ageing deer?

[bartley]

hey guys, wondering if anyone knows how to age deer. i shot a nice 10 point monday. he only has 5 bottom teeth in the front, and a few bottom teeth way in back. the rest of his mouth is gums. also he's really gray on his face and around his ears. he dressed out approx 215 lbs. i think he might be actually on his way down, maybe like 5 1/2? the strange thing is i shot him in the thumb in an area that VERY rarely sees bucks reach even 3 1/2. if anyone has any way to tell his age, let me know. thanks
~chris~

[gunnersmom]

i e-mailed you a pic showing three different views of how to age a deer. I got the pic from a DNR check point. I hope i sent it the right way....if you don't get it, please let me know with your correct e-mail address and i will send it along again....i hope it helps you out. congrats by the way!!!

[Bob S]

i think he might be actually on his way down, maybe like 5 1/2?

5 1/2 is a mature adult. 8 1/2 would be on his way down.

Take the lower jaw bone to a DNR office. I have the DNR age all of my deer.