How wide?

CUTTHROAT · Dec 9, 2005

How wide is the buck in the third photo? I have been debating this question with a couple friends. I say 27"

http://www.monstermuleys.info/dcforum/DCForumID21/1355.html

MrB · Dec 9, 2005

Now this one could be tough, do to some of the smallest ears available to a mule deer. I will say 25.5"
Mike

boneaddict · Dec 9, 2005

Thats about perfect of a guess. I say 25-26. Split the difference 25.5.

Skunkterd · Dec 9, 2005

I would say 23

ktg · Dec 9, 2005

MrB · Dec 9, 2005

Boneaddict, I couldn't agree with your calculations more, you clearly have a keen eye and mind for numbers. Well done!
Mike

prohunter · Dec 10, 2005

that is a young deer. You can see it in his face. At best the ears are 18" wide. My guess is 20" wide outside spread.
ProHunter
GOD BLESS AMERICA!

prohunter · Dec 10, 2005

oopps! third photo! I did not scroll down. He is alot wider than his ears, but he looks to have tiny ears compared to most mule deer. I'll go with mid 20" 25.5 sounds good.
ProHunter
GOD BLESS AMERICA!

Gator · Dec 10, 2005

24" maybe just a tad bigger don't think he will make 25"

Muleyslyr · Dec 10, 2005

I'd have to say right at 24".....he does look like a younger deer though. Oughta be a dandy next year. Great pics by the way!

cauch · Dec 10, 2005

23" Inside

PronghornHunter · Dec 11, 2005

27 outside.

boneaddict · Dec 11, 2005

Thanks Mike.

csutton7 · Dec 11, 2005

when a muleys ears are laid out flat and the horns are right there you can figure about 24" on avg--this deer's ears are semi upright--so I'm gonna say 23-24" outside spread--chris

ridgewalker · Dec 11, 2005

What's up with that deer's ears..26"..

CUTTHROAT · Dec 12, 2005

Thanks guys.

idhunters · Dec 12, 2005

Just keep in mind the wide variation in "ear length". While I would agree with CSutton about a 24" average, that means ears could be 18 to 26".

I shot a buck in western wyoming and the ears were 26" tip to tip. My friend shot a buck in eastern Idaho this year and the ears were just UNDER 20" tip to tip.

In the case of my buck he was wider than first thought, with my friend, there was "ground shrinkage" as the horns were 3" on either side of the ears, which is how he judged the buck, thinking 6" of air plus 24" of ears=30" buck when in fact it was a 26" rack.

Hope some of this helps.