Is one of these deer a taker?
- Thread starter BigBore45
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The one in the night picture is probably old enough to take. It looks like he is a 9 point so I probably wouldn't shoot him but I would try to let one of the younger kids get a shot at him.
I really can't tell in the other pic. I look for maturity more than points and I think they are probably three at the oldest.
I am a firm believer that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. A spike is a trophy to some people and that's okay by me. I have killed more than my share of spikes and 6 points over the years and appreciated every one of them. Now if I have something nicer on the wall then I let a big deer walk unless he "interests" me. I generally shoot a doe or two every year for meat.
I really can't tell in the other pic. I look for maturity more than points and I think they are probably three at the oldest.
I am a firm believer that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. A spike is a trophy to some people and that's okay by me. I have killed more than my share of spikes and 6 points over the years and appreciated every one of them. Now if I have something nicer on the wall then I let a big deer walk unless he "interests" me. I generally shoot a doe or two every year for meat.
Bobson
Member
I'd be happy to take any of those. Still never been out deer hunting...
In my neck of the woods, I'd be proud to take either of those bucks. The woods are so thick around here, it's not overly common to see any buck at all. I should also note that "any-deer permits", or "doe tags", aren't easy to come by in the lottery. I hunt primarily for meat so when the opportunity presents itself, I take it.
redneck2
Member
I've let deer walk that most guys would put on the wall. But, most years I shoot a doe for the meat. I already have a 149 mounted. Two years ago I gave one of my best friends my best hunting spot opening day.
He shot a 183. Joke was on him because (a) he will never see, let alone shoot a bigger deer, and (b) he had to pay the $600 to get it mounted. I got a bigger kick out of his reaction than if I would have shot it myself
Depends on what makes you happy. You don't have to please anyone but yourself
He shot a 183. Joke was on him because (a) he will never see, let alone shoot a bigger deer, and (b) he had to pay the $600 to get it mounted. I got a bigger kick out of his reaction than if I would have shot it myself
Depends on what makes you happy. You don't have to please anyone but yourself
R.W.Dale
Member
It purely depends on how full the freezer is.
No matter how hard I try I just can't get excited about antlers. I'm a deer hunter not antlers. Which honestly has as much or more to do with animal husbandry today than hunting skill
No matter how hard I try I just can't get excited about antlers. I'm a deer hunter not antlers. Which honestly has as much or more to do with animal husbandry today than hunting skill
WestKentucky
Member
Totally depends on what your after. If you want a true trophy, maybe but probably not. If you want a real solid deer then yes. If you want meat then go for the doe in the night pic.
Taurus 617 CCW
Member
That's more deer than I have seen all season in my neck of the woods. I would have taken any of them.
Carolina Kalash
Member
As much as I'd like to score a nice buck, my main priority is gettin meat in the freezer. As far as I'm concerned, if it's brown, it's down.
sage5907
Member
Both bucks look like they are 3 1/2 year old deer, which means they are just getting to the point where they are interesting to a trophy hunter. If you are going to hunt this area again next year and there is not a lot of hunting pressure you could pass this year and look for them next year. If hunters are sitting behind every tree on the surrounding properties you may never see them again. If you are a young hunter you'll probably take one if you can. If you have taken several mature bucks you'll probably let them walk. They appear to have good genetics and will be a lot bigger next year.
courtgreene
Member
look closer WK, the doe in the night vision looking pic has antlers.
i have never shot a buck before. i have always hunted for meat. i would just like to have a nice mount to hang in my home. i would rather shoot a doe for meat as it tastes better from what i have experienced. i will most likely dedicate the buck to jerky and burger. Oh and this is with a bow not a rifle. as far as i am concerned a rifle shot deer by me would have to go on the cover of a magazine before i became interested. anyone got any scoring ideas or estimates on them, i really have never paid attention to this so i have no idea on bucks.
Captcurt
Member
I wouldn't pass them up here. We tried to manage for better deer but unless you have access to sections of land, preferably several sections, all you do is fatten them up to fill your neighbors freezer. And I can't get excited about pictures on the trail cam at night. I've had pictures of some dandies and never saw them or pictures of them in the daylight.
the one at night i can find during the rut. all those deer were totally nocturnal until this week. we are in prerut and i believe full rut will be on soon as it went from 60 degrees during the day to high of 30ish for the next week. any idea on scores?
rcmodel
Member in memoriam
Heck yes they are in Kansas!
Unless you get lucky and shoot one like my cousin shot near Iola KS a few years ago.
rc
Unless you get lucky and shoot one like my cousin shot near Iola KS a few years ago.
rc
It depends, I guess. Would I shoot him at first light on opening morning? Not likely. Would I shoot him in the last five minutes of shooting light on the closer? Quite likely, because that means I've hunted the rest of the season without finding a bigger buck that I could take. I won't shoot a tiny buck regardless of success, but find myself a little less selective as the season goes on. It takes a truly impressive deer for me to fire a shot on opening day anymore.
buck460XVR
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Comes down to your expectations and how big the rest of the bucks in the area are. If one of those bucks is the largest deer you will potentially be able to shoot, then there should be little question. If there are other deer larger and available than there is a question. My grandpa summed it up well 60 years ago when he told me, "If the largest fish in the pond is a 2 pounder than a two pounder is a trophy. If the largest fish in the pond is a Ten pounder, than the two pounder is just an eater".
Patocazador
Member
YES ... if you think so.
I took the one with his head down in the first pick. they all were at my stand this evening and he seemed to be the oldest. hes ok, i'd guess a 140-150 score. got him with a Bowtech Guardian LH 70#, bee-man speed 3d arrows 340 spine, with triple fold out 1 1/8th inch broad-heads from muzzy i think, cant remember. shot at 20-25 yrds he trotted about 15yds and fell dead. strait threw both lungs and nicked the heart. First buck BTW.
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Arkansas Paul
Member
That's a great deer man. Nothing not to love about that.
As far as looking at a deer and trying to determine if it is a shooter, I think a lot depends on where you are. Some places have an abundance of quality bucks and other places don't. Here in Arkansas if you hunt land with deer leases all around you and any of those bucks steps out, you better shoot him.
Great deer. Congrats.
As far as looking at a deer and trying to determine if it is a shooter, I think a lot depends on where you are. Some places have an abundance of quality bucks and other places don't. Here in Arkansas if you hunt land with deer leases all around you and any of those bucks steps out, you better shoot him.
Great deer. Congrats.
josiewales
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Awesome job! I just shot my first buck on Monday, and he was a small 6 point. Any one of those bucks would be considered a TROPHY around here (PA).
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