White-tailed deer tooth collections and antler measurements to begin for units 2, 10A and select controlled hunts

Panhandle and Clearwater hunters planning to pursue white-tailed deer in units 2, 10A and select controlled hunts are encouraged to participate in the third year of Idaho Fish and Game’s age study.

Participation is voluntary, and hunter-provided samples help wildlife managers better understand the age structure of white-tailed deer in northern Idaho. More samples equal more data, which produces better results.

Participation is easy. Hunters wishing to participate can simply provide a tooth from the front lower jaw of their harvested white-tailed deer. Tooth collection envelopes are available at any Fish and Game regional office.

In addition, hunters who harvest a buck can provide information about the number of points on each antler beam as well as main beam measurements. This information will help Fish and Game staff better understand whether antler measurement could be a useful predictor of deer age. 

In 2023-24, over 1,000 white-tailed deer teeth were submitted as part of the study. Results from the 2023 effort can be found here. Results from the 2024 effort will be available in early 2026.

— Idaho Department of Fish and Game