Deer Data Collection—Part III: Aging Whitetailed Deer
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6.5 years old
A. The dentine widths on the lingual crests of M1, M2, and M3 are all more than 2 times as wide as the surrounding enamel. M1 is heavily worn and the infundibulum is beginning to wear away.
B. Wear is very heavy on P1, P2, and P3. The lingual crests of P2, P3, and M1 are worn nearly flat.
C. The back cusp of M3 is heavily worn and deeply cupped.
The key to separating a 5.5–year–old from a 6.5–year–old is by the level of wear on M1 and M3 and by the erosion of the lingual crests on P3 and M1. Any deer showing more wear than described here for 6.5 year olds, should be classed as 6.5+ year olds.
With the above information and a little practice, you will soon become proficient at aging white–tailed deer. Being able to determine the age of your deer will definitely add to your hunting experience, the value of your trophy, and to your general knowledge of deer. So the next time you harvest a deer, remember to save the most important part—the lower jawbone—and give aging a try. For more information on aging white–tailed deer, including the necessary equipment and full–color aging charts, contact the QDMA at 800–209–3337.
Brian Murphy is a wildlife biologist and has served as the Executive Director of the Quality Deer Management Association since 1997. For the past 15 years he has worked exclusively in deer research and management and has taught this aging technique for both white–tailed deer and fallow deer.
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