For an Ag (not me):

That deer is 6+, dark hocks running down to hooves…

3.5

I can see where people are getting 3 and 4 from but that deer is very old. His shoulders are lower than his ass and protruded out, ears rounded and not sharp tipped, yes, he has no belly or brisket of a mature deer but I think that's due to the rut and his post mature age. I have shot plenty of deer and none stain their hocks to their hooves until they become post mature, only time I see it, so there is that as well. Would love to see the teeth on this guy to re-evaluate.

I'm not sure I buy that. It's just as likely he was crouched down feeding and only picked his head up for the photo.

Still pretty muscular without big flanks or gut on a healthy deer. Nose is still nice and dark. Not a lot of folds in the ears. No real greying or scars. Head and snout are still pretty pointy instead of rounded (Roman).

FWIW, here's what AI had to say:

Based on the body characteristics visible in the image, here is an estimate of the whitetail buck's age, with the caveat that aging deer in a photograph is an inexact science.
I would estimate this buck to be in the 4.5 to 5.5-year-old range.

Key Characteristics Supporting This Estimate:

• Body Mass and Profile: The buck has a very thick, deep chest and a substantial, muscular body. His shoulders appear to be as large as, or even heavier than, his hindquarters, suggesting full physical maturity.
• Neck and Shoulder Blend (Rut Conditions): The neck is extremely thick and blends smoothly into the chest and shoulders, creating a "bull-like" or "buffalo chest" appearance. This heavy neck is characteristic of a mature buck in or near the rut.
• Leg-to-Body Proportion: His legs appear to be proportionate to, or even a little short for, his massive body, which is a sign of a fully matured deer (bucks 4.5 years and older). Younger bucks often appear "lanky" or "long-legged."
• Antlers: The antlers are heavy at the base (good mass) and have significant tine length. While antler size is not the most reliable age indicator, a rack of this size and mass typically corresponds with a buck that has reached his peak or near-peak antler potential (usually achieved around 4.5 to 6.5 years old).

Why Not Younger (3.5 years)?

A 3.5-year-old buck is usually muscular but still has a more "toned athlete" or "racehorse" look. You would typically see a more distinct separation where the neck meets the shoulders, and the legs might appear more proportionate or slightly long. This buck's neck-to-shoulder transition is much smoother and more massive than is typical for a 3.5-year-old.

Why Not Older (6.5+ years)?

A buck 6.5 years or older often starts to show signs of decline, such as a noticeable sagging belly and/or back ("swayback"), and sometimes a bit of graying around the muzzle. This buck still appears very tight, powerful, and in his prime, suggesting he has not yet passed his physical peak.
In conclusion, all visible physical features point to a fully mature buck in the 4.5 to 5.5-year-old age class.

Fair enough, I guess what we really need is more than one picture. Any others out there? I love aging deer, funnest part of hunting for me for some reason.

ontherocks said:

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That deer is 6+, dark hocks running down to hooves…

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Every buck in central Texas is dark down to their hooves right now

Young bucks in Deep South Texas don't ever get stained all the way down. I guess that's a central Texas thing.

My SWAG is ~ 138 and 5 1/2 or >

Definitely mature (can't tell if he's an 8 or 10 pt)