Here is the doe I took yesterday. In years past, I would have said this doe was 2-3 years old based on her bodyweight (75 lbs field dressed). Yet I have gotten into looking at the overall shape of the deer and their teeth, in determining what I think is their age. Look at the pic first of my doe and guess an age....then look at the pics of the teeth I took this morning. You might be surprised at your guess based on the picture of the doe in relation to the pics of the teeth. I had a wildlife biologist guess an age based on the teeth last night. What is your guess based on the pic of me with the doe? What is your guess based on the pics of the teeth?
Looking at the pic I would have guessed she was 1.5 or 2.5 based on body size and looks (unless you are a giant?) Looking at those teeth I would say 6+. Food plays a huge part in how a deers teeth wear down. Whats the main diet of a deer in those woods?
Me either, I will join you in class. BUT, if I see you wearing pink I am stuffing you in a locker and giving you a wedgie.
The biologist said she thought she was 7.5....just thought it was interesting based on what she looked like physically vs what story her teeth told. Just makes me think how many times I have been wrong at aging deer.
Good point VS. I made this point in the thread I made about the doe I harvested (look back through my posts if you wanna read it). When I walked up to her, her body size and grey face told me she was a 5 year old for the area. She weighed 95lbs. field dressed, further cemented my belief she was a 5 year old. Well, we cut out the jawbone and she's two years old! Most 2 year old does taken off our property average 75-80 lbs. field dressed. Like you said, the body doesn't tell all.
