IMO it really depends on the area and the habitat. I think if they are larger bodied to start with in the area it is not a much of a "loss" so to speak as compared to bucks that are smaller bodied in other areas. To me a 5 yr old and 7 old buck look very similar in body shape if they are in good shape. To me starting at 7 they start to loose muscle mass on the hindquarter area first. From 8 on they start to show changes that are more noticeable IME. I have seen bucks that were 8+ not look much bigger or different than a 4 yr old deer body shape and size wise. Then I have seen a very old buck that had no teeth left on a ranch that had body weight of a 1.5 yr old buck.

I've never seen my 7 year olds drop any weight.

Of course, my deer are all high fenced... so it would be "unethical" for me to include them in any data set..

I agree with this for the most part but the thing to remember is most bucks in low fence area are only going to be at the most 5 or 6 if they are lucky because of so many hunters .

The fence has nothing to do with it other than the fact that most HF deer are probably protein fed and I don't hunt behind a high one. Just curious about the deer that I hunt.