Accuracy of estimating age and antler size of photographed deer

Objective and accurate techniques are needed to estimate age and antler size of live white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus ), because these parameters are essential to many white-tailed deer management strategies. I developed and evaluated accuracy of methods for estimating age and antler size from photographs of live, male white-tailed deer using Geographic Information Systems (GIS). I estimated size of photographed, known-score mounted antlers accurately using a fixed-scale object and photographed, live deer using anatomical features. I determined if a series of morphometric ratios could be used to predict age of deer from photographs using a dichotomous key procedure.Mean percentage error for gross antler score was < 6% using a single photograph at 0° or 45°. The dichotomous key procedure effectively separated age classes of photographed, live white-tailed deer. When grouping deer into 1, 2, 3, 4, or &ge 5 year age classes, the methodology respectively.Key words: antler size, age, photographs, GIS...