How big?

This big...

Shoot

Oh yes!!!

TAKE HIM!!!

awesome!

Does anyone know how to age axis deer? I'd take him if was a wee buck, but just curious!!

Too big to load by yourself.

If I were you I would not shoot an axis that small but I checked my schedule and I have an opening to be able to take your place He is plenty big

Looking at other pics, I guess he is a nice one. Maybe we will connect !!

That axis is middle aged at 6-7 years old, and mid 30's. Might be a little older. Mature and lots of muscle mass. That is a one strong axis.

That's not a bad Sika either.

Is this LF?

Must be south of I-10, or not too far north. They general don't get that big north of I-10

Looks like the Bergheim area to me.

He dosent look that old to me, he's old enough to shoot however.

He is a very nice buck. I would take him first opportunity

Got to remember that axis aren't WT, they can live 19-20 years. Even free-range animals average 12-15 years. Axis don't reach 90% or better of their antler potential until they are 5yo. So this deer is middle aged and easily 6-7yo

I don't see him being much over 5 maybe 6 tops for age.

I'm thinking he is 5

He's isn't showing me anything that makes me think he is older

Brow ridges are a dead giveaway he is well over 5/6

Sorry, far be it for me to disagree with master, stxranchman - but I am no stranger to axis and even most experienced ranchers tend to underage free rangers basing on known ages on their own stock. No offense, as I have mucho respect.

Having seen, aged, and photo documented axis free-range vs HF, there are definite differences.

First thing, unless the HF ranch is pretty good size, over a 1000 acres for example, the free range animals tend to be more "muscled" than HF supplemental feed. Look at the muscles on this guy. He is very stout.

I know, I know - gonna hear someone chime in about seeing some heavy muscled HF animal - but I assure you, I have THOUSANDS of pics that back up my point.

That brow ridge also takes some years to build up. This is more apparent to most folks. Look at the pics just on this site. Look at the brow ridge on this 4-5yo (aged by teeth and other factors) taken yesterday, see the lack of the "Neanderthal" ridge:



It's not uncommon to under/over axis because they live so longer and most folks tend to apply "whitetail" aging rules. The most accurate age guesses kinda cheat because they know the age of the animals on their own HF operation. These animals simply don't age present like established free rangers. If this a HF animal that has a managed herd, he might be as young as you say (but I still don't think so), but if he free range or large ranch - I will bet a steak dinner he is 6 or better.

I have a lot of experience in the BS depart so I am going to say 6 years 7 months 5 days old and 34.5" average beams. there, that should settle the argument.

I have looked at quite a few axis. We had a herd of over 1200 hd in Kendall County.

Now that made me laugh.... Thanks Don for helping me get this week started off with a smile!!

OBTW - He may be short on his brows but the mass and barrel roll make him a candidate for a dirt nap.

I look at alot of axis too, I just don't think that deer is over 5.


He isn't that heavily muscled, in fact he is pretty lean in the rear.

He does have that brow ridge but that isn't a go all

Not meaning to mess up the original post, but what was length and age of this one.

from the tightness of his rump, I would say he is younger than my MIL

Well Don as I've always been told never judge a deer from behind. Come to think of it that's not bad advise for judging the opposite sex either!!!! He looks wide and thin with short caudles. I can tell you without a shodow of doubt he's young!!! I'm guessing of course, is he on your place?