The Tooth Tells the Truth: Aging Deer, Elk, and Bears

How old is that buck or bull, really? Jaden visits Matson’s Laboratory in Manhattan, Montana, to sit down with lab manager A.J. Stephens and learn how wildlife teeth are used to determine the ages of deer, elk, bears, and other mammals. A.J. explains how cementum age analysis works, why wildlife agencies send thousands of teeth to the lab, and why the method is especially valuable for understanding the age structure of an entire population. They also dig into the limitations of aging an individual animal and why antler size, body size, trail-camera history, and tooth wear can sometimes fool even experienced hunters. The conversation includes some wild examples from the lab, including two similar-looking Montana mule deer that were 2½ and 5½ years old, a giant Montana bull that was only six, a bull that lived to 21 and died of old age, and an Alaska brown bear that was still raising a yearling at 40. They also discuss hunter selection bias, whether passing a young animal really guarantees another opportunity, and why age is only one part of what makes a hunt meaningful. If you want Matson’s Lab to age one of your animals, remove one or preferably both front lower incisors, place them in a labeled paper envelope, and include your contact information. Paper is the key word here. Nobody at the lab wants to open a sealed plastic bag containing a rotten jaw. Matson’s Laboratory: https://matsonslab.com/ Use promo code ROKCAST for 10% off your submission.