Age thoughts?

[LYON]

I know these threads never seem to end, but I want to know your thoughts on this one. I set a trail camera in a new location based on some deer sightings along a creek line. This first guy is by far the best. Head gear doesn't look phenomenal, but he looks like an old tank of a deer to me...What do you think?


A couple other up and comers.

 

[DarkArcher]

That 1st deer definitely looks mature, I wouldn't hesitate to stick him. Tine length doesn't appear to be a prominent genetic in this area.

 

[Daver]

That first one looks pretty plump, I'd say he is mature. Not every old buck grows a set of Booner antlers, but I'd shoot him and be happy about it.

 

[LYON]

I'm in agreement that he's mature and a shooter in that respect. I'm getting to the point where an old buck with little head gear is just as much of a trophy as a younger buck with big antlers.
Darkarcher - Yes in many cases with regard to the tine length. We have had some deer that put on good length, but typically they don't grow tines much longer than about 8 or 9 inches in this area. Very rare to see a buck with 12" tines.

 

[BDAHMS]

I have said it a million times- Trophies aren't just antler size- there is definitely something to be said for taking an older buck, regardless of head gear Although they aren't giants- I would still be extremely proud to put an arrow in one of them!