Last 3 Years of the Same Buck

I called him 4 yrs old in 2015, 5 in '16 and 6 this year.

Low fence, native deer on LF 900ac. bordering 8,500 low fence acres. Free-choice protein available Jan-Sept. on both ranches, in good years. Year round during drought. The fence in the background of first photo is neighbors to our north.

First impression from the first 2 photos above in 2015 was a 5 yr old. Pretty sure that was correct, but convinced myself he was only 4.

Accurate aging, from photos only, is a crap shoot. At best. Never seen this deer in person.

So how old is he? I truly have no idea as these are the only progressive history photos we have of him.

Sorry, photos are out of order. Sorry too for fuzzy pics in '16. Had to zoom and crop the 1st 2. From the bottom up...2015 first 2, 2017 second 2, 2016 top 3. Should have killed him in 2016. Think he's in the 40's to low 50's at best, now.

Boy has some nice G-1s. Spread looks like it might go 22" + easy.

Most of you know this, but for those still learning.

There are two distinct body types in white-tailed deer. Short and squat or long and tall. This buck is short and squat so his antlers appear larger than they really are. And his body looks much thicker than a long/tall deer of the same age. Kill these and let the Michael Jordans go.

Nice buck

I bet you'll be looking for him this season.

Love the frame on him, thanks for sharing.

I think you're spot on with age. Those 2015 pics are tough when comparing a squaty buck during or post rut to the newer summer pics. He's not as big as last year, but still a good looking buck.
Im stumped between the 2016-2017 pics. i don't keep up with rainfall that far south anymore, so have range conditions been similar over the last year?

I would go with your age estimates, but wouldn't doubt a year older either. Before you said the date order I was scratching my head a little.

Very nice

I'd say 5.......

Great deer. I think he was mature in the first picture. On the downhill side now. I'd have shot him in any of those years. But my standards are lower than yours.

good looking buck

cool progression - great buck

I say mature. I don't like guessing on a deer's age in years.

wow

So you are saying kill the txshntr (trex) types

Great looking buck with a wide spread, good luck