How old is this ram?

[slatebuilder]

How old is this ram? I have an age in mind, however being a novice on such things I was hoping some of the folks with more experience at judging rams could weigh in.

 

[Oak]

Looks 6 to me.

 

[JLS]

Looks 6 to me.

Agreed.

 

[BigHornRam]

5 1/2 years

 

[BAKPAKR]

I wouldn’t guess at how old he is, but I would be willing to bet that he is not a Frank Church Wilderness ram.

 

[Oak]

Could be 5. No older than 6.

 

[MTGomer]

6

maybe 5. Was the pic taken recently?

 

[BuzzH]

I think 5...cant come up with 6, but could be wrong.

 

[slatebuilder]

Picture was taken August 12 right the gate to the Bandlands National park.

 

[ClearCreek]

Due to the sheep living in that area (Badlands National Park) it may not put down real distinct annual rings, so it would be more difficult to age, especially from a photo.

ClearCreek

 

[BigHornRam]

He looks like he has some real good genetics and is eating well. I'm only counting 4 annual rings on him.

 

[bigjohn]

I believe his 4 year ring is at the 10/2 o'clock position on his horns. I can see 2 age rings above that, so I go with 6. Great looking sheep in his prime. He could be more impressive in 2-3 years.

 

[David R.]

I 'm going with 6.

 

[seeth07]

There are without a doubt at least 4 obvious growth rings. That's all I know lol

 

[BigHornRam]

There are without a doubt at least 4 obvious growth rings. That's all I know lol

4 rings plus lamb tips equal 5.

 

[seeth07]

4 rings plus lamb tips equal 5.

I'm just never good at locating and determining those "less obvious" rings. So I can only for sure with a doubt age him at 5+. Once I've looked at 10000 sheep then maybe I'll be better

 

[Huntnut60]

Looks 6. Montana or Alberta for sure.

 

[mtmiller]

Looks 6. Montana or Alberta for sure.

I take that bet.

 

[Huntnut60]

Looks 6. Montana or Alberta for sure.

Sorry. Didn’t know location was already noted. The first real slow down in horn growth is “usually” the 4-5 age growth.

 

[BigHornRam]

South Dakota....... Land of Good Looking Sheep... and Governor.