RE: Is it a shooter?
It all depends on what makes you happy. I swear these hunting shows are spoiling the fun for a lot of guys! I have killed a lot of deer in my life and that deer for me may or may not be shooter depending on the situation. Opening day of bow season, he is a shooter for sure. Mid November after I have a few in the freezer, probably not for me, but in your case I would not hesitate to shoot that buck, cut the antlers off and put them on the wall, enjoy the meat and savor the memories of the hunt. Keep in mind unless you can hunt larger tracts of managed land where everyone is is practicing buck management it really does little to let small buck walk unless you just dont' want to shoot it. Chances are the deer will be shot later in the year or maybe he will wise up and make it through the season. The main thing is do what will make you happy.