Any suggestions as to how old this bull is

[Luminous Ham]

Opening up a can of worms here, I know, but would like suggestions on how old this bull is. I don't know if it matters, but the spread is 38", free ranging.

 

[318AE]

It’s an old bull, likely in the ~10 year range. Their condition at age varies a lot on the area. If you have photos of the front hoofs or teeth, that can help. The front hoofs wear down square over time, and the teeth are the best way to age them.

The hair on his body is quite thin and his condition suggest some age. Sometimes on older bulls, the ears are more torn and horn tips more broomed, but that’s not the case in all areas.

Really nice bull - I hope it was a great hunt and fond memories.

 

[wildwilderness]

Nice old bull for sure. Congrats

Any pictures of the teeth? If you really want to know pull a couple front lower incisors and send it in to a lab for cementum aging. They do it all the time for Deer, bear, etc.

 

[375Fox]

I’d estimate 10-11 very nice bull.

 

[Flipper Dude]

I would guess 9-10 as well. Good drops, ridges on the boss starting to smooth out. Take that for what it’s worth. A nice shooter bull, for sure.

 

[375Fox]

If you have any photos under the chin that helps identify age as well. They start getting a dewlap 12+, but I think 10-11 range.

 

[Ontario Hunter]

You put the bullet where it counted on that big fella. Good job. Bosses are quite worn down but tips hardly broomed. An interesting combination. Wonder how he managed that? A lifetime of fighting wimps? Obviously he did a lot of fighting something. I'm guessing he's at least nine years old.

 

[Lopehunter]

This is a photo of my bull's lower teeth for comparison if it may help. This bull was aged at 16 yrs.

 

[Ontario Hunter]

This is a photo of my bull's lower teeth for comparison if it may help. This bull was aged at 16 yrs.

Wow. What teeth? Did you shoot him on a marshmallow plantation? What was his body condition? My first buffalo was 25 years old and though she looked to be in really tough shape, she was still quite agile and keeping up with the herd. Didn't check to see if she had any front teeth (probably all long gone) but one molar had been missing for a long time as gum had receded substantially.

 

[Muntjacer23]

Wow. What teeth? Did you shoot him on a marshmallow plantation? What was his body condition? My first buffalo was 25 years old and though she looked to be in really tough shape, she was still quite agile and keeping up with the herd. Didn't check to see if she had any front teeth (probably all long gone) but one molar had been missing for a long time as gum had receded substantially.

25? Would be interested to see photos of her!

 

[dchum]

That is a stud.

 

[Mark458]

I would say at least 10 years old. One thing I know for sure he's not going to get any older. Beautiful bull. Congratulations

 

[Ontario Hunter]

25? Would be interested to see photos of her!

I have put her photo up before but here it is again. She must have been a special animal in her prime. But she wasn't going to last much longer during that drought. Note the protruding spine and hips.

 

[Lopehunter]

Wow. What teeth? Did you shoot him on a marshmallow plantation? What was his body condition? My first buffalo was 25 years old and though she looked to be in really tough shape, she was still quite agile and keeping up with the herd. Didn't check to see if she had any front teeth (probably all long gone) but one molar had been missing for a long time as gum had receded substantially.

Shot that guy two years ago. His back end was getting bony and the hair was a bit thin. He probably wasn't eating very well because of the missing teeth, plus 2024 in RSA was an exceptionally dry year so green areas were very limited.

 

[Luminous Ham]

Nice old bull for sure. Congrats

Any pictures of the teeth? If you really want to know pull a couple front lower incisors and send it in to a lab for cementum aging. They do it all the time for Deer, bear, etc.

Here is one of the teeth, with salt, so perhaps not that useful... Will skip the lab, not that importan, but would like to know, approximately.To me, and the PH, he looks old.

 

[Luminous Ham]

If you have any photos under the chin that helps identify age as well. They start getting a dewlap 12+, but I think 10-11 range.

Thanks, didn't know about the dewlap, so didn't get a photo of that.

 

[Luminous Ham]

Thanks for all the answers, and suggestions. And for the congrats. I fully agere, he was a shooter, and it was a though hunt. Full story will be posted later, still on my way home.

 

[Luminous Ham]

It’s an old bull, likely in the ~10 year range. Their condition at age varies a lot on the area. If you have photos of the front hoofs or teeth, that can help. The front hoofs wear down square over time, and the teeth are the best way to age them.

The hair on his body is quite thin and his condition suggest some age. Sometimes on older bulls, the ears are more torn and horn tips more broomed, but that’s not the case in all areas.

Really nice bull - I hope it was a great hunt and fond memories.

Indeed it was fun, and hard hunt, just as it should be.

Here are two pics of a hoof, if that helps.

 

[Hunt anything]

I was going to guess 10, any older and the tips would probably be worn a bit. No matter what that is a great bull!

 

[HuntingGold]

Congratulations on your bull! We are excited to hear the full story.

Safe travels home.
Randall