I have known of a few bucks like this (through both personal experience and others I know) that would go 7.5 years old (possibly 8.5). I wouldn't necessarily call that past his prime, but I know what you mean. While possible, I don't believe his daylight activity has anything to do with any potentially dulled senses. From my very limited experience I think it has everything to do with over confidence. Barring senility I don't think dulled senses would have anything to do with it. Don't you believe it Vito. Lies, all lies! LOL
Josh, I have seen Charlie do a slideshow presentation regarding this buck. He was in fact a wild deer captured as a yearling (spike photo). They moved him to an enclosure (it was rather large if I remember correctly, 100s of acres). His point of the slideshow was to show what food and age could for a buck. It had good genetics, but needed to proper nutrition to reach his potential. That was his pitch.
I say yes they do! I shed hunt a property that is NO Hunting and have watched the same buck for 6 years. I know his route really well and can time him almost within minutes of where he will be. I sat close to a spot one time and had him at 20 yards before he realized I was sitting there. I just wish I could of moved my camera into position without him seeing me but no luck. I do have a shed from this fella and as odd as it is I have no clue where the others where dropped unless it was on the boardering property that I do not have permission to be on. Here is the last shed I have fround from him. The shed scored 66 6/8 inches as a 4 point.
