Quick Answer
Determine the age of a buck by examining its antlers and body size. Older bucks typically have larger, more complex antlers with longer beams and more points. They also tend to be larger and more muscular than younger bucks.
Examining Antlers
In the Texas Hill Country, bucks typically start growing antlers around 12-18 months of age, and their first set of antlers will be relatively small with only a few points. As they mature, the antlers will increase in size and complexity. Measure the outside spread of the antlers to gauge the buck’s age: a 2-year-old buck’s antlers will typically be around 20-24 inches wide, while a 3-year-old buck’s antlers will be around 25-30 inches wide.
Body Size and Muscling
In addition to examining the antlers, look for signs of body size and muscling. Older bucks tend to be larger and more muscular than younger bucks, with well-developed shoulders and hindquarters. Measure the buck’s body length to gauge its age: a 2-year-old buck will typically be around 3.5-4 feet long, while a 3-year-old buck will be around 4-4.5 feet long.
Visual Cues
When examining a buck in the field, look for other visual cues that can indicate its age. Check for the presence of scars or wounds on the ears, face, or body, which can be indicative of older bucks that have been involved in more fights. Also, examine the buck’s eyes and nose for signs of age: older bucks tend to have more prominent eyes and a more defined nose.
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