Blacktail antler growth thoughts?

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Pulled these off a cam in an area I’ll be hunting in late October. Captured on July 17th around 4100’ in Washington State.

Assuming average antler growth between then and whenever he shed velvet, he’s a deer I’d love to pull the trigger on. However. Looking at his nose through my inexperienced eyes, am I correct in thinking he’s still a year or two out from being a true “mature” buck? Nose seems thin still without having that Roman nose I’ve seen in pictures and videos. Certainly seen smaller racks in this drainage on more mature looking faces.

If he’s got another couple years of growth, I may hunt a different drainage with some other good bucks this fall and just let him grow.

 

[Rogue Bay]

I’ve given up trying to guess age based off body size/ shape and the face. My family and the group I hunt with have had all of our deer aged for many years now and it seems there’s no trait consistency. We’ve shot huge bodied, gray faced bucks that were 4.5; small, mousy faced basket rack bucks that were also 4.5; and we’ve shot very underwhelming forked horns that were 5.5. The bodies were equally variable.

I listened to a great podcast (Rokcast maybe?) regarding research being conducted by the University of Wyoming on mule deer and they discuss the Roman nose trait. Their research suggests it’s more genetic than age related. Very interesting podcast if you get a chance to listen to it.

The buck in your photos looks impressive to me! Given that most blacktail bucks don’t live past 6, I’d be hesitant to give him a pass. Never know if something or someone will put an end to him sooner rather than later. But, that’s just me. The area I hunt may be much different than where you are. Best of luck this season and please let us know how you do!

 

[pnwsteelheader]

I’ve given up trying to guess age based off body size/ shape and the face. My family and the group I hunt with have had all of our deer aged for many years now and it seems there’s no trait consistency. We’ve shot huge bodied, gray faced bucks that were 4.5; small, mousy faced basket rack bucks that were also 4.5; and we’ve shot very underwhelming forked horns that were 5.5. The bodies were equally variable.

I listened to a great podcast (Rokcast maybe?) regarding research being conducted by the University of Wyoming on mule deer and they discuss the Roman nose trait. Their research suggests it’s more genetic than age related. Very interesting podcast if you get a chance to listen to it.

The buck in your photos looks impressive to me! Given that most blacktail bucks don’t live past 6, I’d be hesitant to give him a pass. Never know if something or someone will put an end to him sooner rather than later. But, that’s just me. The area I hunt may be much different than where you are. Best of luck this season and please let us know how you do!

I’ll try to track that podcast episode down. Interesting to hear your anecdotal findings though.

Who knows if I’ll bump into him this fall, but it’d be nearly impossible for me to pass on him if the opportunity presented itself. If I don’t end up taking him, and get pictures next spring/summer I’ll be sure to update.