I was wondering how every one identifies specific deer from year to year. What are some tips what should I look at

antler size and characteristics is the norm.

Discoloration, nicks or cuts in ears or body from previous fights or injuries.

Specific markings on the deer's body or unique things like a cut ear or short tail are some things I notice.

Blessings.......Pastorjim

+1 PastorJim

Do you guys think this is the same deer or two different? I look at the ears and they look the same and see some similarities in the antlers but I'm not sure.

Possibly. I think it will be a little easier to tell when he comes out of velvet.

Blessings.......Pastorjim

tough to tell from just those two pictures, if you got some pics from behind, the amount of black/brown/white on their tail can help a lot with identification, along with patches of white on the insides of their legs or on their feet. You are looking for something to identify them that wont change from year to year. The white around their mouth and nose and eyes is another one you can use as well. I have found that the black coloring on the top of their nose can change somewhat from season to season and year to year with different coat changes so that can sometimes be a little deceiving.