aging deer by bodys....
10-13-2008 | 09:43 PM
#1
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Giant Nontypical
Joined: Feb 2003
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From: PA
aging deer by bodys....
anyone have links to good reading/pics on aging deer by body shape/size etc???
saturday evening i had a 2.5yo buck come by...followed by a 1.5yo buck....the 2.5 was a half rack...i would had a HECK of a time aging him if the 1.5yo wouldnt been in the scene....alone, i wouldnt know if i passed a 1.5yo or 2.5yo...rack was inbetween...could been a GREAT 1.5yo or an alright 2.5yo...13-14" spread with probably 2-3" g1, 4-6" g2 and 3-4 g3....not a monster....but a would been nicer than anything else ive ever killed, and a trophy and accomplishment to me, with the bow....
ive come to realize if im going to pass deer and start thinking terms of age...i need to learn what im looking at....im not real picky right now....but sooner or later, im going to get there...hopefully next year....i need better properties before i start passing 2.5yos....
saturday evening i had a 2.5yo buck come by...followed by a 1.5yo buck....the 2.5 was a half rack...i would had a HECK of a time aging him if the 1.5yo wouldnt been in the scene....alone, i wouldnt know if i passed a 1.5yo or 2.5yo...rack was inbetween...could been a GREAT 1.5yo or an alright 2.5yo...13-14" spread with probably 2-3" g1, 4-6" g2 and 3-4 g3....not a monster....but a would been nicer than anything else ive ever killed, and a trophy and accomplishment to me, with the bow....
ive come to realize if im going to pass deer and start thinking terms of age...i need to learn what im looking at....im not real picky right now....but sooner or later, im going to get there...hopefully next year....i need better properties before i start passing 2.5yos....
10-13-2008 | 10:07 PM
#2
Nontypical Buck
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,456
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From: Hortonville, Wisconsin
RE: aging deer by bodys....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e4XIv...eature=related
i got this you tube video fast foward to about 2:00 min and it will start showing the different age classes hope this helps you
[align=left] [/align]
i got this you tube video fast foward to about 2:00 min and it will start showing the different age classes hope this helps you
[align=left] [/align]
10-14-2008 | 03:02 AM
#3
Dominant Buck
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 21,043
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From:
RE: aging deer by bodys....
You're never gonna know for SURE, Cap'n. You can make an educated guess.....but that's what you're doing.
I try not to look at the rack too much.....but it makes it easier on most. There's an article on this in the lastest D&DH issue (by Alsheimer) and I was surprised that he noted the rack size a LOT in determining age. I try not to do that.....but again..you need to know what's "typical" for your area.
There's a lot that goes into it.....but most of the timeI look at their hips and body. A 1.5 yr old looks like a doe with antlers (whayever those antlers may make up). A 2.5 is a different looking deer. He's really looking like a BUCK, then. Around here....it's typically not all that hard to tell the 1,5's from the 2.5's.
I try not to look at the rack too much.....but it makes it easier on most. There's an article on this in the lastest D&DH issue (by Alsheimer) and I was surprised that he noted the rack size a LOT in determining age. I try not to do that.....but again..you need to know what's "typical" for your area.
There's a lot that goes into it.....but most of the timeI look at their hips and body. A 1.5 yr old looks like a doe with antlers (whayever those antlers may make up). A 2.5 is a different looking deer. He's really looking like a BUCK, then. Around here....it's typically not all that hard to tell the 1,5's from the 2.5's.
10-14-2008 | 03:47 AM
#4
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 3,562
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From: Roanoke, Va
RE: aging deer by bodys....
Cool video. Good thread Mauser!
Watch at 7:07. I'm not good either at judging a deer's age but does anyone else think this is wrong? I thought if they made it to that age, they would have a smaller, shoddy looking rack. If that's a 13.5 yr old then I'm giving up.I just can't tell the difference.
Watch at 7:07. I'm not good either at judging a deer's age but does anyone else think this is wrong? I thought if they made it to that age, they would have a smaller, shoddy looking rack. If that's a 13.5 yr old then I'm giving up.I just can't tell the difference.
10-14-2008 | 04:48 AM
#5
Nontypical Buck
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 1,244
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From: Southwest PA
RE: aging deer by bodys....
Deer and Deer hunting has a good article this month as well. One thing I thought interesting was at 4 1/2, they said the mass circumference should be about the same as the diameter of the eye. Not that I'm going to pass a 3 1/2 because he's too young, but thought that was a measurement I'd never heard before.
Here are my thoughts on it.
1 1/2 still have long legs, no belly and an arched back. Rack, unless they are a freak, will be nothing too special.
2 1/2, you start to fill out the chest a little bigger, still no belly though and the back is starting to straighten out.
3 1/2, you start to get the back sway, notice a belly appearing but will still have the 'Race-horse' look. The bigger head/nose will be visible and the chest is really starting to develop.
Here are my thoughts on it.
1 1/2 still have long legs, no belly and an arched back. Rack, unless they are a freak, will be nothing too special.
2 1/2, you start to fill out the chest a little bigger, still no belly though and the back is starting to straighten out.
3 1/2, you start to get the back sway, notice a belly appearing but will still have the 'Race-horse' look. The bigger head/nose will be visible and the chest is really starting to develop.
10-14-2008 | 04:57 AM
#6
Giant Nontypical
Joined: Feb 2003
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From: Nekoosa Wi USA
RE: aging deer by bodys....
The 1½-Year-Old Buck (Yearling)
It is often said a yearling buck resembles a "doe with antlers," which makes it relatively easy to discern. The 1½-year-old buck will not develop the swollen neck and muscular characteristics of older bucks. These bucks tend to have thin hindquarters and long, thin legs. Think of a teenaged boy, not yet reaching full height and not nearly "filled in."
Almost all yearlings have an antler spread less than 13 inches. These "teenagers" have not learned to be as secretive as their older associates are, so they often enter food plots earlier than older bucks and tend to be in the vicinity of doe family groups. The average size of a buck's antlers doubles between 1½ and 2½ years of age, so it is a good decision to let a yearling buck grow at least another year.
2½-Year-Old Buck
The 2½-year-old group is more difficult than yearlings to judge. The majority of this age group still have antler spreads inside the ears, but some individuals may produce a good set of antlers. During rut, this age class produces a limited amount of neck swelling due to muscle development, and the waist, or area just in front of the back legs, is relatively thin. Their hindquarters are much more filled in than the yearling's, but their legs appear to be "long and lanky." This age class has lots of growing to do before reaching full maturity, so it is best to let them grow at least another year. Their racks are only about 60 percent of the size they will be at 5½ to 6½ years.
3½-Year-Old Buck
The ability to distinguish 3½-year-old age group is important to a management program emphasizing harvest of mature-aged bucks with maximum antler development. During the rut, the buck's neck is thickly muscled, yet there is still a distinct junction between the neck and shoulders. Some biologists compare its look to that of a well-conditioned racehorse.
The chest region may begin to appear deeper than the hindquarter area; inside spread of antlers typically is at or outside the ears. These bucks can develop impressive antlers, especially on well-managed properties in productive habitats; they are easily mistaken for "mature" deer. In reality, they have reached only about 75 percent of maximum antler development.
4½-Year-Old Buck
A white-tailed buck physiologically matures by 4½ years of age. By this age they have almost all of their adult body mass and have lost the racehorse look. Its neck region is fully muscled, giving the appearance of blending into the shoulders, and the waistline is as deep as the chest. Buck activity patterns may have changed by this age due to an increased wariness; they may not venture into open areas until about dark. Physiological maturity is closely associated with the maturing of a buck's antlers. By this age, the average buck will have grown about 90 percent of his total antler size.
5½- to 6½-Year-Old Buck (Mature or Prime)
Fully matured bucks have a distinctive look that is undeniable once experienced. This publication groups deer 5½ years old and 6½ years old into one age class, because few hunters or managers will want to try to differentiate animals. Antler size typically is maximum at 5½ to 6½ years of age and may deteriorate thereafter, depending on forage conditions.
During the rut, the buck's neck blends completely into his shoulders, and his front half appears to be one large mass. His legs appear shorter than legs of younger deer, but this is an optical illusion because his chest is taking up more of the viewing area. Just as people in middle age, most mature bucks exhibit a sagging belly. Their eyes are squinty in appearance. Mature bucks often show battle scars such as torn ears, broken antler tines, and scratched necks.
7½-Year-Old and Older Bucks
Overmatured bucks are often mistaken for younger animals because some body characteristics tend to revert. Muscularity is lost in the neck area because these animals may not participate as frequently in normal rutting activities. A swayed back and a prominent potbelly are other signs of this aged buck. Loose skin develops on the neck and head areas as muscle tone declines. Recent battle scars may not be visible, but old scars such as slit ears are evident. A buck's antler size tends to decline with advancing age.
It is often said a yearling buck resembles a "doe with antlers," which makes it relatively easy to discern. The 1½-year-old buck will not develop the swollen neck and muscular characteristics of older bucks. These bucks tend to have thin hindquarters and long, thin legs. Think of a teenaged boy, not yet reaching full height and not nearly "filled in."
Almost all yearlings have an antler spread less than 13 inches. These "teenagers" have not learned to be as secretive as their older associates are, so they often enter food plots earlier than older bucks and tend to be in the vicinity of doe family groups. The average size of a buck's antlers doubles between 1½ and 2½ years of age, so it is a good decision to let a yearling buck grow at least another year.
2½-Year-Old Buck
The 2½-year-old group is more difficult than yearlings to judge. The majority of this age group still have antler spreads inside the ears, but some individuals may produce a good set of antlers. During rut, this age class produces a limited amount of neck swelling due to muscle development, and the waist, or area just in front of the back legs, is relatively thin. Their hindquarters are much more filled in than the yearling's, but their legs appear to be "long and lanky." This age class has lots of growing to do before reaching full maturity, so it is best to let them grow at least another year. Their racks are only about 60 percent of the size they will be at 5½ to 6½ years.
3½-Year-Old Buck
The ability to distinguish 3½-year-old age group is important to a management program emphasizing harvest of mature-aged bucks with maximum antler development. During the rut, the buck's neck is thickly muscled, yet there is still a distinct junction between the neck and shoulders. Some biologists compare its look to that of a well-conditioned racehorse.
The chest region may begin to appear deeper than the hindquarter area; inside spread of antlers typically is at or outside the ears. These bucks can develop impressive antlers, especially on well-managed properties in productive habitats; they are easily mistaken for "mature" deer. In reality, they have reached only about 75 percent of maximum antler development.
4½-Year-Old Buck
A white-tailed buck physiologically matures by 4½ years of age. By this age they have almost all of their adult body mass and have lost the racehorse look. Its neck region is fully muscled, giving the appearance of blending into the shoulders, and the waistline is as deep as the chest. Buck activity patterns may have changed by this age due to an increased wariness; they may not venture into open areas until about dark. Physiological maturity is closely associated with the maturing of a buck's antlers. By this age, the average buck will have grown about 90 percent of his total antler size.
5½- to 6½-Year-Old Buck (Mature or Prime)
Fully matured bucks have a distinctive look that is undeniable once experienced. This publication groups deer 5½ years old and 6½ years old into one age class, because few hunters or managers will want to try to differentiate animals. Antler size typically is maximum at 5½ to 6½ years of age and may deteriorate thereafter, depending on forage conditions.
During the rut, the buck's neck blends completely into his shoulders, and his front half appears to be one large mass. His legs appear shorter than legs of younger deer, but this is an optical illusion because his chest is taking up more of the viewing area. Just as people in middle age, most mature bucks exhibit a sagging belly. Their eyes are squinty in appearance. Mature bucks often show battle scars such as torn ears, broken antler tines, and scratched necks.
7½-Year-Old and Older Bucks
Overmatured bucks are often mistaken for younger animals because some body characteristics tend to revert. Muscularity is lost in the neck area because these animals may not participate as frequently in normal rutting activities. A swayed back and a prominent potbelly are other signs of this aged buck. Loose skin develops on the neck and head areas as muscle tone declines. Recent battle scars may not be visible, but old scars such as slit ears are evident. A buck's antler size tends to decline with advancing age.
10-14-2008 | 07:51 AM
#7
Senior Member
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From: West MI
10-14-2008 | 08:14 AM
#8
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 663
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From: East Central Ohio
RE: aging deer by bodys....
10-14-2008 | 10:11 AM
#9
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Giant Nontypical
Joined: Feb 2003
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From: PA
RE: aging deer by bodys....
thanx guys! good stuff!!
Jeff, i know we cant ALWAYS be sure, but until recently, ive never cared a bit...honestly without this forum i wouldnt know scores or age....but im learning..trying to learn. i THOUGHT i could go by rack size...but im finding i simply havent seen enough bucks up close to be accurate...i need something more to help...thats where body shape and size plays in, for me. if that 1.5 yo hadnt been in the scene that evening, i may wrote him off as a dandy 1.5 yo because i simply had nothing to compare too...but he kinda dwarfed the 1.5yo all around....wasnt a ton bigger, but visibly different body shape and size...i really dont CARE....i make the ultimate decision and there are alot of factors that play into when i decide to shoot or not to shoot...but its nice to know what im passing or what im looking at....age may factor into what i shoot....i'll take that 2.5yo half rack over a 1.5yo basket 8...simply an older deer that survived 1 more season of PA hunters...i feel like im starting to accomplish things JUST by seeing bucks that are older...my area is heavily pressured and most of our bucks are still taken every season...i really wish i could send him into hiding till the end of january so i dont have a decision to make, and would know id have a 3.5yo stud on my hill next season...lol....
but, its hunting. there are no absolutes. decisions to make and live with. that was still a VERY awesome hunt, and i feel VERY rewarded, already. just by knowing first week of the season in the heat, i could killed a 2.5yo buck...a 1.5yo and 2.5yo buck walked DEAD down wind of me within 10yds and both crossed a trail i walked over 3x that day...that taught me my scent control practices ARE working and i need to stick with them...and, my tag is still unfilled...so i will continue to learn more by hunting this season....and, the chance to kill a big ole boy is still available....Rob buck or not, i may take him, later. i know if he had both sides i wouldnt had to think about it...so later, i wont be as picky if he gives me another shot the last week or 2....if i dont already have a different buck down....
Jeff, i know we cant ALWAYS be sure, but until recently, ive never cared a bit...honestly without this forum i wouldnt know scores or age....but im learning..trying to learn. i THOUGHT i could go by rack size...but im finding i simply havent seen enough bucks up close to be accurate...i need something more to help...thats where body shape and size plays in, for me. if that 1.5 yo hadnt been in the scene that evening, i may wrote him off as a dandy 1.5 yo because i simply had nothing to compare too...but he kinda dwarfed the 1.5yo all around....wasnt a ton bigger, but visibly different body shape and size...i really dont CARE....i make the ultimate decision and there are alot of factors that play into when i decide to shoot or not to shoot...but its nice to know what im passing or what im looking at....age may factor into what i shoot....i'll take that 2.5yo half rack over a 1.5yo basket 8...simply an older deer that survived 1 more season of PA hunters...i feel like im starting to accomplish things JUST by seeing bucks that are older...my area is heavily pressured and most of our bucks are still taken every season...i really wish i could send him into hiding till the end of january so i dont have a decision to make, and would know id have a 3.5yo stud on my hill next season...lol....
but, its hunting. there are no absolutes. decisions to make and live with. that was still a VERY awesome hunt, and i feel VERY rewarded, already. just by knowing first week of the season in the heat, i could killed a 2.5yo buck...a 1.5yo and 2.5yo buck walked DEAD down wind of me within 10yds and both crossed a trail i walked over 3x that day...that taught me my scent control practices ARE working and i need to stick with them...and, my tag is still unfilled...so i will continue to learn more by hunting this season....and, the chance to kill a big ole boy is still available....Rob buck or not, i may take him, later. i know if he had both sides i wouldnt had to think about it...so later, i wont be as picky if he gives me another shot the last week or 2....if i dont already have a different buck down....
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