Is he old and going downhill???

[wastickslinger]

Few from the frigid morning!

 think I have pictures of this buck last year and he was a few inches wider, same mass up top, and pinchers.  I got a feeling it is an older deer headed down hill. I could be wrong though. Any thoughts.

[wastickslinger]

This is when I first spotted them. The 4 point on the right was the best on eof the group. He slipped over the hill ahead of his clan as I closed the distance. Never got a good shot of him. I'm sure I will see them agian

[wastickslinger]

this one was weird!!!
Pictured cropped. They were taken at about 400 yards. I never got a good clear shot of him.

[wastickslinger]

one more pose of the big 3 point. I liked this shot.

[boneaddict]

There are deer out there.    YES he looks to be going downhill.  All teh classic characteristics in his bones.  COOL!

[wastickslinger]

Same buck, last year?

[DOUBLELUNG]

Sure could be a decliner. 

If not, and it is the same deer, could be last winter was tougher than the one before.  I've seen mule deer antler growth start as early as the second week of April, and as late as early May.  When body condition is poor, antler growth starts later and and growth is slower, causing smaller racks.  Also why bucks on chronically overbrowsed winter ranges grow smaller antlers. 

[270Shooter]

Nice pics . Looks like the same buck to me, just not as wide this year.

[wastickslinger]

Sure could be a decliner. 

If not, and it is the same deer, could be last winter was tougher than the one before.  I've seen mule deer antler growth start as early as the second week of April, and as late as early May.  When body condition is poor, antler growth starts later and and growth is slower, causing smaller racks.  Also why bucks on chronically overbrowsed winter ranges grow smaller antlers. 

Makes Sense for most areas. Only thing is that there are no tough winters where these guys hang out. Most snow they see at a time is a few inches.

[robb92]

Still a great buck, great pictures!!!!

[wastickslinger]

There are deer out there.    YES he looks to be going downhill.  All teh classic characteristics in his bones.  COOL!

I know I was suprised too.