Even with the howling wind I went out this AM. Itstrangly calmed down just as good light shined.

I saw a small fork horn that I have seen more than once. Seems like a regular. This deer walks like one rear leg is shorter than the other and sort of drags it. Not sure if he has been hit by a car in the past or broke the leg or hip at some point. I could have laced him good at 20yds on the money.

My questionis would you shoot this deer out of courtesy and use up your last buck tag or would you let him pass and let nature take it's course? He looks a little thin but I can see no visible injuries.

Here in Western PA, I would not legally be allowed to shoot him. I guess it depends on how bad the injury is and if you were putting him out of his misery. There are a few guys who have done that this year on the this forum and I think they all feel they made the right decision.

deer can get along finw with some pretty serious wounds...you don't need to kill everyone with a pimple or a limp

I've seen deer in Minnesota make it through a winter on 3 legs after having there leg blew off half way down from gun hunters. As you all know winters in Minnesota can be some of the toughest around. If he looks healthy i wouldn't bother with it, if he isn't healthy i would shoot him. I've taken bucks, doe's, fawn's through out the year's that have been wounded during the gun season with my bow because i didn't think they would make it through the winter.

I have no regrets for taking the one I did 2 weeks ago. I have two buck tags, though. I never hesitated. When I went to examine his leg, I was touching bare bone. Looked recent.....and like I said....I never hesitated. I'd burn my other one if I see it again.

On the flip side.....I agree that they can survive some unbeleivable injuries. It's a personal decision on what to do (take or pass). I won't judge anyone for making either.

I have a feeling Jeff, you would down just about anything you see.

To answer the posters questions, no I wouldn't shoot it if I don't want the deer. I don't feel the need to go trying to act like God, putting everything out of its misery.

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Trust your gut you know how the deer looks. Deer are able to survive many ailments just as we are. #&!! I know a few people who walk like that and do just fine.

And I don't have to answer to you, BC. You know nothing about me.

I had over 50 deer sightings, today alone. If I wanted to shoot everything that came under me.....I couldn't afford the amount of BH's it would take. I'll shoot what I want to. Ialso wonder why you care what I shoot.

Did someone say you had to answer to me?[:-] Don't think so. Just making conversation and little joking man. Are you saying your friends in life don't give you a little ribbin?

It just cracks me up when you post. Keep it up. I have no problems with the way you post or hunt. In fact I like you. It just cracks me up, its very important that you let everyone know it was injuried and you had to take it out. But you havn't posted this once, or even twice, but over and over. Its very important that you post, if you killed, it has to be either a trophy, deer mgt, or wounded so you had too.

I hunt cause I like deer meat, and like the hunt. I might shoot a nice 8, might shoot a doe, might shoot a 4pt on occasion. Don't have to have any other reason than, "boy, those tenderloins are going to be good".

It cracks me up even more when I see folks on this page breaking thier arms patting themselves on thier back, for shooting a deer they believe has bad quality of life. Who am I tomake that decision to put something out of its misery. I mean these lame deer or deer with a limp, wants to live. They are hardwired with the desire to live. But then comes old JoeSmoe making that decision for him. Its God's will that animals are here for our food source.