I have complete control of the farm that this deer was seen on, but it is only about 300 acres which is probably only 1/3 to 1/2 of a particular deer's core area. I have neighbors who rifle hunt moderately pressure wise, but do not cooperate with any antler restriction guidelines. It is located in a 1 buck county although I can shoot a buck in another county I hunt in as well.
I have shot 3 pope and young deer but all were just above minimum. (128,130,134)
My goal is to shoot a 140" or better and I hunt inan overall areathat produces its share of 150" + deer.
I am hunting a funnel between bedding area and alfala field on second evening of a 98 day season in which I get to hunt plenty, and I spot this guy coming 80 yards out. I grab the camera instead of the bow.I would have had a 24 yard shot opportunity had I grabbed the bow.
I never saw the deer again, but I think he might of showed up on a trail cam in December. (picture wasn't clear enough to verify for sure)
I put him at 3.5 years old, around 130" and I would not shoot him because there are bigger deer around and no way would I end my season this early on him. When I decide if I am going to shoot a buck, it is entirely based on "would I be happy to put this deer on the ground at this point in the season?" I dont base my decision on score or age or anything else. Only what puts a proud smile on my face.
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I like a good side shot for the age, but since we dont have one, my best guess would be 3 1/2.
I have a perfect 10 pt in the chair beside me that is slightly larger than the one in the picture and he scores 135", the one in the picture will go right around 130".
If I still lived in Kansas I would have no problem letting him slide, especially early season. Where I live in Northern Mich right now, Dead Meat!
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For where you live....I was gonna say 4.5.....until I saw the last pic. After that....I agree with the other guys......3.5. I think they nailed it on score.
Would I shoot him? Heck yeah. I've never had an opportunity at a deer that size (rack). Should you?? Tough call. I think you're glad you didn't!
Since your goal is taking a 140" or better, he doesn't make it so he's gotta grow another year for you.
Me, no I wouldn't shoot him, he's got both sides. [8D] Hell yeah I'd shoot him, he'd make my best buck.
This Nov when I'm in IL would I shoot him, hard to say because we have to pass 125" and if I didn't have time to really look at him he'd get a pass. The guys who set us up said, you'll know and won't have to think. Course he came back to PA with a 158".
3.5, in and around low 130's. I would have trouble not shooting him. I guess my question to you is how many other deer in your area have you seen that are in the 140' and up range. I guess that would be my main consideration. Another factor would be if you let him walk you may get a shot at him next year with more inches to the rack.
Age, score and do you shoot this deer?
[8D] Hell yeah I'd shoot him, he'd make my best buck. 
