Characteristics of Buck Age Classes
|
1½ Year Olds (Yearlings)
- Resemble does with antlers
- Do not have swollen necks or muscular characteristics
- Body is thin and legs look long.
- Often enter feeding areas earlier and tend to travel with doe family groups.
|
|
2½ Year Olds
- Relatively thin waist and shoulders
- Limited neck swelling during the rut
- Inside spread generally less than 14"
|
|
3½ Year Olds
- Very distinct junction between the neck and shoulders/brisket.
- Thickly muscled neck during the rut
- Chest appears deeper than stomach, giving the appearance of a well-conditioned race horse.
- Little to no loose skin.
|
|
4½-plus Year Olds
- Fully muscled neck blends into shoulders and brisket (full curve from side view).
- Waistline is as deep as chest. Older bucks may have a potbelly.
- Show "attitude" in the presence of other bucks.
- Bucks older than 5 may have battle scars, squinty eyes, sway back, loose skin, and legs may appear short due to full body development.
|
Back to Aging Bucks in the Field
