Approximately 80% to 85% of the bucks in my home area are taken at 11/2 years of age.My personal standards at home over the last several years have been a buck at least 21/2 years old and eight points or better.I believe that it is likely that the buck in the photograph is or will be a 21/2 year old this hunting season,he will be an eight pointer,so from that perspective he would meet my criteria.Having said that I would do my best to resist shooting him if I had the opportunity,especially if he appeared spindly.
The challenge that I have encountered in my home area is that there are years that I have hunted mybutt off and never seen a 21/2 year old buck.The % of bucks in our area that make it to the age of 31/2 is a joke.If I had an opportunity on this buck on the last day of all our seasons,bow,rifle,muzzleloader,late bow.I would pass because my goodness he made it.Now if he doesn't get hit by a car or run down by coyote's I may see him at 31/2!