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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?
Attachment 198022
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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?
Yeah, fit all five of us and the fire. Was a comfortable 25 degrees inside when it was cranking.Quote:
Originally Posted by Tahr
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
About 4yrs
Need a proper photo of the whole animal for me to make a call
It’s 4th birthday would have been 1st November 2022 😂
Assuming it's the head in front of the tent it would be better out of the gene pool. At 3 it should be showing promise with at least 12 points.
You guys should try summer hunting,bloody site warmer.Well done with the stag.He s got a good set of teeth,coros not low,3yrs 7 months at most.
We had no issues with water up there with the amount of snow though!!
The tipee saw us through comfortably!
Remember you need to bring out one lower jaw complete for proper aging. It will add to the accuracy of the aging.
What's the usual procedure for lower jaw aging? Cutting into the molar and counting the rings?
While on the topic, can I ask the gurus about age on this stag, my first decent one?
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They like to look at the overall jaw size with teeth intact before they start the cut. If one molar damaged in cutting then can start on another one. Never boil out the jaw to clean - make them too brittle. Seperate from the skull before boiling the head out.
@ablakebrown do you have a close up of the skull join between antlers that’s a good way to tell as it fuses with age
Firstly congrats on the nice even 12! I’m no expert and still relatively new to the game.. his pedicles are pretty low but not right down but this isn’t a true way to age just a good indicator, the skull is pretty well fused (no gaps which a young animal would have), his length looks around 30inch but I’m unsure of your areas genetics, I haven’t seen how he holds his body just that pic can’t estimate on how he holds his head/ neck so I’d say 6-7 based on the above but would happily welcome others thoughts!
That's a great stag bro! Congrats
@crocodiledavid, where did you get it? Looks awesome.Quote:
Originally Posted by crocodiledavid
@hebe, it's from past outdoors. They're Australian based and owned by a bloke who started the company after his army career.
Pretty top notch gear, the tent and stove was light enough for us to carry around the hills with.
