How to Remove Jaw Bone from Deer Aging?

The success or failure of any deer management program is often measured by the number of deer harvested, or more frequently, by the size of bucks harvested. One of the most reliable and accurate indicators of management success is deer health. Removing jaw bone from deer aging is one of the most important aspects of managing deer.

Complete and accurate data collection is essential to monitoring deer health. This article will describe the technique for removing and labeling deer mandibles (jawbones). A labeled lower jaw bone from each harvested deer is an essential part of data collection.

How to Determine Deer Aging?

Wildlife managers determine the age of deer by jaw tooth replacement and progressive wear. The jaw teeth of white-tailed deer are replaced in a predictable age-related sequence.

As an adult, a deer has three premolars and three molars on each side. The loss and replacement of baby teeth follow a predictable schedule. By 17 months of age, the deer’s premolars become loose. Three permanent premolars are fully exposed by 19 months of age. At the same time, the last molars are being cut. After all of the permanent jaw, teeth have come in, age determination is made by examining the amount of wear on the molars.

Once the age of the animal is determined by examining the lower jaw bone, the corresponding weight for bucks and does is used to determine deer health. Years of research throughout the country have determined expected or potential weights for each age class of deer. Data collection allows wildlife managers to determine the ideal weight and condition of a yearling buck in good condition.

The Process of Removing Jaw Bone from Deer Aging

Without a corresponding age, weight and the antler-development information is practically useless. A 6-point buck weighing 130 pounds could be an excellent yearling or a poor 3'/2-year-old. Over time, data comparisons allow managers to determine harvest recommendations in response to changes in her health.

For proper jaw bone extraction, you must have two essential tools. The first is a jaw opener-extractor made from a 46-inch length of — inch cold-rolled steel. In addition, the hunter should have pruning shears. According to the editors of Safariors.com, the process should be something like this:

1. Place the back of the deer’s head on a flat surface, and open the deer’s mouth by inserting the small end of the jaw opener from the side of the deer’s mouth between the front teeth (incisors) and the first jaw teeth (premolars). Rotate the tool 90 degrees to open the mouth.

2. Insert the jaw opener between the cheek and jaw bone. Push the jaw opener downward toward the base of the jaw to free the skin and muscle attached to the lower jaw along the gum line.

3. Insert the closed pruning shears into the deer’s mouth with the curve of the blade facing inward. Open the shears and place the cutter bar behind the last jaw teeth (molars) on the outside of the jaw bone. Place the handles of the shears parallel to the roof of the animal’s mouth and cut the bone and muscles. Be careful not to break the jaw teeth.

4. Remove the shears and push the small end of the jaw opener extractor through the cut made in Step 3.

5. Place one foot on the deer’s neck, antlers or ear and pull the tool out of the deer’s mouth, causing the tool to slide along the underside of the jaw bone, removing the muscles. The jaw bone will separate between the incisors and can be lifted out.

6. If the crests of the jaw teeth are malformed or broken, age determination may be impossible. If the jaw teeth are malformed or broken, carefully remove the other jaw bone to determine age. Careful jaw removal will not damage the head for mounting.

Cleaning of Jaw Bone

Jawbones can be cleaned by simply dropping them on the ground and vigorously rubbing each side with your foot, followed by wiping with a cloth. Number each jaw bone with a permanent marker. Some managers prefer to attach a label to each jaw bone with the deer number, date, weight, sex and number of points. Jawbones should be stored away from scavengers and allowed to air dry.

A wire cage, fish basket or ventilated wooden crate works well when used in an outbuilding or garage. A few mothballs will prevent insect problems. Freezing, refrigerating or storing jaw bones in plastic bags will cause offensive odors and labels may become illegible.