In Maryland, the politicians are liberal -- but so is the bow season and bag limits! I can legally kill a boatload of deer, but I won't kill a deer that my family or some friends won't eat. I usually take 4 does and a couple bucks each season. Since I plan to do this in advance, I plan to take only mature or nearly mature animals - and that usually corresponds with the larger critters! Starting last season, I intentionally target the does that are approximately 2 1/2 years old because that seems to be the best combination of size and tenderness. For bucks, I'm looking for a mature 8 point or better. Body size is a consideration here because it's one of the signs of the deer's age. The rack development is another one. Since I usually have my freezer full of tender doe meat by the time the rut rolls around, I'm not looking for a tender buck - I'm looking for a wall hanger!
I gave away the meat of my largest buck last year and that's not the first time that's happened.