he's not post-mature for sure. I have heard of a 160 class buck jumping to 180 from 5.5 to 6.5.

that being said, i like 'em. he's just a good looking deer. wait and you'd be fine.

From purely an age and appearance standpoint he's sure a good looking deer, maybe 4.5 years old, full brisket and neck but no roman nose, spare neck skin, or real enlarged tarsal glands.  When in doubt, wait another year. 

He's also eating under a protein feeder.

Considering that this is a low fence, sub-100 acre piece of Hill Country land covered in cedars, I am not sure 160 class bucks exist. Taking into account the region of texas and property description, does this sway your opinion on whether to shoot or not?

That makes it simple...bang!

BTW, if its near your place between Telegraph and Rocksprings (if I remember right) there are some big bucks in and around the S Llano river.  Don't know about 160 class, but they get in the 140 range in that area.

This one looks int the 130s+ to me.

No Shoot.  I would give him one more year.  knowing the above, it's hard but it all has to start somewhere.

i'd be tempted to wait 1 more year.  However if it is a free ranging deer, on a low fence ranch, he may not be around another year.

Let him go another year or two. But if not, I understand the reasoning about low fence, etc. But if you already have a deer or two in this size range, take the chance and let him walk. He has decent mass which tells me he is at least 4.5. Muscled up shoulders tell me the same or maybe 5.5. One thing that is always forgotten when wonder if you should shoot because if I don't someone else may, is that this deer is prime breeding age. Even if YOU don't get this one, YOU may get one of his off springs later....or two... or three...

My thoughts....

i was using the size jump as an example.

 it would be cool to see more 5.5 + hill country deer. they are asthetically striking deer.

my only hesitation would be the acreage.....might make one shoot. but then it pays to know your neighbors.

I agree...yes, he's been there for a couple years but unless he stays on that one 100 ac tract (highly unlikely down there), depending on the hunting pressure, he may not even get to breed.  Besides, his genetics are already there otherwise he wouldn't be.

If you could control hunting pressure, like you would on a larger tract, its a pretty clear choice to let him alone for another year.