Central Alabama Whitetail Buck Aging Guide

December 28, 2023

0.5 Years
Bucks weigh between 40 and 60 pounds. Antlers typically show as buttons or small spikes.














1.5 Years
Bucks weigh between 80 and 100 pounds. Antlers show first forks and can develop into 4-points or small 6-points. The neck is not smaller and more defined at the shoulder.

2.5 Years
Bucks weigh between 120 and 140 pounds. Antler frame will be fully developed, but with short tine length and less mass. The antler's inside spread closely matches the ears. The neck is larger and begins to lose definition at the shoulder.

3.5 Years
Bucks weigh between 160 and 180 pounds. Antler frame is usually the same as the prior year, but with longer tines and more mass. The antler's inside spread can reach outside of the ears. There is less definition between the belly and rear hams making the deer look "blocky" from the side. Most bucks begin to develop grey hair on their faces, especially around the eyes.

The photos of the 9-point are from the 2022 and 2023 seasons. This buck was always cruising through the Sylvan Springs property, but never showed his antlers during daylight hours. His tines grew in length and he gained some weight between the 2022 and 2023 seasons.

4.5 Years

Bucks weigh 200+ pounds and are considered fully mature. The antlers are fully developed and wider than the ears with long tines and more mass. Very little definition between the shoulders and neck. Very little definition between the belly and rear hams. The buck will have a noticeable sway in its back.