Estimating Age of Bucks

Josey_Wales · Mar 2, 2011

The post about the age of trophy bucks got me to thinking...is there a good reference to estimate the age of mule deer bucks? I know the only way to determine the age for certain is to get a tooth tested, but I'm wondering about estimating.

I know for whitetails, there is stuff all over the internet. There seems to be a pretty well defined system to look at a WT buck on the hoof and be able to tell with fairly good accuracy if the buck is 2, or 3, or 4, or 5+. Additionally, there is a wealth of information about how you can estimate a WT bucks age by looking at his teeth. I have never seen any information about how to estimate a mule deer bucks age on the hoof or by looking at teeth. Does anyone know of a reference for aging mulie bucks? If not, do any of you have any tips?

Thanks...

Blanding_Boy · Mar 2, 2011

LAST EDITED ON Mar-02-11 AT 09:00AM (MST)[p]I have a power point that has some good characteristics too look at and then a test. I would be happy to PDF it and send to you (or anyone else if interested) if you would like to look at it, send me an email [email protected]

But here is the catch.....--you have to promise cross your heart to;
1-I won't send it or share it with anyone else
2-you and only you will take the test--no outside help
3-you agree to become one of my test subjects and you have to be 100% honest with your test and send me your results.

Then I will send you the answers

Todd Black
BTO

Packout · Mar 2, 2011

Todd, send me one too.

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www.sagebasin.com
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Blanding_Boy · Mar 2, 2011

Mike--you send me one so I don't forget... won't be able to do it until the weekend....

[email protected]

Todd Black
BTO

fullcurl74 · Mar 2, 2011

This is a topic that always cracks me up on this site. Somebody will post a couple pics of a buck alive or dead, and some "expert" will pipe up with "looks like a young buck, wonder what he would've looked like next year" or the famous, "old regressed buck".

Truth is, each deer looks a little different in the face and antler characteristics, just like people. The only way to tell for sure is teeth.

Blanding_Boy · Mar 2, 2011

LAST EDITED ON Mar-02-11 AT 10:57AM (MST)[p]Ryan--
While it may crack you up, there really are certain physical characteristics and behavioral characteristics you can look at with bucks particularly in late summers that if you know what you are looking at you can be better and more accurate (making an educated guess) than just a guess out of the hat. This has been shown over and over again and verified tooth aging which is extremely accurate. Whether you want to learn or continue to laugh is your choice. You ready to take the test?

Todd Black
BTO