Biology And Management Of White-tailed Deer In Alabama

Severinghaus’ tooth replacement and wear technique. Even with its
shortcomings, this technique has proven to be useful, and most experienced
deer managers can classify deer into one of four age classes (i.e.,
1/2 year, 1-1/2 years, 2-1/2 years, and >2-1/2 years) using this technique.
While not exact, these age classes are specific enough to make sound
management decisions on most properties. Other methods, such as body
size, antler size, etc., appear to be more subjective and less reliable
aging techniques.
Jawbones should be taken from all deer harvested, regardless
of size. Most hunters do not have a problem getting jawbones from
adult does or small bucks. However, many are apprehensive about removing
jawbones from large bucks, especially ones to be mounted, for
fear of damaging the buck’s cape. If done properly, jawbones can be
removed quickly and without damaging the deer’s cape. Taxidermists
also can remove the jawbones from deer to be mounted, but steps should
be taken to ensure the correct jawbone is received. On properties managed
for better quality deer, the relative ages of the better bucks being
harvested are very important data. These data allow the manager to
establish harvest limits to protect the correct age classes of bucks and
still allow harvest of the target group of bucks. It also is important to
get jawbones from the smallest deer as well. Many hunters do not feel
it is necessary to remove jawbones from fawns because their small size
is a good enough indicator of the deer’s age. This may be true in some
situations. On many areas, especially late in the season, the size difference
between fawns and young adult does becomes less substantial.
For these reasons, collecting jawbones from each deer harvested should
be a top priority.
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