I hunted one of my stands last evening for the first time this year. A 2 yr old 8 pt and a 2 yr old 12 pt were the first 2 bucks of the year to come by me. I could not believe the size of the deer for being so young. The 12 pt had real short tines (5 inches was the longest)so I decided to pass him up. I couldn't keep from thinking how nice he will be next year or the year after if he survives.

I got to thinking about how much he would score this year. As best as I could figure, he would go about 120 gross...not bad for a young deer!!! How much do you guys think he will grow next year or the year after? I personally don't think he will have any problem getting to 160 or 170+ if he survives another couple years. Hopefully I get to see him next year again!!!

Depending on nutrition and stress levels he couldgrow up to 30% more antler next year.

That is a pretty impressive buck. I admire your determination in not taking him this year.

Yea if he keeps his rack geometryand even grows some sticker points, he will be a real brute in a couple years.

I have seen some great looking 8 pointers that were 2 years old.One of them is on my P&Y list for shooters this year.He is only 3 1/2 but he is still a awesome buck.Unfortunately around here that is usually there last year because someone will get him if I dont.We have a ton of hunters here in Southern Illinois.Especially gun hunters.one of the properties that I hunt 2 families gun hint it during shotgun season.2 brothers and there 3 total daughters.so 5 gun hunters and the next property over there is usally 4 gun hunters on that one also.Big bucks dont last long here.but I am concentrating on a 4 1/2 yr old at another property I hunt.

sounds like he'll be an awesome buck

If i see him he wont grow a inch,Good luck

I don't think the chances of him surviving are real high, but they are higher than if I had shot him . There is one other guy that bowhunts this particular piece of land and I don't think anyone hunts the neighboring land. But last year there were close toa dozen deer poached on the land I'm hunting. I'm going to try to remember to bring a camera with me from now on. Wish I had it the other day.

If you dont get em ..I know somebody else will

yeah thats awesome a nice young buck like that..he'll grow nicely IF he survives..hopefully he does and you get a shot at him next year..