I would say that just by looking at this picture he is probably 3 1/2. He has a huge rack but his neck and his brisket just dont show the age of a fully mature deer. I know it would be hard but letting him walk but if you did he would gain in all aspects in his 4th year. great buck

Thanks for the input. He is a good buck now and the rack was tall last year, but it was at his ears so I let him walk. If he can make it one more year without someone killing him, he will be a champion wall-hanger!

any other thoughts?

I agree with the first poster, 3 1/2, give him another year.

Have you seen this deer during daylight hours? Look like a trophy now. 1 more year he would be a dandy. What are the chances of this deer being seen by another hunter? I would have to bet not to many people would let him walk.

I hunt a trophy lease with 13 guys and I know that at least 10 of them wouldnt give him another year!! And I myself am on the fence!!!! No doubt a true trophy!!!!

There are 4 other hunters that hunt on the property who have ethics and believe in our program to grow bucks... One of them, my cousin, has a stand within 1500 yards, but we have a verbal agreement not to shoot him. There are a couple other guys (vagrants) that hunt and work as ranch hands on the property and shoot anything, but they do not go in my area. What I can't control is poachers. We caught 3 guys the Sunday night spot-lighting and shooting from the road onto the property. They were turned over to the Sheriff and DWF agents for prosecution. I agree with everyone that he should walk one more year. Hopefully he will keep his rack tucked and hide for another year. I will keep you guys posted. Thanks for the comments.

Man that deer is at least 41/2, the odds are he won't ever be larger than that. I pass up many bucks each year, never would i pass on him in la. Good luck, i bet ya'll never see him. Not being negative, just had my hopes dashed many times.lol I dont know why u would think he's young unless in a fence?

I passed on him last year and he was a symmetrical 8 point. The rack was the same height and a little less wide (just at the ears). This year he has 9+ a drop tine and is outside the ears. My hopes is that he will be a true 10 or better next year.

Oh, I have not seen him in the daylight this year. Last year I watched him for a couple days. We hunt open range (no high fence).

I agree it LOOKS like a 3.5 to me as well but I am not so sure it isn't just because of the camera angle. I study the pic and I could easily see him being 4.5 years old.

The only reason to let him go is so he can spread those genes right. Meaning you hope to kill bigger deer down the road. That is noble and all but unless you can get a broad side picture I think a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.

Genetic manipulation of wild deer has been shown to not be effective unless it is done on a grand scale. Doesn't sound like you have enough control over the area (poachers/other legal hunters) to pull it off.

Now if you want THIS deer to get more age before HE is taken that is a whole other issue.

Not trying to rain on your parade or anything but that is a magnificent buck and I would hate for someone to miss out on a chance at him if nothing is really gained from it.

So u all talkin Trophys huh Take look this Monster Killed West Baton Rouge Parish 19-21 point

We have bucks that size by 2.5 years, I do hunt in Woodville Ms. By the looks of his body he barely looks to be 3 years old!

I would say hes a 3 1/2 year old deer. Had to tell by the angle but id give him 4/12 at most. Id say let him walk another year. Very nice buck though.

Update: Had camera out all week of Thanksgiving. Caught him at 10:30pm on Sunday night. He is still alive and kicking. I am sure he will be there next year bigger and badder than this year. He will definitely be a BEAST!