Aging Bucks on the Hoof during Summer
Filed under: Ask Grant, Hunting Tactics
Grant, What tips do you have for aging deer during the summer months? We are starting our camera survey and it is difficult for me to determine the age class of some of the bucks. I feel that it is much easier to age the deer later in the season (closer to the rut) when they are more “filled out.” I guess I am not as good at seeing the Roman nose or the sway back on the deer in my pictures, even the ones I believe to be older age class based on the antler size. Thanks for your help, Jeff
Jeff,
Most deer managers, me included, have some difficulty estimating the age of bucks during the summer. I think this is because they simply don’t have the classic body shape of bucks during the fall that hunters are familiar with. When estimating the age of bucks during the summer, I look at the same characteristics that I consider during the fall. However, I try to remember that the shapes and size ratios (apparent leg length to chest depth, etc.) will be more subtle. If a deer has an overt belly and swayed back during the summer, I know he is very mature. If his neck seems to blend into his brisket during the summer, I know he is mature. I think the subtle differences are the key to accurately estimating the age of mature bucks during the summer.
The biggest help is comparing images of bucks taken at the same time from year to year. This is an excellent method for learning site-specific characteristics that can be used to develop accurate estimates of a buck’s age. There is also benefit to comparing images of the same buck taken during late summer to images taken during the fall.
Practice, practice, practice. The fun part is ground checking! I love research!
Growing Deer together,
Grant
