If you get the chance, take him.........he will continue down til death. He is a true warrior, has survived many winters.............I think hes more like 8 1/2. If you get him, keep his lower jaw to age it.
I tried for a stud buck here for 3 years, turns out first year he was peaked, down the next, and down again the year I killed him and he was aged at 8 1/2. I have pics of him from each year and it appears he lost apprx 10 to 15 inches by 7 1/2 and 20ish by 8 1/2.........bottom teeth were to the gum line.
To me he may be older yet, as he doesnt look as vital as the one I shot. He may have very worn teeth. That is what starts the end.....cant forage on the more woody diet they survive on in the winter.