The more I learn about aging East Tx deer, the less I know. How old would you say this Houston Co 8pt is?
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Steve I think you know!
I'm no expert but I will throw my opinion out there. 2.5-3.5 MAX is where I'm at. At first I would say he could be post mature and on the down side looking young again but the last pic shows his tarsal glands well. Not very dark and quarter size staining. I would think a post mature deer would have a lot more staining going on.
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look at the shoulders and the neck...the neck can get "swole" during the rut so can be misleading, but shoulders on mature bucks will be as muscular as the hinds. also look at the line of the back older bucks start to sag. Real old bucks (7.5+), as decline begins due to deteriorating teeth, will loose much of their girth but you'll notice sagging skin below the chin and in the chest.
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These pics show the troubles with trying to age a deer off photos. All three pics show something different. 1st pic looks young except for that ewe-neck. Makes me think past prime - maybe 7+.
2nd pic doesn't show the older characteristics - maybe 2 yr old.
3rd pic is a combo of the two. Standing straight-legged and upright like a young deer, but those hips looks like he is past 7. Guessing he is between 8 - 10 yrs old. but if you tell me he is 2 I will believe you!
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Originally posted by Dudley View PostThese pics show the troubles with trying to age a deer off photos. All three pics show something different. 1st pic looks young except for that ewe-neck. Makes me think past prime - maybe 7+.
2nd pic doesn't show the older characteristics - maybe 2 yr old.
3rd pic is a combo of the two. Standing straight-legged and upright like a young deer, but those hips looks like he is past 7. Guessing he is between 8 - 10 yrs old. but if you tell me he is 2 I will believe you!
Probably an old swamp donkey
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Originally posted by WamBow View Postboth look to be 2.5 years to me.
I've hunted in East Texas and not much management going on if on a paper mill lease. the mantra was "if you don't shoot him he'll end up in someone elses pot". Hence, the TPWD antler restrictions. In East Texas if it's legal take em!
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Originally posted by WamBow View Postboth look to be 2.5 years to me.
I've hunted in East Texas and not much management going on if on a paper mill lease. the mantra was "if you don't shoot him he'll end up in someone elses pot". Hence, the TPWD antler restrictions. In East Texas if it's legal take em!
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