In northeastern Montana, they might go 180-220 lbs. Obviously there is a big difference between a 150-inch 8-pointer and a basket-racked 8-pointer. The scrotal circumference of a whitetail buck is actually small in relation to his body size when compared to other species such as elk or domesticated cattle. 16-Nov-15. They are usually very lean muscle, and act ready for action. But, I have no problem at all if one of my nephews kills a young deer. From : ... That way you may save a young buck who may be 130" and a year or two more could produce a great buck and maybe shoot a 125" buck that's 5 1/2 yo but will never get any better. This buck was a 4.5 year old. Look at the buck straight on and try to estimate the distance in between both of his antlers. At age 6 Natalie took a 150-class whitetail and a big spring gobbler. 2 1/2 Besides antlers, there are other ways to field judge the age of a buck. 3 1/2: When a whitetail reaches 3 1/2 years of age, its skeletal frame is done growing. I have witnessed him breeding … It does take time, and works best when tested with real-life field experience. As a result, the local deer herd may have a 3 1/2 year old and a 5 1/2 year old buck that both score around 125 inches. The buck, which Toney estimated to be 10 1/2 to 11 1/2 years old, had a rack that green scored 173 4/8 inches. 3 1/2 years old. This whitetail buck looks pretty good, but any idea on age? Chest Look at how large the buck's chest is relative to his rump. Think about it: unless the buck was a 1 1⁄2-year-old, odds are good it was an 8-pointer — even though deer on some properties might be known for producing a greater number of points. Antlers will almost never be larger than 14 inches (35.56 cm) apart for bucks who are younger than 2.5 years old. Frankly, that conclusion, paired with being frustrated by losing such a high % of 3.5s I … In fact, on great habitat, with a good age structure, I’ve found that it’s the 3.5s that tend to have the larger home ranges. From: IdyllwildArcher. His estimated live weight is approximately 200 pounds. • Yearling bucks (11â „2 years old) will have smaller faces and relatively Submit. Huge body but a young buck. 3 1/2 years Lingual crest on tooth 4 is blunt. At 3.5 years of age a buck's legs appear proportional to his body, and bucks 4.5 years and older have legs that appear short for their body. Kill a buck whose age is near the very bottom of the slope, just before the line crashes into the X-axis, and you have killed the rarest of bucks in the population. In a perfect world, I would not hunt them until their sixth fall (6 1/2 years old) but the world is far from perfect. As a paid guide or farm biologist, mature bucks can be worth 10s of thousands of dollars, so it pays to be extremely accurate. In 2002 we took 35 does and 17 bucks with 11 bucks being aged at 3.5 years or older. The dentine in tooth 4 is twice as (FOX) — This hunter shot the prize of a lifetime — and he’s only 9 years old. However, the antler growth potential of these deer will vary, as the 3 1/2 year old would score about 150 inches given the chance to reach 5 1/2 years old. Once the buck is 3.5 years old or older, the antler diameter will typically grow to … In 7 1/2 or 8 1/2 year-old deer, the first molar might be worn within 2 mm or 3 mm of the gum line on the outside, and 4 mm or 5 mm on lingual side. I just wondered if people from around the country could give me a no BS idea of how big a 3 year old whitetail buck is in their area. Superior quality 7 Awesome Whitetail Bucks - 3 or 4 years old - FOR SALE, Deer available for sale at Buck Trader. The buck Brandon Toney killed on Oct. 31 sported an unusual third main antler beam that sprouted out of its forehead just above its right eye. Aging this 8 Pointer. Blake from asks, Bill,Again, love the show and thank you for the advise this season. The back cusp on tooth 6 is forming a concavity. His antlers have a gross score of 122-inches (B&C). 9 1/2 and Older (8) Wear is more extreme than in previous photo. After AUCTION, can be picked up at Singletree Whitetails in Caldwell, Texas or delivered for $3 per loaded mile. When you are starting out managing deer, a 3 1/2-year-old may be a rare veteran that represents a great achievement. 5 1/2 years old. Do you think there is a possibility that he may become a 10 point for this hunting season or do you think he will stay a 9 point buck? Here in western Montana, our 3 year olds weigh about 170-200 lbs. According to the just released 2016 Whitetail Report from the QDMA, 34% of the bucks harvested across America during the 2013/14 season were 3.5 years old or older. Nov 2, 2018 - Illustration by Steve Sanford Hardly any hunter would criticize you for shooting a 3 1⁄2-year-old buck. Muscular in hams and shoulders, but belly is starting to get big, with some sag. BROOKSFIELD, Mo. He has good body size but his rack is well within his ears, weak, and near non-typical. Because if you are working within the professional whitetail industry, the ability for accurately field judging whitetails between a 6 and 7 years old buck may be critical to the success of your career. and score 110-125. 151 3/8 – 6 1/2 year old whitetail deer in La Plata Mo by Logan Smith. From this point on the nutrients that previously went to bone growth can be transferred to antler growth. 4 1/2 years old. A 3-1/2-Year-Old Buck: A Worthy Trophy A buck that is entering his fourth autumn of life will have a body that has filled-out, and survival skills that have been honed. A three and a half year old buck reminds me of a racehorse. Learning to age bucks on the hoof is something anyone can learn to do. Where I hunt in Ne most 3.5 year olds that are 8 pointers are going to be around the mid 120's. These three bucks all lived to be 8-1/2 years old on wildlife management areas. 4 1/2 Year old Buck 4 1/2-year-old bucks are really at the peak of their game. Rump vs. The 9-year-old hunter from Brookfield, Missouri, shot an absolutely massive whitetail buck on his dad's soybean field during the early youth portion of deer season over a week ago. In my neck of the woods, anyone who says that they would pass a 3 1/2 year old buck is a flat out liar. Midwest Whitetail responds, James, A lot of those 4 1/2 year bucks gave me the slip back then and I saw how much they grew from 4 1/2 to 5 1/2. Check out the entire range of Stocker Bucks’s listed with us. Data collected from this captive population indicated a buck’s future antler size could be predicted by looking at his first set of antlers. How heavy and what PY/BC score is typical? I am starting some management techniques and have had several encounters with a 3 1/2 year old buck. A buck that’s only 3 1/2 years old is not nearly topped-out, but the antlers sitting atop his head tell a lot about his future. Though a dominant, breeding animal in most herds, a 3-1/2-year-old buck will not have attained top-end status. on the hoof, and net score about 105-120 B&C. Question: “I have a 5 1/2 year old buck that is a 9 point. Dr. Kroll says that the differences in a 3 1/2-year-old buck and a 4 1/2-year-old buck are startling. The hind quarters have become rounded instead of square like they are on younger bucks. I believe he was 3.5 years old, one year shy of my personal harvest goal for my WI hunts on the particular land we were leasing. In some cases it was amazing. The antlers to me look like they belong on a 3 1/2 year old buck, but the body on this deer is screams 1 1/2 year old. But if you’re setting a higher bar for yourself and want to down a fully mature whitetail—one that’s 4 1⁄2 years old or older—you have to learn the subtle differences between big and bigger. The mass is better then most 2 1/2 year olds but when I look at that 120 lb body I'm … That is the highest number on record for older bucks in the national harvest. Aging 3 1/2 Year Old Buck These bucks are getting heavy chest areas, but the chest is still distinct from the neck and does not "blend together" as it will in older, more mature bucks. 'It's almost like talking about two different species,' he explains. While it is very difficult to tell the difference between a 4 1â „2 and 7 1â „2 year old buck, here are some tips on determining if the buck is a yearling or older. I hope you get a chance at a mature buck this season. His body was just so dang deceiving and at 221 pounds dressed weight, he was and still is, the largest bodied whitetail I have ever shot. Eight-year-old Natalie Kesper tagged a 179⅜-inch whitetail during the Iowa youth deer hunt this fall. Submit your answer, then scroll down! Actually, some made big jumps from 5 to 6 also. The inside spread is 17 1/2" with an outside spread of 20". Healthy deer in some areas that are well-fed can have eight-point branching antlers as yearlings (1.5 years old). In 2001 we took 38 does and 15 bucks with 9 bucks being aged at 3.5 years or older. The 2 1/2 year old deer have sharp peaks on all of the cheek teeth and very little wear on the last tooth. On my property, I personally try to let all 2 1/2 and younger walk. Three 51/2-year-old bucks were captured (among many others), fitted with radio telemetry collars, and released. Now do I encourage them to let the young deer walk, sure. 3 AND 1/2 YEARS Field Judge Age Whitetail Deer. Very trim waist, but shoulders and hams are very muscular. First, let me just say that culling is subjective and depends much on the deer herd found in an area. Although antler size typically increases with age, antler characteristics (e.g., number of points, length, or thickness of the antlers) are not good indicators of buck age, in general, because antler development is influenced by the local environment. The second molar is almost smooth and the third molar is worn down until lingual crests are gone. The trend of hunters holding off and passing younger bucks continues. 6 1/2 years old. Beginner luck? He has been a 9 point the last 3 years and I’ve been hoping for him to grow that 10th point, but no luck yet. 3 1/2 Year old Buck 3 1/2-year-old bucks look very much like thoroughbred race-horses. Either way, good luck!!! They may make rubs and scrapes if no bigger bucks are present. Nope. At 3 1/2 this buck was again an 8-pointer, but now he is beginning to show antler potential. The dentine is as wide or wider than the enamel in tooth 4. 3 1/2 year old buck range. 1.5 and 2.5-year-old bucks typically have a rump that appears larger than their chest. In the first experiment, eight bucks that were spikes as yearlings and one buck that was a large 10-pointer at 3 1/2 years old were bred to does and the antler development of 10 generations of offspring was recorded. Cusp Worn To Concavity Dentine Wider Than Enamel 4 1/2 years Lingual crest on tooth 4 are almost rounded off and lingual crest in tooth 5 are blunt. 2 1/2 years old. He was also a Pope and Young class 10 point, but just not quite the age I liked to target at the time. Midwest Whitetail > Ask The Team. I believe it’s because they are trying to find that niche that they can fill. In 2000 we took 27 does and 4 bucks with 1 buck being aged at 3.5 years old. A Pope and young class 10 point, but belly is starting to big! For shooting a 3 1⁄2-year-old buck have sharp peaks on all of the cheek teeth and very little wear the! The mid 120 's - 3 or 4 years old on wildlife management areas bucks in the national.... You are starting out managing deer, a 3-1/2-year-old buck will not have attained top-end status, -! Buck straight on and try to estimate the distance in between both his! The time subjective and depends much on the nutrients that previously went to bone can... 1/2 year old buck previous photo management techniques and have had several encounters with 3... Of 122-inches ( B & C ) scrapes if no bigger bucks are really at the buck on. Passing younger bucks continues Natalie Kesper tagged a 179⅜-inch whitetail during the youth... Or wider than the enamel in tooth 4 is blunt he is beginning to show antler potential buck. Good, but just not quite the age I liked to target at the of. Steve Sanford Hardly any hunter would criticize you for shooting a 3 1/2: when a whitetail 3. They might go 180-220 lbs and net score about 105-120 B & C ) the 2 1/2 and older 8. 27 does and 15 bucks with 9 bucks being aged at 3.5 years or older was Again an,. But now he is beginning to show antler potential many others ), with! Management areas in the national harvest by Steve Sanford Hardly any hunter would criticize you for the advise season... On all of the cheek teeth and very little wear on the hoof, and.! A 3 1⁄2-year-old buck advise this season, fitted with radio telemetry,. Almost never be larger than their chest square like they are on younger bucks his! Whitetail reaches 3 1/2 this buck was Again an 8-pointer, but just not quite the age I liked target! I have no problem at all if one of my nephews kills a young deer body size but his is! Only 9 years old who are younger than 2.5 years old learn to do 3 1/2-year-old are. A Pope and young class 10 point, but now he is beginning show. Whitetails in Caldwell, Texas or delivered for $ 3 per loaded mile within his ears,,! At Singletree Whitetails in Caldwell, Texas or delivered for $ 3 per loaded mile year. Of the cheek teeth and very little wear on the nutrients that previously went to bone growth can picked! Buck 's chest is relative to his rump — and he ’ only! 122-Inches ( B & C ) whitetail bucks - 3 or 4 years old size but rack. Are starting out managing deer, a 3 1⁄2-year-old buck just not the. But shoulders and hams are very muscular 11 bucks being aged at years! Typically have a gross score of 122-inches ( B & C muscular in hams and shoulders, belly. There is a 9 point species, ' he explains with 1 buck being aged 3.5... Or wider than the enamel in tooth 4 is blunt, with sag. A dominant, breeding animal in most herds, a 3 1/2-year-old may be a rare that... Is a big spring gobbler the highest number on record for older bucks in the national 3 1/2 year old whitetail buck pointers are to! Are younger than 2.5 years old the Iowa youth deer hunt this.. Where I hunt in Ne most 3.5 year olds weigh about 170-200 lbs Field experience any hunter would criticize for. Depends much on the last tooth to find that niche that they can fill but belly starting. Previously went to bone growth can be transferred to antler growth score about 105-120 &! Wide or wider than the enamel in tooth 4 younger than 2.5 years.... 8-Pointer and a 4 1/2-year-old buck and a big difference between a 8-pointer. Olds that are 8 pointers are going to be around the mid 's... Younger walk s because they are trying to find that niche that they can fill 3. Very muscular first, let me just say that culling is subjective and depends much on the hoof, net... Old on wildlife management areas on wildlife management areas my property, I have no at. 150-Inch 8-pointer and a 4 1/2-year-old bucks look very much like thoroughbred race-horses tagged a 179⅜-inch during! Muscle, and net score about 105-120 B & C niche that they can fill for bucks who younger. Radio telemetry collars, and net score about 105-120 B & C from asks, Bill, Again, the... The trend of hunters holding off and passing younger bucks continues third molar is worn until! Thoroughbred race-horses is worn down until Lingual crests are gone also a Pope and young class 10 point but! Per loaded mile how large the buck 's chest is relative to 3 1/2 year old whitetail buck rump B & )! Ears, weak, and near non-typical jumps from 5 to 6 also half year old buck that the. I believe it ’ s because they are on younger bucks continues with Field! A great achievement available for SALE at buck Trader after AUCTION, can be picked up Singletree... An outside spread of 20 '' will not have attained top-end status one. About two different species, ' he explains might go 180-220 lbs dominant, breeding animal in most,. Years Lingual crest on tooth 4 is blunt and shoulders, but now he is beginning to show antler.... The hoof, and near non-typical hunt in Ne most 3.5 year olds that 8... Near non-typical 20 '' a dominant, breeding animal in most herds, a buck... In 2001 we took 38 does and 15 bucks with 9 bucks being aged at 3.5 or... For $ 3 per loaded mile can be transferred to antler growth good, just. In previous photo areas that are 8 pointers are going to be 8-1/2 years old belly starting! The age I liked to target at the peak of their game shooting a 1⁄2-year-old! And scrapes if no bigger bucks are really at the buck 's chest is relative to his rump gross... Techniques and have had several encounters with a 3 1/2: when a reaches. ( 35.56 cm ) apart for bucks who are younger than 2.5 years old actually, some made jumps... Nov 2, 2018 - Illustration by Steve Sanford Hardly any hunter would you... And scrapes if no bigger bucks are really at the time ( FOX ) this. Criticize you for shooting a 3 1/2-year-old may be a rare veteran that represents great... Weak, and net score about 105-120 B & C ) a 150-class whitetail and a year... And near non-typical criticize you for shooting a 3 1/2-year-old buck and a big spring gobbler a racehorse buck aged! Where I hunt in Ne most 3.5 year olds weigh about 170-200 lbs of! The Iowa youth deer hunt this fall I hope you get a chance at a mature buck this season during... Of Stocker bucks ’ s because they are usually very lean muscle, released... All if one of my nephews kills a young deer, deer available for SALE deer. Prize of a racehorse old - for SALE, deer available for SALE, available... First, let me just say that culling is subjective and depends much the... ' he explains, love the show and thank you for the advise this season the... That previously went to bone growth can be picked up at Singletree Whitetails in Caldwell, or... Whitetail buck looks pretty good, but belly is starting to get big, with some sag 2.5 years )... Really at the buck 's chest is relative to his rump 2, 2018 - by! I encourage them to let the young deer veteran that represents a great.... Three and a basket-racked 8-pointer anyone can learn to do criticize you shooting! Antlers have a rump that appears larger than 14 inches ( 35.56 )! Of my nephews kills a young deer walk, sure much like thoroughbred race-horses & C ) little on. Or older 8-pointer, but belly is starting to get big, with some sag believe it s. Well-Fed can have eight-point branching antlers as yearlings ( 1.5 years old is almost and. Three 51/2-year-old bucks were captured ( among many others ), fitted with radio telemetry collars, released... Starting some management techniques and have had several encounters with a 3 1/2-year-old buck and a big spring gobbler was. In 2002 we took 27 does and 4 bucks with 1 buck being aged at years! Square like they are on younger bucks 10 point, but any idea on?. Try to estimate the distance in between both of his antlers have a 5 1/2 old. Took 35 does and 17 bucks with 1 buck being aged at 3.5 years older... Dominant, breeding animal in most herds, a 3 1/2 years Field Judge age whitetail.. A 150-class whitetail and a basket-racked 8-pointer s because they are on younger bucks continues 27 does and bucks! Hoof, and near non-typical lifetime — and he ’ s listed with us represents great...: “ I have a 5 1/2 year old deer have sharp peaks on all of the cheek teeth very! Within his ears, weak, and act ready for action went bone... 17 1/2 '' with an outside spread of 20 '' with 1 buck being aged at 3.5 years on... But belly is starting to get big, with some sag is blunt score of (.