Imagine a plumb line hung down the inside of each antler, it clears the ears which are definitely in the "alert" position, as described in the Outdoor Annual. It's close, but any GW writing your 70 year old wife up for that one is a DB. Shoot it, if it causes a problem we'll pass the hat and bail you out.

edited to add: I'd pass, personally, but I'm not 70 years old either!

That area most bucks that age are around 170lbs with ears in alert a bit over 13 inches. Like the others that say he just makes it I tend to agree. Taker the chance or not I up to you.

We do not hunt that far apart in Eastland County.

That's a tough one for sure, but under those circumstances I would probably be more willing to roll the dice. I do think he's legal, but it's an easy call for the rest of us because we have zero risk in the situation. If your wife doesn't get this one, I hope she gets another good one. Best of luck whichever way you go.

Keep us posted, hope to see a pic
With your wife holding his antlers in the near future.

If she gets him, I will post photos of her happy smile and a photo of a tape measurement of his horns. Thank you for all of the help with everyone's opinions.

Legal. Ears are in alert position and the inside circumference is greater than that of the tips of the ears. In fact, the deer is a close match for the illustration here...
https://tpwd.texas.gov/regulations/outdoor-annual/regs/animals/white-tailed-deer

That's a legal deer! I let one walk that was similar before, maybe even was a lil heavier antlered and never seen it again, none of us!!! Had it al over again I would Shoot!

Tell Mrs. T we want to see plenty of pics.

I agree....

, post didn't go threw.. Best wishes... Taking from the Tittle of thread theirs a difference of opinions on if deer is legal or not... Not sure what the rules for culling on your lease are... The money for hunting licence, & lease came out of your pocket... Tis like pappy says about gas prices: Not every one pays the same ... Best wishes this season...

i'm just a lowfer who's post ain't worth ... With a generous 2month any legal meens, following a 1month archery season... Deer here don't stand around for mug-shots ... As pappy once said: using the BBT, Big Bang Theory... When de chooten begins... The survivers Mature faster ...

This

Too close , another year might make big difference !

I'd say he's barely legal which is the same way I like my women.

Legal

Without knowing the body sizes of bucks in your area, it's hard to tell, but assuming the average, I'd bet he makes it with an inch to spare. I shot a tiny bodied buck in the hill country that didn't look quite as wide as that guy and his inside was 12.5. My neighbor shot a buck last year that was huge bodied and we all questioned if it made 13 when we saw the picture and it was actually 15.5. I know because he didn't find the deer and I ultimately recovered it a week later and was shocked at how much bigger it was than it looked in his game cam pic.

Deer in warmer states tend to be smaller in body size... They don't need the extra weight ta survive harsh winters... The smaller, lighter bone structure is more suttable for the warmer climits... A 140 rack on a 150+# deer looks small were a 120 rack on a. 90# deer looks big... Smaller bone structure usualy thinner diameter main beams & such...

Id say so

I've got a couple that are like that and they get a pass.
Only one way to find out!

One of two things can happen, nice buck son! or camp meat. Leave it at that.

I don't think ANY game warden would write a ticket up for that. a nice deer, it certainly isn't a 11-12" deer. you might get a warning and told to be more careful if it doesn't measure. I would be livid to hear a game warden would write a ticket on that type of deer measuring 12 3/4".

Kill one that wide at 12 3/4" and call the GW. Keep us update on what happens next.

When in doubt, favor the ranch. I think he'll make it, but just too close to call so I'd let him walk.