Passing Small Bucks????
01-14-2003 | 12:50 PM
#32
Giant Nontypical
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 7,571
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From:
RE: Passing Small Bucks????
I guess that one of my main goals every season is taking two deer for food. There are many does around here, so that is really hardly ever a problem. 99% of the time I will let anything less then eight points walk right on by. But if I have not gotten two deer (does) by the last weekend of the season, I will take a smaller buck (but not under six points). That doesn't happen often though. I think maybe once in the last seven year.
01-14-2003 | 12:54 PM
#33
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 261
Likes: 0
From: Omaha NE USA
RE: Passing Small Bucks????
I'll always be a meat hunter. First good size deer within 30 yards of my stand is in the freezer. I wouldn't care if I ever shoot one worth mounting. For me it is about filling my freezer and my hunting partner's freezers. When those are full the meat goes to Hunters Feeding the Hungry.
01-14-2003 | 09:42 PM
#35
Nontypical Buck
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 2,973
Likes: 0
From: cazenovia, NY USA
RE: Passing Small Bucks????
I like the statement, "shoot what you are proud of". For some its a forkhorn, others its a 130 class 8 point, for others the "hunt" might dictate the "trophy".
I pass up alot of bucks every year, but have taken a couple that may not be "trophy standards", even to myself, during that time. Generally my goal is a 2-1/2 yr old buck or better.
I had an excellent bowhunt this fall where I had 4 bucks in a batchelor group, none very large around me at the same time. After 2 hours of watching, and passing a couple obviously yearling bucks, I was able to call the largest of the 4 to the stand with a grunt. Its rack was heavier, and was the "dominant" deer in the bunch - though definitely not the whole area. I made a clean 8 yd shot, and even though it was only a 5 point, I was very proud to take that deer. It turned out it was 2-1/2,just small, but I would have taken it if it was only 1-1/2, due to the circumstances of that hunt.
Had the same deer passed by alone, I probably would have passed it.
I think its important that we set goals, but I also think its important to realize that hunting should be fun. We should not be blinded by our goals, and should be able recognize what makes a hunt truly enjoyable, and hunt accordingly.
I had more "fun" taking that smallish 5 point, than the 160 lb 9 pointer I took a couple years before when a quick shot was offered. and I was successful.
I pass up alot of bucks every year, but have taken a couple that may not be "trophy standards", even to myself, during that time. Generally my goal is a 2-1/2 yr old buck or better.
I had an excellent bowhunt this fall where I had 4 bucks in a batchelor group, none very large around me at the same time. After 2 hours of watching, and passing a couple obviously yearling bucks, I was able to call the largest of the 4 to the stand with a grunt. Its rack was heavier, and was the "dominant" deer in the bunch - though definitely not the whole area. I made a clean 8 yd shot, and even though it was only a 5 point, I was very proud to take that deer. It turned out it was 2-1/2,just small, but I would have taken it if it was only 1-1/2, due to the circumstances of that hunt.
Had the same deer passed by alone, I probably would have passed it.
I think its important that we set goals, but I also think its important to realize that hunting should be fun. We should not be blinded by our goals, and should be able recognize what makes a hunt truly enjoyable, and hunt accordingly.
I had more "fun" taking that smallish 5 point, than the 160 lb 9 pointer I took a couple years before when a quick shot was offered. and I was successful.
