the next one.

I say to myself wow that's a good size doe.

or

That's just a little one.[8D]

I go by the snout of the deer. If its short i dont shoot but if its long im gonna shoot

Like wisbowhunter said look at the snout , if it's short and rounded it's a young one but if it's long and more to a point it's two years or older.
I also look at the body if it's got a more rectangle shape to it and lager mass then it's an older doe but she's got a small box shape to her then she's a young one.

If the doe is with fawns it's easy.

If not look at the head. Fawn's including big button bucks have more pushed in snouts. Older does have enlongated snouts.