How old is this MS buck?

Hey guys. I'm new here. I'm Jonathan from central Mississippi.

Can you tell me how old you think this deer is? We have pics of him last year and this year. I figured him to be 2.5 last year. What do y'all think?

 

3.5/4.5 or 4.5/5.5

 

3.5. Ecspecially when looking how young he looks in 2013.

 

The 3.5/4.5 age range is always the hardest for me to judge. I think you're looking at a 3.5 year old in 2013 and now a 4.5 in 2014. If you compare the front shoulder to rear hams in 2013, they look to be almost of equal proportion, which is said to be 3.5. In 2013 he doesn't have much of a hump in his back but if you look at where the neck meets the brisket, you'll notice it looks almost to be connected (even in December after the rut). In 2014, early, his neck muscles are already defined well, front shoulder looks much stronger and defined. Even looks to have a better hump on his back and even working on his gut. I believe you're looking at a 4.5 year old.

 

Agreed^^^^^^^^ Also look where the neck attaches, way above the brisket. Pig though for sure.

 

He's plumped up nice and I'd guess 4.5 as well. Either way, he's not one I'd pass if I had a shot.

 

Thanks for the replies guys. I was thinking he is only 3.5 this year. His waistline doesn't drop down even with his chest. He looks more like a race horse than boxy. His legs are still longer looking. Also, he just looked young to me last year. Short faced, neck didn't swell much in the rut. His tarsal glands were pretty much white in 2013.

There's no telling what he could be next year. However, he may not make it to next year if I see him in range with my bow in hand. I haven't got a buck with my bow yet.