This is the only accurate field method. The charts on the next page show condition of deer teeth during the November hunting season. Considerable knowledge of the life history of deer is needed to age them at other times of the year.
Cheek teeth appear during the first month of life.
Thus deer are aged by number of teeth or tooth replacement until they are 19 months old. Older deer are aged by the amount of wear on the cheek teeth. To use the charts showing dental age characters, you must have a clear view of the cheek teeth on at least one side of the lower jaw. The mouth must be opened as far as possible. A tire tool or other type of pry bar is usually needed.