Guess-timating A deers age...

[Michiganbowhunter_SQ2]

I know just by looking at pictures you can't get true age, but I know there are certain charactaristics you can look at to make your guess. What are they? what do you look at when trying to determine the age of a deer?

I was reading a thread on another forum, the guy wanted to know the age of a deer in the picture, a lot of guesses were based on the size of the deers antlers.

I'm no expert, but my reply was

Antler size is the last thing I look at for making any guess-timate. I look at the face, and body before anything. IMO antler size really doesn't tell you much except if it has good genetics or not and are the last thing I look at in guessing an age. Looking at that deer I'd say 2.5...just my $0.02

is this what most of you look for first as well?

I know there are other factors as well, location being one of them

[Tominator]

I look at the shoulders, belly, back, general appearance of the deer. Mature deer will have a more full look to the belly and shoulders.

I know a lot of guys look at the muzzle too, older deer tend to have that "Roman" nose.

[Ethan Givan]

I look at the deers nose and face. Older deer usually have a grayer face. Older deer usually also have a sagging belly and full shoulders. The best way is to look at their teeth.

[toddyboman]

I look at the shoulders, belly, back, general appearance of the deer. Mature deer will have a more full look to the belly and shoulders.

I know a lot of guys look at the muzzle too, older deer tend to have that "Roman" nose.

ditto

I check out the body, face and then the rack. :eek::p:D:D

[wtnhunt]

Here is a good link that might help you out http://tndeer.com/field-judging.shtml. The body shape is what gives away the age in my opinion. I look at the shoulders into the neck, and also at the taper going back from the shoulders into the belly area.

[Guest turkeynutz64]

Well, I look at the deer and see if it will taste good and how far I will have to drag it! If it meets these specs, I will stick it! I meat hunt, and if its got horns it usually walks! Unless theres big horns on its head then I know I have a good handle to drag it by!lol Its still just a guess til its dead and then you can get the truth!

[Bowtech_archer07]

To determine a deer's age, I look at body size, belly, back, and face. An older deer will have a broader face(usually) and a sunken back(usually). Then I will look at antler size. Antlers can give you a general age, but I never use them as the only determining factor.

[lungbuster12point06]

Antler size is rarely a good factor to determine age.........Depth of chest to rump..........belly full and sagging or lean ........roman nose..........ear wrinkles ...........dewlap............sway back and pointed whithers;)

[TexasDeerHunter]

The face is a pretty good start, then belly, brisket , and back. Antlers are the last thing I would consider.

Wildlife Enterprises in Kerrville , Texas has a pretty good laminated chart that helps people age deer.