NEbuck Posted July 8, 2006 Report Share Posted July 8, 2006 I cant find any info on how to age elk, specifically bulls. Last year I went to Montana and shot a 6x7 and was wondering approx. how old he was. I'm sure there is some way to tell by looking at there teeth, but I was more looking at horn size. Is a spike a 1 1/2 year old, raghorn 2 1/2, 5x5 3 1/2? Thanks for any help. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dakota Posted July 9, 2006 Report Share Posted July 9, 2006 Re: How to age elk? When you are looking for age, compare the bull (bodywise) with other bulls around him. Two bulls may both be 350 B&C, but their body size could be different. The smaller bull will be the younger one. Also, look at the size of the antlers. A big 370+ class bull will usually have royals 30+ inches long and the rack almost as long as the bull's body. If the antlers look too big for a bull, it's definetely a shooter. Check out "Elk Hunting the West the Eastman Way". I read it in there. It'll tell you how to judge them on the hoof by rack and body, and the book also comes w/ a companion DVD. Good luck this fall! I know I'm excited for my Wyoming elk hunt. Dakota Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NEbuck Posted July 9, 2006 Author Report Share Posted July 9, 2006 Re: How to age elk? He gross scored 355. So roughly how old would you say this bull was. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dakota Posted July 10, 2006 Report Share Posted July 10, 2006 Re: How to age elk? I'm no expert, but I'd say that occording to the Eastmans it's pro'ly in between 6-8 years old. It all depends. Did the bull have a sagging belly? That is a characteristic of old bulls of the 10 year plus age group. It's rack could have been in decline if so. Good luck! Dakota Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NEbuck Posted July 10, 2006 Author Report Share Posted July 10, 2006 Re: How to age elk? Thanks for the info. gobbler. Good luck in wyoming. Will you be hunting close to Yellowstone, I got mine off the Northern border. I have been thinking about getting the Eastmans book, I really like the magazine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whitetailtrax Posted July 10, 2006 Report Share Posted July 10, 2006 Re: How to age elk? [ QUOTE ] I cant find any info on how to age elk, specifically bulls. Last year I went to Montana and shot a 6x7 and was wondering approx. how old he was. I'm sure there is some way to tell by looking at there teeth, but I was more looking at horn size. Is a spike a 1 1/2 year old, raghorn 2 1/2, 5x5 3 1/2? Thanks for any help. [/ QUOTE ] You are basically correct - spike at 1 1/2 and so on. There are always exceptions to the rule though. A 350 caliber bull is typically at least 5 years old from my experience. Teeth wear is the quickest way to determine age, and pullling an incisor for cementum aging is very accurate. Did you go through a check station with your bull and if so did they pull a tooth? If they did, you can contact Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks and they will be able to tell you the exact age of your bull. They don't routinely send this info. unless you ask for it. Sounds like you got a great bull - congrats! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest andymansavage Posted July 10, 2006 Report Share Posted July 10, 2006 Re: How to age elk? Teeth are the only accurate way to tell, genetics can greatly very from area to area and antler size can be a good indicator of maturity, but not age in years after 4 or 5 . Andy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.