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Determining deer age

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chuckp

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Dec 17, 1996, 3:00:00 AM12/17/96
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Is there any way to determine the age of a deer?

Bryan Kinkel

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Dec 19, 1996, 3:00:00 AM12/19/96
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chuckp <chu...@prodigy.net> wrote:

>Is there any way to determine the age of a deer?

Chuck,
The most reliable method for aging deer (the one used by most wildlife
biologists and state game agencies), is by looking at tooth
replacement and tooth wear. Up to 18-20 months of age, a deer can
accurately be aged by looking at which permanent versus which "baby"
or "milk" teeth are present. After 20 months (when all permanent
teeth are present), the amount of wear on the teeth is used for aging.
The method isn't perfect, but its very good, especially to +/- 1 year
of age.

Bryan Kinkel
blki...@mindspring.com

Gary

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Dec 20, 1996, 3:00:00 AM12/20/96
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chuckp wrote:
>
> Is there any way to determine the age of a deer?

My dad, who's a crusty woodsman swears he can tell by the wear of the
teeth, and no I don't think there's a "how to" guide on doing it.

Bruce Langlois

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Dec 23, 1996, 3:00:00 AM12/23/96
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It doesn't take a crusty old woodsman to age a deer, and its not magic
to use the teeth. That is the way to do it, as with Horses and cattle,
etc. To find out how, the Indiana DNR web page has a good
explaination.

Happy Hunting, Muzzleloader season closed late night in Michigan

Bruce

Ace & Cat

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Dec 27, 1996, 3:00:00 AM12/27/96
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Gary wrote:
>
> chuckp wrote:
> >
> > Is there any way to determine the age of a deer?
>
> My dad, who's a crusty woodsman swears he can tell by the wear of the
> teeth, and no I don't think there's a "how to" guide on doing it.

Check with your state's Dept. Game & Fish. There is a chart and they
might just have it on hand. Age IS determined by wear of the teeth and I
have seen such a chart... just don't have a copy.
Cat

g4...@aol.com

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Dec 29, 1996, 3:00:00 AM12/29/96
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In article <32C38C...@mosquitonet.com>, Ace & Cat
<out...@mosquitonet.com> writes:

>Age IS determined by wear of the teeth and I
>have seen such a chart... just don't have a copy.

The same species in different regions will be eating different food. If
you are comparing deer teeth from the same region it's reputed to give a
fair approximation of age.

However comparing teeth of the same deer species from different areas can
be misleading and shouldn't be relied upon as a guide. This is pointed
out in a number of deer stalking books published in England and no doubt
applies to deer in other countries too.

Ben Spencer

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