Quick Answer
To properly age an ibex before hunting, examine the teeth for wear and the horns for growth patterns, and consider the time of year and any visible external signs of maturity. The presence of a certain number of rings on the horns can indicate the animal's age. Look for the first growth ring to appear below the base of the horn, which typically occurs after the first year.
Identifying Age through Horn Growth
In New Mexico, where ibex are commonly hunted, the first growth ring can appear as early as the first year, but often takes two years to develop, depending on factors such as nutrition and climate. The total number of rings is not the only indicator of age, as the rings can be difficult to count accurately. Experienced hunters look for the first ring to appear at the base of the horn, and consider the overall shape and size of the horn to make an educated estimate of the animal’s age.
Understanding External Signs of Maturity
In addition to examining the horns, hunters should also look for external signs of maturity, such as the presence of a beard in males, which can be a good indicator of age. Males typically start growing beards at around 3-4 years of age. In females, the horns will be smaller and less complex than those of males, and may not have developed the characteristic growth rings. Experienced hunters will also look for signs of wear on the teeth, such as worn-down incisors and canines, as well as any visible signs of injury or disease.
Find more answers
Browse the full Q&A library by topic, or jump back to the topic this question belongs to.