Question for the masses. How do you know deer are the same from year to year? Also, how early in their life can you tell they are the same? Reason I ask is, I had a fork at my camera about 300 times in all parts of the day and night last year from August until January. This area flooded really bad in June/July. I now have pics of a smaller 6 that hangs around like the fork had done. Could these be the same deer? I'll upload pics when I get to a computer to see what you guys think.
Body looks similar buts its hard to tell with just two pictures. Over time when you see a deer enough on trail cams you pick up on body characteristics. hide color, throat patches, scars, facial features and even mannerisms if you get video.
Ok, I just have a feeling it's the same, but with the bad winter and flooding this summer, I question my determination
It's tough to tell without some kind of markings that make them stand out. Alot of times it's easier as the buck gets older.
I notice people post the older ones knowing it's the same deer, but never real young ones. I'm not good at all at aging, but these look like young deer. If so, I'm excited to see what it will become, most of the bigger deer at my place have real tall tines.
im not sure if its just the deer in your area or what, both the deer in those pics seem to both have really dark hair around there hoof going up their leg.
I think it's hard to follow a deer from year to year until they're at least 2.5, if not 3+ using just their rack. Like humans, they can change a lot until they near maturation. I'm with TJF on this one, I think they are different deer.
Ok, thanks for the replies guys! I guess if I read up on aging I could have figured it out, lol.... Still trying to figure out this trail cam/management thing.
