Just as people in middle age, most mature bucks exhibit a sagging belly. Their eyes are squinty in appearance. Mature bucks often show battle scars such as torn ears, broken antler tines, and scratched necks. Muscularity is lost in the neck area because these animals may not participate as frequently in normal rutting activities. A swayed back and a prominent potbelly are other signs of this aged buck.
Loose skin develops on the neck and head areas as muscle tone declines.
Recent battle scars may not be visible, but old scars such as slit ears are evident. A buck's antler size tends to decline with advancing age. Hunter as Manager Deer hunters and mangers have a wealth of reliable information to incorporate into their management plans. Deer biologists recognize that the future of deer populations in the Southeast depend on the willingness and ability of hunters to make rational and informed harvest decisions. Adequate harvest of does and the use of discretion in harvest of bucks are among relevant management decisions.