58 Nebraskaland • March 2021
SPECIES?
which
ntlers differ among species and therefore are fairly
easy to identify. Common antlered animals in
Nebraska belong to the deer family and include
white-tailed deer, mule deer and elk. Elk antlers are
larger in size and length compared to deer antlers. To tell
the difference between mule deer and white-tailed deer,
look at the branching of the tines. Mule deer antler tines
typically fork, while white-tailed deer antler tines branch
from a central main beam.
A
OLD?
how
ntler size, shape and morphology — including points –—
can vary by age and between populations and regions.
Based on eight years of antler measurements and age
data gathered at deer check stations, we developed a few simple
measurements to determine the general age of white-tailed deer.
The deer antler's main beam length can be used to accurately
classify age. Generally, white-tailed deer with antlers less than
14 inches are 1.5 year olds, 14 to 17 inches are 2.5 years old, and
greater than 17 inches are 3.5 years old or older. Similarly, age can be determined by antler base circumference:
below 3.25 inches are 1.5 years old, 3.25 to 4 inches are 2.5 years old and above 4 inches are 3.5 years old or older.
A
A white-tailed deer's antler tines branch from a central
main beam.
A mule deer, like this one in Sioux County, typically has
forked antlers.
General deer age can be determined by antler
circumference.
An elk's antlers are easily distinguishable from Nebraska's
deer species by their larger size.
PHOTO
BY
ERIC
FOWLER
PHOTO
BY
BOB
GRIER
PHOTO
BY
JEFF
KURRUS
PHOTO
BY
JEFF
KURRUS
