This guy has unreal potential. I compared his 2.5 pics to another buck I have at 2.5-5.5 (that buck now grosses in the low 130s) and this guy "The Great 8" outscores him by about 20-25 inches as a 2.5. I'm thinkin he'll net close to 110" and should be a shoe in for P&Y next year. I've also attached photos comparing him last year as a yearling to this year as a 2.5.

That is a gorgeous 2.5 year old. I have never seen a 2.5 year old that big. In fact, the biggest 2.5 year old I have seen went about 95 inches, and I killed him 2 years ago. I cannot imagine how big that buck will get in the future.

Exactly, that's what I keep thinking. I'm gonna pass this buck and do everything in my power to make sure he gets through. Safe to say my Dad and uncles think I'm crazy.

That is a great lookin' 2 1/2, lets hope he live another season or two!

I've also got a couple of outstanding 2 1/2 yo bucks on my own property that I really hope can put on another year of two and really show their potential!

I've let this guy walk a couple of times, he's not wide at all ( about 15") but has an excellent frame

Here's another young buck that could look really cool in another year or two. We call 'em "Elk horn".

great bucks guys... i've never seen a 2.5 yo as big as any of those...

Gary, that is a great looking buck. Hopefully he makes it through to next year. I think he'll be a great looking 3.5.

What makes you believe he is only 2.5? Not arguing, still learning how to judge. Based on what I've learned, I'd lean toward 3.5 with this buck. I'm starting to see the belly parallel with the chest and his neck/shoulders make me think 3.5.

Your second buck still has the skinny neck/shoulders and the belly is up from the chest.

Again, not arguing just trying to understand.

All very nice bucks. If I had property to mange my own deer I'd let those 2-2.5 deers walk until they were ripe. Great bucks though.

Very, very good reply. I was thinking the exact same thing. I know there are several aides to help guess the age. How do you know exactly?