Thread: Age the stag

Gday

Five of us got out earlier this week and had a great time walking the hills. A bit chilly with a dash of snow on one of the nights, but the titanium stove and the past outdoor tipee kept us toasty on those nights.

We took a stag which had all the characteristics of a mature stag, maybe not quite a 8 year old.

I've attached a few photos here. Any guesses on age?

I'm no expert, but 3rd mollar back looks hardly worn down. My guess is 5 years old.

My guess is towards the younger side 5yrs old , still a lot of pedicle height and coronets don’t look much larger then the base of the antlers, teeth still look sharp not much wear at all

4-5, high coronets, hardly any wear on teeth. Got a body pic?

Second above comments, high coronets teeth not very worn.
4-5y

Four, easy to be fooled this time of the year. Stags look older after the rut. Bit like us humans after a month of rooting.

Good set up. Did you sleep in the tipee?

Originally Posted by Tahr

Good set up. Did you sleep in the tipee?

Yeah, fit all five of us and the fire. Was a comfortable 25 degrees inside when it was cranking.

I’m no expert here either but that jaw definitely looks young to me, not much wear at all. Maybe four?

No way is this animal five years of age, maybe four, maybe only three. If you really keen get someone to section a tooth.

Well done none the less.
Looks far to cold for the northern island?

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Agree with most above - young stag with high coronets. Molars aren't that worn that much. If you want accurate age, need a fine saw to cut the molar, polish and count the rings. Members of your local NZDA usually have people to assist here. Takes away speculation aside from, "you shot a young stag" which is likely the case here. lol

Yeah definitely not north island. We fly down a few times a year to the main land.

Thanks for the reply. Noted! Will take a molar next time. Have only read a few things on aging stag on the hoof, and am a little under educated when it comes to the fine art of aging stags using their teeth. That's good info.
The guy that took him was stoked, and I'm sure he'll be enjoyed around the house for many years to come, that's all we could ask for!

Four