GREAT looking Macon Co. buck!!!
On the age-
I would have to say at least 3.5 y/o, possibly 4.5. I had trouble coming to that conclusion, based just on the teeth he could be a 3.5 year old. No way, no how is he older than 4.5 y/o though. Here's how/why:
3rd premolar is bicuspid = at least 2.5
From there,
1st molar (4th tooth)
Dentine equal to or wider than enamel? Wider. = at least 3.5
2nd molar (5th tooth)
Dentine equal to or wider than enamel? Looks almost equal, but the deer is starting to show a little wear on 1st molar, where dentine is wider and not just equal to enamel. = 4.5
To qualify as "mature" adult (4.5 years +), the dentine (brown part) on the second molar (5th tooth) must be as wide or wider than enamel (white part) on the lingual (tongue-side) crest of the tooth. Deer in this category usually start to show a "dished out" look to the molars. His 1st molar doesn't look flat, but you can tell it's significantly worn compared to the 2nd and 3rd molar, which hints that he could be 4.5.
To be 5.5 - the dentine on the 2nd molar (5th tooth) would have to be obviously wider than the enamel, and the 1st molar (3rd tooth) would be much flatter, like a shallow dish.
