RE: Official "Here is My Standard" Registration Thread
 

No problem KP, look at his body.

RE: Official "Here is My Standard" Registration Thread
 

KP:

I'm not that good at aging deer on the hoof .....until I see them a few times...and start running down the "checklist" of criteria in my head with each sighting. I've seen deer I thought were older, at first, end up fooling me......and vice-versa.

The only 4.5 yr old I think is out there in my woods will be VERY evident if I see him. This will be 3 yrs in a row I've seen him.....and he'll be at LEAST 4.5 yrs.

I like trying to age them on the hoof, though. It's interesting. I just have a tough time remembering what all the "signs" are.

RE: Official "Here is My Standard" Registration Thread
 

Okay, but what would I be looking for to be different on a 4.5 year old vs. a 3.5 year old?

Thanks,

KP

RE: Official "Here is My Standard" Registration Thread
 

GMMAT... don't feel like you're the only one. I suspect that most who think they can would be wrong at least 50 percent of the time. Just like people trying to estimate weight... they're usually way off. Even the "EXPERTS" on TV are rediculous some times in their estimate of a deers age. I've seen a lot of spinddle racks called 4.5 year old "MATURE" bucks. If they shoot it they say it's a nice 4.5 or maybe 3.5 year old. Without doing the teeth bit there's no way of knowing and then it's a subjective thing when they get into wear etc. Lots of numbers are thrown out that probably should be "THROWN" out. When you see an "OLDER" buck you'll know it and it's not his horns. Compared to the others in the area the body and mass will give you the clues.

RE: Official "Here is My Standard" Registration Thread
 

Thanks David,
I'm not an expert on this, or even close. If I see a deer that looks like a doe with antlers, I assume he's young and let him go. If I see a nice fat neck boy who walks like he's pulling a trailer full of brick, I'm giving him the green light and the hunting is on... If I were to get him, I'm not going to argue over whether he's 3.5 or 4.5, doesn't really matter much at that point.
Thanks again,
KP

RE: Official "Here is My Standard" Registration Thread
 

Funny story, David.....and what you say is OH so true.

The first time I saw the deer I mention in my post (the one I know will be at least 4.5, this year)......he spooked me. I mean it. He looked like a BULL, compared to the other deer in the woods. So...I nicknamed him that (The Bull). Lisa and I were at a friend's lake house in TN, yesterday.....and I caught movement coming through the woods. It was a BUNCH of HUGE..........cows. It was a little strange to see them in the woods, like that......and it reminded me, instantly, of the day I saw "The Bull".

Germ told me once.....that I wouldn't have to worry about identifying a mature buck when the time came. He was right (imagine???;)). Germ says the big boys command respect....and lumber like they own the place. So true.......

RE: Official "Here is My Standard" Registration Thread
 

For me, it really depends on the deer. I'd like to say 140 or better. But if given the opportunity at a mature 130 buck which is past it's prime, then I'll take it. My goal is to take a buck 4 1/2 years or older, as a buck in that age will normally have a rack worthy of harvesting:D

RE: Official "Here is My Standard" Registration Thread
 

im with you on this.

RE: Official "Here is My Standard" Registration Thread
 

3.5+ year old buck. Score doesn't matter to me. Will post picture of jaw... if I get one that is:)

RE: Official "Here is My Standard" Registration Thread
 

Prime? From what I understand a deer isat prime at6.5 yrs old as far as rack and body size/dominance. That is an OLD freakin buck. I really am not sure if I have ever seen a buck that old other than dead inthe backof a truck somewhere.

Dr Deer says learn the under belly and how it fills out, and their shoulders and neck. Heck Man I really dont know. If I judge it at 140" it is down. I will check teeth later.