i think you r right on age, im not good on scoring. if u like him, i suspect 5.5 (no younger) and have at em, but for whatever reason, i think there is some chance he might be better next year? prob don't make sense if lost a point over last year though? Tough call
I thought he was 5 last year. I know he doesn't have much width probably 15"-16", but I knew he was definitely mature last year. Normally have wider bucks but hard to get age on them hunting a small parcel of land like this place.
To me he has the face and hock/staining of a 5 yr old that time in the season but his body looks more like that of an older buck. Most 5 yr old would have been a little thinner or race horse looking in the flank during the or end of the first rut. This year his body shape and size along with some graying in the forehead appear to be more of a 7 yr old. Hard to tell though without a broadside photo for sure. Many if not most 7 yr old show a pointed rear end like he showing also. I will agree he is at least 6.
Man he looks much better out of velvet than it...which is unusual. First broadside pic he does look more 7 than the other two. He has quite a bit of neck to brisket muscle also for Sept 13. I would call him 7 based off of pics but as always I have learned that still pics vs. live or videos of deer moving and around other deer is much better to judge from. He is has a pretty shape and color antlers. I did not add him up but I am seeing 130's type frame on in with what appears to be shorter tines and beams to get him higher on score. Still are really pretty buck though. I would give him serious consideration here on my place due to age, 5x5 and overall just pretty look.