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Help me age this deer for my daughter

2,000 Views | 28 Replies | Last: 3 mo ago by S.A. Aggie
SuperAg05
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10:50a, 10/17/25
AG
My daughter (12) started hunting with me last year and took a couple of does, but has never had the chance at a buck. Most of what has been on the cams recently have been young (2-2.5). This guy has been creeping around the last week or so, but I don't know if my heart is overriding my head on whether he's a shooter yet or not. My head says 3.5 and let him walk, my heart says 4.5 and let the kiddo give him a dirt nap. Thoughts?







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cupofjoe04
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11:01a, 10/17/25
AG
My honest thoughts- if you aren't on some sort of hard-lined restriction, that deer would make an amazing memory for you and your daughter. The value of a first buck together FAR outweighs an extra year or extra inches.
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SanAntoneAg
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11:01a, 10/17/25
AG
Location?

It's a mature deer. I would encourage my daughter to harvest it.

But if you have to run it by Jerry, Brad & Mitch first, well…
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96ags
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In reply to cupofjoe04 • 11:04a, 10/17/25
AG
cupofjoe04 said:
My honest thoughts- if you aren't on some sort of hard-lined restriction, that deer would make an amazing memory for you and your daughter. The value of a first buck together FAR outweighs an extra year or extra inches.

This! all the antler and age restrictions don't apply to a kid's first buck (at least they wouldn't if I was king!).
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7yrplan
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11:07a, 10/17/25
AG
If she likes it, let her shoot it.

Never give that deer's age a second thought.

I hope he shows up when you are there and I hope she gets it. What a great experience for you both.
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AgEng06
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In reply to cupofjoe04 • 11:23a, 10/17/25
AG
cupofjoe04 said:
My honest thoughts- if you aren't on some sort of hard-lined restriction, that deer would make an amazing memory for you and your daughter. The value of a first buck together FAR outweighs an extra year or extra inches.

Quoted so I could give this another blue star.
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oh no
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11:27a, 10/17/25
AG
I assume the OP is getting the answers he was hoping for!
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AgEng06
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11:36a, 10/17/25
AG
If it was my daughter hunting him, it'd be the old adage "he's as old as he's gonna get".
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nealan
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11:37a, 10/17/25
Yep. Good mature deer. Your daughter should dirt nap him
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SuperAg05
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11:56a, 10/17/25
AG
Additional context, at our place the restriction for bucks is either:

- Trophy - 5 1/2 + yrs, at least 10 pts
- Management - 4 1/2 + yrs, 8 pts or fewer
- Cull

I don't think I can justify a 5 1/2 yr age guess, but if it shows up, I might just let her do what feels right.

For context:


This was my son's 1st buck from a couple of years ago. Several folks in our group gave a side-eye at it before our local wildlife biologist shut them down.
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nealan
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12:11p, 10/17/25
Based on the gut, I think the deer in question is 5+
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AgEng06
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In reply to SuperAg05 • 12:35p, 10/17/25
AG
Ah, well with that additional info on restrictions, I understand your concern and thought process here.
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ghollow
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2:15p, 10/17/25
AG
It looks at least 51/2 to me. I don't trust pictures. He looks really healthy. I doubt his rack will get much bigger if he gets older.
So the greatest civilization is one where all citizens are equally armed and can only be persuaded, never forced. It removes force from the equation... and that's why carrying a gun is a civilized act.
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Bandit99
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2:28p, 10/17/25
AG
What would the other members of the lease guesstimate the age at?
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AgLA06
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3:02p, 10/17/25
AG
I mean he's a really nice deer, but he's not a world record. Probably isn't getting much different in another year.

If there's 6 or less members of the lease, ask them what they think. He's mature, but at least before the rut doesn't look old. Doesn't mean he survives the winter either.

You might be surprised and they're all for your daughter taking him as your trophy. Especially if they are all looking for better dear themselves. If not, then it's better to find out their thoughts now instead of having defend why you shot him or worse finding out you should have.
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SteveBott
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3:26p, 10/17/25
AG
For a kids first deer it's a shooter. I'd ask for forgiveness not permission.
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MW13
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3:45p, 10/17/25
AG
Anybody who gives a side eye to a kids first buck can get bent.
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Deerdude
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4:00p, 10/17/25
I applaud your instilling the wait until it's right approach. Too many kids these days expect instant gratification, this is a good life lesson. I'd say 4-5 and probably maxed out.
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DVM97
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4:38p, 10/17/25
AG
That buck appears to be 5.5 in my opinion. Good luck!
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nealan
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4:53p, 10/17/25
Let her shoot it and tell us what the biologist says
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montanagriz
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5:17p, 10/17/25
S
Dirt nap! Your daughter is 12 and this will be one of those memories y'all will cherish forever. Plus, she may get hooked and be your hunting buddy even when she is 16
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Tx95Ag
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In reply to montanagriz • 6:39p, 10/17/25
AG
montanagriz said:
Dirt nap! Your daughter is 12 and this will be one of those memories y'all will cherish forever. Plus, she may get hooked and be your hunting buddy even when she is 16


This! And, if anyone balks, claim it as your trophy for the year. It will be anyway. Whatever you shoot won't have nearly the same meaning.
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Aggie_2463
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7:20p, 10/17/25
AG
That deer is 5.5+ - let her kill
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Naveronski
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8:43p, 10/17/25
AG
Take the deer, enjoy making a core memory with your daughter.



Then text Brad, Jerry, Mitch in the GroupMe app.
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FirefightAg
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7:20a, 10/18/25
AG
Its last year
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Mas89
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7:30a, 10/18/25
AG
At least 5 1/2. Probably more. With the good probability of screw worms in the next year ahead, take it now.
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ontherocks
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8:13a, 10/18/25
AG
If you're wanting this buck to be 4.5+, you're good, that deer ain't 3 anymore.
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B-1 83
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8:56a, 10/18/25
AG
He's certainly seen 4 birthdays
Being in TexAgs jail changes a man……..no, not really
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S.A. Aggie
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9:15a, 10/19/25
AG
OP, we need your next post to be with a picture of you and your daughter with that buck on the ground. Good luck!
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