How Old?
 

Well guys this one has me stumped. I believe i have this deer on cam last year as a 3 year old (or 2 year old with extremely good genetics) bust most likely 3. The rack was the same symmetrically this year, it looks like he may have put on more mass at the bases and added some length to his main beams. I would say he only gained 10 - 15 inches. I'm having a hard time believing this deer could have only put on 10 inches or so, i realize we had a very hard winter last year and that could have something to do with it. But the area he is in a deer of 4 would normally be a bit larger, maybe his body size is throwing me off, i dont know. How old does he look to you guys, what would you guess on a score? Need a few more opinions. A few years ago i wouldnt have cared I just would have shot him if given the chance, now its my personal goal of only shooting 4+ year old deer.

Thanks
Tom

I hate to say it but I would have to say 3.5 years old. It is hard to tell by the pictures. An buck would start getting that block head look. The best I can tell he still has a relatively long nose.

Sorry I can't be more sure but those tough angles are really hard to guess his age.

Good luck, if you do end up shooting this deer. He is still a great buck no matter how old.

Just for comparison, here is the video I have from him in 2010.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3WUyyzQsH6o



Tom

My guess is 3.5.

He's a great buck, no matter.

Tough call, could be 3.5 or 4.5. He has a big body, but not a huge one. He doesn't seem to have grown a ton from last year either.

Gotta go with 3 1/2 as well, good looking buck.

I'd say he is a 3.5 year old

Looks no older than 3.5 to me. In fact, if it weren't for you showing last year's video, I would probably have guessed 2.5. His legs aren't really starting to bulge with muscle yet. He is definitely a very good deer, but not 4 years old, I don't believe.

It doesnt look like the same deer to me. and if it is he seemed to have more mass last year and looked bigger last year. just my opinion

I would say 3.5 but i would love to have him on my wall..thanks for posting

Thanks for all the input guys. Just checked my cam today and had a few more pics of him, i would have to say i would probably have to agree with him only being 3. He gets the free pass from me this year. The only part that sucks about this is that ill never see him at 4 years old, this is the last year i have access to the farm he lives on. The family that owns it is selling it to the state and they are annexing it into a state park.

That sucks Tom. Hate to say it, but I would have to let the air out of him then. Burt then again, I would probably shoot him anyways, he is a nice buck.

I find it hard to believe it's the same deer as well. Actually the video from last year, that deer looks slightly bigger. I would say both pic's and video the deer are 3.5. IMO the hard horn pic buck is smaller than the video buck.

I thought the same thing as well. However, I think the pictured deer from this year looks like he is 2.5. Either way, I'd shoot him...especially if you ain't got access to that land in the future!