How old is this buck?

IDMONK

FNG
Joined
Dec 8, 2019
Messages
84
This is a 2022 Idaho buck, when I dropped him off at the taxidermist he sent me these photos of his teeth and commented how old he was. Any ideas on how old that might be?
IMG_1146.jpeg
 

Attachments

  • IMG_4209.jpeg
    IMG_4209.jpeg
    219.2 KB · Views: 405
  • IMG_3314.jpeg
    IMG_3314.jpeg
    158.2 KB · Views: 413
Joined
May 13, 2015
Messages
3,942
Fron my experience (I am not a biologist) I'd say about 7 years, possibly older. I doubt he had more than 2 more years left. My estimate was without seeing the mount,cas I was unaware of it until after my response. However, I would not change my response after seeing the mount.
 

S.Clancy

WKR
Joined
Jan 28, 2015
Messages
2,511
Location
Montana
Molar wear is pretty specific regionally. That said, those are the molars of an OLD deer. I can't believe he was in good enough condition to grow that quality of antlers with teeth like that.
 
Joined
Jul 21, 2019
Messages
526
Tooth wear changes based on location, and aging based on wear is a guess at best. That said, I’d be surprised if he’s younger than 8. Only way to know for sure is to get an incisor processed.
 

Tick

WKR
Joined
Jun 2, 2017
Messages
368
8+ best guess by wear. 10+ at the lab wouldn't surprise me. Great trophy.
 
OP
IDMONK

IDMONK

FNG
Joined
Dec 8, 2019
Messages
84
Thanks for the input, cool to see a buck of this age caliber out there for sure.
 

NorthernHunter

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Mar 16, 2020
Messages
184
Awesome old buck. I would guess 8 by the teeth alone. What did the taxidermist guess? It would be worth sending in either way. I've only killed a few bucks that had teeth that looked like that. All were on the decline (personal opinion) of horn growth. Congratulations on getting a cagey old deer.
 
OP
IDMONK

IDMONK

FNG
Joined
Dec 8, 2019
Messages
84
Awesome old buck. I would guess 8 by the teeth alone. What did the taxidermist guess? It would be worth sending in either way. I've only killed a few bucks that had teeth that looked like that. All were on the decline (personal opinion) of horn growth. Congratulations on getting a cagey old deer.
The Taxidermist thought 10+ years, and also said he thought he was regressing as well.
 

Maverick1

WKR
Joined
Jun 1, 2013
Messages
1,854
I would not know. Never got invited to any of his birthday parties.

What difference does it make?
 
Top