Ear width with age?

Do deer ear tip to tip width get wider with age? We have a buck that's barely at the ear tips wide but is 5.5 years old. I think he is for sure wide enough but others say not wide enough. This is south Atascosa county. Protein fed.

Generally width improves with age but genetics can be a funny thing. I see a 5 yo, take him out he'll score well.

Good to go!

I had one just like that a couple years ago that I let go, and then after he left I got to thinking that the deer was way bigger than the other bucks and does in the clearing with him.
It was too late, but I figure now that he would have made the 13" rule easily.
Haven't seen the buck since, so I assume someone got him.

I would not shoot him. Hes got a narrow rack and I dont think he'll meet the 13" rule.

I dont ever want to have the conversation with a game warden or judge that I thought he was 13"

I would agree!
Only you can make the call, and it would probably result in an illegal deer. (Folks on here won't take up a collection to pay your fine.)
It's like the wise man once said. "If you have any doubt, let him walk!"

He is good to go, shoot him if you like him. Legal buck.

Yup... he'll make a great mount

Based on the fact that deer ALWAYS look wider from directly behind, I think he is a little iffy. But, actual visual sighting may prove otherwise.

He's close but I think legal .

That deer is 14-14.75 all day long. Pop him

I forget. Is the measurement from the main beam or from any points at the widest? Im pretty sure its the main beam but just making sure.


If he comes out i plan to shoot him. i think hes 15" wide at one part of the main beams. if its any points then for sure hes wide enough.

we will see:)

I just read the law. It says main beam.

I edited this post and took out what I read about the points. It's not true. It was proposed but never approved.

Didn't realize a points on one side rule. He's 14+ anyhow, no worries.

Looks 15" to me. Ground check him.

Legal for sure