Ask The Biologist

A photo alone doesn’t always tell the story about a deer’s age.

QUESTION: I would be interested to know your opinion or estimate on the age of the whitetail in the photo. – David G.

ANSWER:Aging a deer on the hoof can be difficult without a clear photo from the proper angle and sufficient information on the date and location. However, this one seems pretty straightforward, as it displays all the classic morphological features of a yearling (1.5 years old).

It appears dainty, with a thin neck, resembling a doe with antlers. Legs appear long and slender, and tarsal glands are small and lightly colored. Antler development can be highly variable in this age class, but thin, short beams and tines further exemplify a yearling.

Not By the Book: There is no fixed set of rules on how whitetail breeding takes place. Find Out The Answer!