How to Determine the Age of a Columbia Blacktail?

Tooth Development

To accurately determine the age of a Columbia blacktail, one of the most reliable methods is to examine the deer’s teeth. Blacktails have four sets of teeth, each with a specific wear pattern. By counting the number of visible teeth and examining the wear on the incisors, you can estimate the deer’s age. Typically, Columbia blacktails have a set of teeth with four visible points, followed by a set with three points, and then two points, and finally one point. By examining the wear on the incisors, you can determine the deer’s age, with each set of teeth representing one year of growth.

Eye Ring Development

Another way to determine the age of a Columbia blacktail is to examine the eye rings. Blacktails have a layer of tissue around their eyes called the eye ring, which grows with the deer’s age. By measuring the diameter of the eye ring, you can estimate the deer’s age. Typically, Columbia blacktails have an eye ring diameter of 1 inch at 1-2 years of age, 1.5 inches at 2-3 years of age, and 2 inches or more at 4-5 years of age.

Antler Development

Finally, you can determine the age of a Columbia blacktail by examining its antlers. Blacktails grow new antlers every year, and the size and shape of the antlers can indicate the deer’s age. Typically, Columbia blacktails are considered small bucks at 3-4 years of age, with small, spiky antlers, and mature bucks at 5-6 years of age, with large, branching antlers. By examining the size and shape of the antlers, you can estimate the deer’s age and determine whether it is a spike buck, a small buck, or a mature buck.