Congrats to your buddy! I'd say it's only a 1 1/2 year old as I've seen spikes up to small 8 points being that age and with the size of the bases with the size of the deer I'd say no more than.
The picture doesn't reflect the gray on the muzzle he had, and he also had a lot of wearing of his teeth.... Not the greatest at aging hem but after seeing him up close I'd say 3.5 more so than 1.5, he had good body mass as well.... I'd put him at 160 lbs or maybe a little better.....
I didn't put a tape on it but they are about 9". Over the years I can probably remember 5 or 6 spikes killed in that area. Most 1.5s are 6-8 points. About 1986 the was an old buck killed with 11" spikes about a 1/2 mile away.
I honestly do not have an opinion other than there has to be some tagged wild deer type of research out there.
Gonna do some googling when I get some time.
I witnessed said deer being drug out and got my hands on the spikes.... But didn't pull the trigger on the beast lol.... Lots of deer seen but no decent shots offered by any antlered deer for Sam or I..... Still had a lot of fun and exercise this week walking the hollers around the orchard... Good group of guys..... Very thankful Sam invited me.....
Actually Phil I was pushing on that drive lol.... So I did have a hand in the harvest lol.... I believe we had 5 or 6 bucks running around on that one...