doh!!! is it too late to recant? i am guessin now that that is the 6 th toof jus barely comin in?

Testing has shown that the only way to accurately tell the age is to cross section a tooth and count the rings.

Not to be a know-it-all, but the 6th tooth is the 3rd molar, all the teeth (molars/premolars) have 2 cusps until the deer is 2 1/2, then the 3rd molar will have a well developed 3rd cusp on the 3rd molar,
So without a question this deer is 2 1/2 maybe 3 1/2, (or older) because after 3 1/2 it takes close examination to determined the age. My guess would be 2 1/2 Doc

I think some of the other pictures show the 3rd molar better

I would totaly agree!! Up to 2 1/2 pretty easy, after that it becomes more a guessing game. Doc

I would have guessed in the 2 year old area, great looking deer!

watch this, and lets talk "3 cusps" on the 3rd tooth.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IaVjWsmkRgA

Yes, I know that, but that is on a FAWN and this is obviously not a fawn. Lets look at this deer jaw and see what it tells us!! the 3rd premolar has 2 cusps (that tells us it is over 1 1/2 years old)( if it had 3 cusps it would be 1 1/2 or younger, a fawn) It has 3 cusps on the 3rd molar (that tells us it is AT LEAST 2 1/2 years, the size of the 3rd cusp could be an indicator of 3 1/2 (but no bets). again not trying to be a smart A$$, Doc

Bush....that deer is at least 2.5 because the third cheek tooth (starting from the front) only has 2 cusps. A 1.5 yr old would have 3 cusps on the third cheek tooth. To determine if he is 3.5 you need to go to the 3rd cusp of the last cheek tooth. IF the back cusp is not flat then the deer is 2.5. If the last cusp is flat and shows any dentine (brown color) then he's at least 3.5.

By the way Bush....forgot to mention....what an awesome shot. Congrats!!!

naaaa mannn.. i dont think you are..i am eager to learn...i was thinkin you were talking bout the 3 cusps on the pre-molar before, but i see what you are saying now...by the back part (3rd cusp)of the 6th toof being slightly exposed tells us he is at least 2 1/2 , and with the 4th toof being rounded down and the 5th and 6th toof cusps are still peaking, would put it right at about 2 1/2 years old?