While I think he is over 3 think I'd wait until he sheds his velvet before I hit list him

I can't guess the age nearly like stxranchman and others but it looks like the flys are eatin on him pretty good.

Looks mature to me, all the way.

I say at least a 4 year old as well just from looking at the eyes, face and front end.

This^^^^

I shot a single drop tine 12 point 5 years ago. He was a 3 year old but he was a bruiser and I couldn't let him walk at that time. I wish now that I would have let him walk to see what he could've been the next 2-3 years. Let this guy walk and see what he will become!

Drop tine bucks are rare for a free range whitetail. This buck is mature and for this reason if he makes AR I would shoot him with no hesitation.

I'd say 4.5 - 5.5...Would be interested to see what other 4.5 and 5.5 yr olds look like on your property. I tend to lean towards what stxranchman says on this one...

Thanks for playing and very entertaining replies by all!

I agree that drop tines are very rare on free ranging bucks and well aware that it may not be a recurring trait from year to year. I’ve seen younger bucks gain points and kickers as well I’ve seen very old buck drop the same. I also definitely see that many other hunters suffer from “Wannakilladroptineitis” .

I probably should have said I thought this buck was 3-4 (as I still do) but just me personally, I’m not going to shoot a 110” 8 point with a 7” drop tine when I think that if he makes it another year he could really grow into something. He may…or may not but I’m betting on the come. I did find another picture of him that gives a better broadside shot attached here…



As far as what older bucks look like in our neck of the woods, the buck below is 5+ years old as I have three years worth of pictures of him. He is about 19” wide inside and will be well over 140” when he’s finished out. There will be no hesitation finding the spot and hitting the release if he gives me the opportunity. He is definitely my number one target as of now.




Fairly certain that old Kickstand won’t make it through the season as he is a complete wanderer and is hitting many stand locations. If not one of my other lease members or the neighbors…hell maybe even one of my kids….if I determine he meets AR’s…which I’m not sure of.

He will be a trophy for someone this year that is certain!

Love drop tines.

cool deer

5+ yo. Cool DT

Drop tine---

Don't think I could let him walk. 2nd buck is definitely the older of the 2.

too young I put him at 3.5, also don't think he would make the AR

3.5 to 4.5. If you are high fenced or have a huge place I would let him walk. It would be cool to see if this guy could put on another year or 2, might add some more mass. I think his neck is a little too skinny for an old buck. He sure is scarred, must be a real fighter.

nice deer

here comes the boom!

Love the drop tine but I don't think he makes AR's