As a newbie, I'm still learning a lot about deer and mature bucks, so it would be great to get some insight from TOO experts. How old do you think this guy is and what's the potential for antler growth?
Age and potential?
- Thread starter Cardinalbuck
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Bigcountry40
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Joel
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Fullbore
Senior Member
IMO, a good example of a cull buck? Exceptionally short G1's on this deer. Short tines over all. Not something that I'd like to see breeding does on my land, but that's just my opinion. Hopefully, someone else besides me shoots this deer or I'd shoot him in the late season for meat.
Bigcountry40
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I agree completely, I think this deer maybe 3 1/2 with no potential (if we are talking horns)
Ron nailed it. Poor genetics on a good sized deer. I don't see him getting a lot better next season.
I'm with these guys, looks plenty healthy with a real good sized body and football shaped head. Shit genetics, no potential for head gear
Thanks for the insight. I had some pictures from a distance and when I saw them I thought "mature" based on the body size. Then I saw the antlers on these closeup pics and didn't know exactly what to think.
So far he's the only mature buck I've seen on the property. Sounds like he'd be a good one to get early next season.
So far he's the only mature buck I've seen on the property. Sounds like he'd be a good one to get early next season.
Bigcountry40
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reminds me of this scrub I have on my lease I call him candy cane, I was hoping the amish next to me would waste their tag on him
i would say two and half yr old, short in the shoulders, hips are taller than shoulders, small horns at the base, don;t quiet have that short blockey head yet, is there any markings so you can tell this deer next year from other bucks, i;d not shoot him, but i;d put out some minerals and plant a good plot if feasible
i would say two and half yr old, short in the shoulders, hips are taller than shoulders, small horns at the base, don;t quiet have that short blockey head yet, is there any markings so you can tell this deer next year from other bucks, i;d not shoot him, but i;d put out some minerals and plant a good plot if feasible, only draw back he;s only an eight pt, but who knows, thats what makes them interesting
I can't tell from these pictures. Doesn't "appear" to be a deer you will see hit big antler growth but one never knows. Neck doesn't seem to be real low. Could be the pics. I would think big bodied 2.5yr old but possibly 3.5yr old. If we had some more pics I might have more confidence in my answer. Unless he did something crazy in regards to growth, I'd think he would struggle to gross 140 ever. Might struggle to ever net Pope and Young. If "I" had him on my property and had to make a decision, I would say he would top out in the low to mid 130s gross on the high end at 4-5-6yrs old. That is based on deer in my area with genetics "I" have seen in "my" areas.
I am far from an expert. There are so many factors which play into it, it is hard to say. All any of us can do is guess really. You have my guess.
I am far from an expert. There are so many factors which play into it, it is hard to say. All any of us can do is guess really. You have my guess.
Joel
Senior Member
IMO, there's not enough of the deee viable to fully assess his age. Just looking, I think he's a shitty 3 year old. Regardless, I don't think he'll ever amount to anything because even as a 2 year old, he shows no sign of potential.
I'm seeing a pattern in your posts! My season is over until the fall so won't be eating him for about 8 months at least. I will be putting minerals and food out so will keep track on the cameras and see how he goes.