Age guesses?

[megalomaniac]

This buck just showed up on my lease in south MS. Pic is from last week (1st rut is Jan 5 thru 12, so he is at peak condition).

I just can't decide on him. Back half looks OLD, front half looks middle aged. Other cam angles show the same thing. Going by chest and nexk alone, I would guess 3.5... but gut and hams make me wonder if he is older. Def not a classic body type to age.

 

[Volbuck777]

I don't see 3.5 bud. I could go 4.5 but I'm leaning toward maybe 5.5. Just my opinion.

 

[Dennis]

Nothing about that buck says 3.5. He is older than that for sure.

 

[Lincoln Co Archer]

I agree that he has weird body type and there is nothing about him that says he is younger than 4.5.

 

[TN Larry]

Agree with others. I think he is at least 4.5 and leaning towards 5.5. His neck does look a little weird but still don't see 3.5.

 

[backyardtndeer]

That deer looks 5.5 plus to me.

 

[THE DUKE]

Looks Past 3.5 to me.

 

[Hillbilly Hunter]

His legs look very short. I am going with possibly 5.5

 

[mike243]

5.5 but probably older

 

[SEC]

He looks more like a camel than a deer.

 

[Snake]

4.5 + .

 

[tree_ghost]

Agree he's old !

 

[catman529]

The whole deer looks old. Like gravity caught up to him

 

[Volbuck777]

Let's see the horns now. We all agree he's older than 4.5

 

[Gravey]

4.5 or older

 

[th88]

5.5+, especially for that part of MS

 

[Union Co. Boy]

5.5 or possibly older

 

[megalomaniac]

Well, I was being a bit disingenuous when I hinted at him being 3.5 or maybe older.

My gut, and the fact that his coat isn't slick and well groomed says 1 of two things... he's VERY old (7.5 plus) and on his way downhill.... OR I think it is just as likely he is a 3.5yo with some type of bloat. I've never seen a deer get bloat, but would imagine it could happen as they are modified ruminate.

Not sure he is long for this world either way.

 

[Andy S.]

He looks more like a camel than a deer.

This, definitely has the "camel look" which is indicative of an older buck. I highly suspect 5.5+.

 

[Andy S.]

My gut, and the fact that his coat isn't slick and well groomed says 1 of two things... he's VERY old (7.5 plus) and on his way downhill...

My vote for sure. Definitely older.