Age of this buck?

[Lockdown]

I’m thinking 4.5

Neck looks like it ties in low and he has some belly

[Hatchetman]

I realize this is Iowa but I agree with Lockdown. (4.5)
Body and muscle structure looks pretty well developed to me.
In another month when this buck puts on 40 lbs. he's gonna look like a real TOAD!

[Hatchetman]

That's if he lives that long!
Go get 'em Hawkeye!

[Ghost Hunter]

He 3.5 plus.

[Hawkeyebowhunter]

He's got some neat character, his left main beam curling up is pretty different as well.

I've got him on both the cameras at grandpa's farm, and have a good idea where he is bedding.

We have some river front, makes for a really nice rut travelling property.

Dad grandpa and I all bowhunt (they use xbows due to age and injuries) so it isn't like he will be unpressured. I am going to have a hard time passing this buck I think, as he would be my biggest bow-kill.

I attended Barry Wensel's whitetail bootcamp a couple years ago (great experience) and something has really stuck with me from that time with Barry- he was talking about passing up bucks were 4.5 as he really felt that a truly mature deer is no less than 5.5 years old.

Cant help but dream about what this guy could blow up into if he does make it another year or two

[stash59]

He's got some neat character, his left main beam curling up is pretty different as well.

I've got him on both the cameras at grandpa's farm, and have a good idea where he is bedding.

We have some river front, makes for a really nice rut travelling property.

Dad grandpa and I all bowhunt (they use xbows due to age and injuries) so it isn't like he will be unpressured. I am going to have a hard time passing this buck I think, as he would be my biggest bow-kill.

I attended Barry Wensel's whitetail bootcamp a couple years ago (great experience) and something has really stuck with me from that time with Barry- he was talking about passing up bucks were 4.5 as he really felt that a truly mature deer is no less than 5.5 years old.

Cant help but dream about what this guy could blow up into if he does make it another year or two

Agree with Barry. Biologists say even at 4 YO. A bucks body is still developing. Which means most nutrients are still being put into that body growth. At 5, the buck intakes extra nutrients that can all go to developing the antlers. So that's the first year a buck can approach his full potential. Course this in areas with good soils and habitat.

On the other hand it all comes down to what makes you happy. Kind of a bird in the hand thing too. You could pass him this year, but he gets hit by a car before next season!!! Kind of a Iowa thing!!!!!

[Hawkeyebowhunter]

Hah yeah isnt that the truth. Plus we have neighbors everywhere, and my grandpa would (and should) be ecstatic to shoot that buck.

[PK_]

63-64 months.

+/- a couple years.

[danielms77]

4.5 in my opinion
dang good one
any side view pics of his body with head up?

[Hawkeyebowhunter]

I think these are as close as I have to head up with the body