When we showed this buck to our panel of experienced hunters, there were two big take aways from every ones responses. First, that this deer is mature sporting a solid neck and sagging belly even in September. The second take away was that this deer would not get a pass if he walked by the stand of any one of these hunters.
History of this deer goes back to 2019 sporting good genetics but a slim body. In late season of 2019 this buck sustained an injury to the face, affecting his antler growth in 2020. In 2021 this buck sported his largest and most impressive rack, along with a massive body making him a prime target. The fate of this buck was never solidified, but rumors around the area said this buck was harvested during the rut of 2021 2 miles from where this pictures were taken.
Based off of the images below what is your best guess for the age of this whitetail buck?
I'm calling this buck a fully mature 5.5+ year old deer. He's got an absolutely swoll neck in the October pics and a deeply connected somewhat thick neck/chest even in September. Shooter!
This is a buck I’d like to see in the stand! It looks like it’s a big, long, hefty deer. I think he’s been around a bit.
Based on the neck size and the beginnings of saggy belly I’m going to guess this buck to be 4.5
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