should i take it or leave it
 

im 13 and have been hunting 1 year. iv seen 2 deer and both were small bucks. this year we r hunting in another woods and while scouting we saw a 12 point buck. my bro says that if i see a small deer that isnt to young i should take a shot at it with my bow. wat do u think i should do take it or leave it?

RE: should i take it or leave it
 

By taking it do you mean while scouting?

RE: should i take it or leave it
 

no next hunting season

RE: should i take it or leave it
 

I would say yes. Get one under your belt, builds up your confidence for when the big boys show up.

RE: should i take it or leave it
 

thanks mdbuckhunter

RE: should i take it or leave it
 

Yes you should it is important to get the first one under your belt.

RE: should i take it or leave it
 

How did you see a 12pt already, little early no?

RE: should i take it or leave it
 

Apparently you haven't been watching MichaelHunsucker's trailcam thread :D

RE: should i take it or leave it
 

YES! Take a shot at ANY legal deer. My first bow deer was a buttonbuck. Being young especially, any deer with a bow is a real trophy.

RE: should i take it or leave it
 

I would recommend that you shoot any legal deer to build experience - unless there are landowner/hunting club rules to the contrary.

RE: should i take it or leave it
 

Take it! You need to have experience under your belt and alot of young people if they do not have success in the first couple of years can get discouraged real fast. I say take anything, you have the rest of your life to get picky!

RE: should i take it or leave it
 

im 20 and been huntign for 2 years i havent shot anything yet but ive passed up the small ones this year its all out first come first dead legal of course in pa here it has to have atleast 3 points on one side so thats still a decent first buck but ive wanted bigger

RE: should i take it or leave it
 

DOOEEEEEEET!! Take it bud!!

RE: should i take it or leave it
 

Take any....and ONLY the deer YOU would be happy with.

While I, too, think it's important to learn your abilities and limitations by actually taking an animal (I speak through recent experiences)......only YOU can decide if an animal is "right" for you to take.

My idea of said animals has changed....with a modicum of "success". I can't express how important it is to learn through experience, though. These guys give you SOUND advice.

RE: should i take it or leave it
 

I say start out with a couple smaller bucks or does before gettng yourr hopes up too high. Theres nothing like antler envy to make a hunt go bad. Get some younger bucks under your belt then try for the older more mature bucks. Youll be more greatful in the end.

RE: should i take it or leave it
 

Gaining experience is a huge consideration in your progression as a bow hunter.You need to take animals to build that experience.I would suggest taking as many doe's as you are legally permitted to.So much has to do with the area you hunt in and what the realistic possibilities are.Is the area over run with doe's,are there a number of older bucks in the area?
The most important thing is that you are pleased with the animal you decide to take! Killing any deer with a bow is a huge accomplishment and puts you in what I believe is an elite group of hunters.
Good luck to you!

RE: should i take it or leave it
 

who cares if it would be your first deer. If you have your heart set on the 12 point then hold out for him if you just want a first deer then do that. lifes about goals. you can start with them high or low as long as you enjoy the hunt.

RE: should i take it or leave it
 

There's your answer my young friend ..... hunting is PERSONAL .... like Jeff said, whatever makes you happy .....

RE: should i take it or leave it
 

ONLY reason I say that, PT.....is...

I NEVER want to walk up to or sit back and reflect and say....

"I wish I hadn't killed that deer".