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Mature Bucks - Nocturnal...Camera Shy....
I posted this in another thread and it kind of took it off topic so i figured i would create another thread here.
Im sure some of you guys one here have seen these pictures already but this is a buck that i have been following for several years now and is certainly the oldes deer i have ever seen/hunted. Enjoy! Feel free to share your stories/pictures of your mature bucks and your thoughts on some of the things we were talking about... ORIGINAL: MichaelHunsucker ORIGINAL: bawanajim How many years have you seen or got pictures of that buck? He looks older than me,[:o] in deer years of course.;)  August 2006 (6.5-7.5)  January 2007  November 2007 (7.5-8.5) TANK!  My cousin even has his shed from one year....this picture above is the only picture i got of him all last year. I never saw him on stand. As a matter of fact, i have never seen him in the daylight since 2005....unbelievable deer. I would love to kill him! Hell, id just be happy to get pictures of him again this year! |
RE: Mature Bucks - Nocturnal...Camera Shy....
ORIGINAL: Schultzy As a matter of fact, i have never seen him in the daylight since 2005....unbelievable deer. I would love to kill him! |
RE: Mature Bucks - Nocturnal...Camera Shy....
ORIGINAL: Schultzy As a matter of fact, i have never seen him in the daylight since 2005....unbelievable deer. I would love to kill him! |
RE: Mature Bucks - Nocturnal...Camera Shy....
ORIGINAL: bawanajim If ever there was an answer to the question of are big bucks camera shy. Look at that bucks eyes in three of four pictures. He does not make that mistake very often does he? That is a great buck Thanks for the pictures. |
RE: Mature Bucks - Nocturnal...Camera Shy....
ORIGINAL: bawanajim If ever there was an answer to the question of are big bucks camera shy. Look at that bucks eyes in three of four pictures. He does not make that mistake very often does he? That is a great buck Thanks for the pictures. |
RE: Mature Bucks - Nocturnal...Camera Shy....
ORIGINAL: GregH My goal is to some day take a clean 5x5, 3 1/2 + and 125+. I've never gotten a clean 10 pointer. I've got plenty of 8s though and this one I just couldn't pass up. This is one of 3 bucks that I was targeting in 2006. I figured him to be at least 5 1/2, look at that body! The pic was taken from my stand on Oct 17th, 2006. I had a shot at him on Nov 11th and missed! [:-][&o][:o][:@] He is quite symetrical with very few deductions and looks close to 150 net as an 8 pointer. I didn't see him last year which is common for some ofthe older bucks in my area, but I think he may reappear. I hope so, he should be about 7 1/2 and a real beauty even though he's "only" an 8!! ;) 
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RE: Mature Bucks - Nocturnal...Camera Shy....
Never seen this guy from stand.....and have no idea if he's still around.
I peg him at at least 3.5 in this photo from 2007.  |
RE: Mature Bucks - Nocturnal...Camera Shy....
Man that is a tank of a buck. I wish you luck in getting on him, however I believe you are the trail of a ghost. They don't get that big by being stupid and this buck sure appears to have figured us (hunters) out. A nice harvest picture sure would go great with the trail cam pictures!
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RE: Mature Bucks - Nocturnal...Camera Shy....
ORIGINAL: kickin_buck Man that is a tank of a buck. I wish you luck in getting on him, however I believe you are the trail of a ghost. They don't get that big by being stupid and this buck sure appears to have figured us (hunters) out. A nice harvest picture sure would go great with the trail cam pictures! |
RE: Mature Bucks - Nocturnal...Camera Shy....
You said you'd kill him Michael....and I would to (given the chance).
Would the fact that he's this mature be the ONLY reason you needed? Just curious. |
RE: Mature Bucks - Nocturnal...Camera Shy....
This buck I missed opening day 2006 and I saw him twice last year. My neighbor found 1 of his sheds.Can't wait to see what he is this year.
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RE: Mature Bucks - Nocturnal...Camera Shy....
ORIGINAL: GMMAT You said you'd kill him Michael....and I would to (given the chance). Would the fact that he's this mature be the ONLY reason you needed? Just curious. I don't know if i could pull the tirgger on a buck with a smaller rack (like his might be this year) without being 100% positive that he is an old mature buck. I would feel kind of dumb if i shot a 1.5 year old thinking it was a big mature buck! :D ;) |
RE: Mature Bucks - Nocturnal...Camera Shy....
Knowing his history like you do, I wouldn't hesitate to harvest that buck if given the chanceregardless of the state of his head gear this year.His body size by itself is a work of art and he is an absolutetrophy for sure at 8-9 years old. Hope you get to see him in person this season.
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RE: Mature Bucks - Nocturnal...Camera Shy....
One more question, Michael....and I'll leave you alone.
Would it make a difference (shooting this guy) if you only had one tag? Thanks. |
RE: Mature Bucks - Nocturnal...Camera Shy....
ORIGINAL: MichaelHunsucker ORIGINAL: bawanajim If ever there was an answer to the question of are big bucks camera shy. Look at that bucks eyes in three of four pictures. He does not make that mistake very often does he? That is a great buck Thanks for the pictures. I feed deer behind my barn after the season just to see whats left and get pictures. Well after watching a nice ten point avoid my camera for a couple of weeks I put the infrared camera up, he avoided it just like the flash, when those red lights and stuff came on he was gone in a flash. This is the only picture I was able to get.  |
RE: Mature Bucks - Nocturnal...Camera Shy....
ORIGINAL: GMMAT One more question, Michael....and I'll leave you alone. Would it make a difference (shooting this guy) if you only had one tag? Thanks. I have never had the pleasure to hunt a buck of this caliber (age) and doubt i will again for a while...that is if he is still around |
RE: Mature Bucks - Nocturnal...Camera Shy....
ORIGINAL: bawanajim I borrowed a new infrared cuddyback from a friend last winter to try. I feed deer behind my barn after the season just to see whats left and get pictures. Well after watching a nice ten point avoid my camera for a couple of weeks I put the infrared camera up, he avoided it just like the flash, when those red lights and stuff came on he was gone in a flash. This is the only picture I was able to get. Or using a wildlife eye camera that is just a sony handycam on nightshot... |
RE: Mature Bucks - Nocturnal...Camera Shy....
Or using a wildlife eye camera that is just a sony handycam on nightshot... |
RE: Mature Bucks - Nocturnal...Camera Shy....
Yea i would love to have been able to use the wildlife eye last year on the buck my neighbor shot. He was so nocturnal that i'm not sure if it was legal shooting time that mornign but oh well.
I know you'll get a chance on him Hunsucker. and when the pportunity comes you will rise to the challenge. Good Luck |
RE: Mature Bucks - Nocturnal...Camera Shy....
The technologies are available just cost prohibitive for no additional light cameras.I'm not spending any more on scouting cameras until I can get live feed back to my lap top or other storage device, instant and constant feed back is necessary to prevent theft and prosecute trespassers, When these become available at a reasonable price they will bring a whole new aspect to both scouting & protecting ones property.:)
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RE: Mature Bucks - Nocturnal...Camera Shy....
ORIGINAL: bawanajim The technologies are available just cost prohibitive for no additional light cameras.I'm not spending any more on scouting cameras until I can get live feed back to my lap top or other storage device, instant and constant feed back is necessary to prevent theft and prosecute trespassers, When these become available at a reasonable price they will bring a whole new aspect to both scouting & protecting ones property.:) |
RE: Mature Bucks - Nocturnal...Camera Shy....
I've said it before but we found a skull a few years ago where the teeth were worn flat. It was a buck skull but he must have died after his antlers shed. I can guarentee that we did not see that buck the last many years of his life. We didn't have cameras back then, so we didn't even know he was around until we found his skull.
I had an opportunity in 2004 on a real old buck (huge body and those distinctive squinty eyes that old bucks have). He stood not 50 yards from my tree for 20 minutes just slow grunting continuously. It was really strange. He then gave me a 25 yard shot and too this day I don't know how, but the arrow caught the shoulder blade and didn't go in. Only animal I have ever wounded like that and it still haunts me. His rack was nothing spectacular, a solid 5 on the right and a just a mess of brows on the left. He wouldn't have scored a thing, but he was awesome because he was old and had so much character. |
RE: Mature Bucks - Nocturnal...Camera Shy....
ORIGINAL: huntingson He then gave me a 25 yard shot and too this day I don't know how, but the arrow caught the shoulder blade and didn't go in. |
RE: Mature Bucks - Nocturnal...Camera Shy....
ORIGINAL: huntingson I've said it before but we found a skull a few years ago where the teeth were worn flat. It was a buck skull but he must have died after his antlers shed. I can guarentee that we did not see that buck the last many years of his life. We didn't have cameras back then, so we didn't even know he was around until we found his skull. I had an opportunity in 2004 on a real old buck (huge body and those distinctive squinty eyes that old bucks have). He stood not 50 yards from my tree for 20 minutes just slow grunting continuously. It was really strange. He then gave me a 25 yard shot and too this day I don't know how, but the arrow caught the shoulder blade and didn't go in. Only animal I have ever wounded like that and it still haunts me. His rack was nothing spectacular, a solid 5 on the right and a just a mess of brows on the left. He wouldn't have scored a thing, but he was awesome because he was old and had so much character. I have never shot at one but I have seen enough of them to know they are there and a very worthy adversary.[:-] |
RE: Mature Bucks - Nocturnal...Camera Shy....
Here's a deer that i got pictures of a few years in a row. By the last photo i believe he had to be at least 6 1/2. I never saw him one time in my life, though neighbors and my dadhave seen him from time to time. I don't recall if anybody saw him last year or not, and i doubt hes still alive.
His distinguishing feature is the spilt brow tine. 2003:  2004:  2006:  edit** He was hit by an archer in 2006, but was never found. He was seen a few weeks later during some deer drives during gun season. After that winter though, he hasnt been seen. edit*** this was my 3,000 post :D |
RE: Mature Bucks - Nocturnal...Camera Shy....
Man, what a stud!
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RE: Mature Bucks - Nocturnal...Camera Shy....
ORIGINAL: bawanajim ORIGINAL: huntingson I've said it before but we found a skull a few years ago where the teeth were worn flat. It was a buck skull but he must have died after his antlers shed. I can guarentee that we did not see that buck the last many years of his life. We didn't have cameras back then, so we didn't even know he was around until we found his skull. I had an opportunity in 2004 on a real old buck (huge body and those distinctive squinty eyes that old bucks have). He stood not 50 yards from my tree for 20 minutes just slow grunting continuously. It was really strange. He then gave me a 25 yard shot and too this day I don't know how, but the arrow caught the shoulder blade and didn't go in. Only animal I have ever wounded like that and it still haunts me. His rack was nothing spectacular, a solid 5 on the right and a just a mess of brows on the left. He wouldn't have scored a thing, but he was awesome because he was old and had so much character. I have never shot at one but I have seen enough of them to know they are there and a very worthy adversary.[:-] This buck showed up in a field across from my house one day. I never saw him before or after these were taken. I attributed this as a big buck cruising during the rut. Does that fit the definition of "Ghost Buck"? Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=03tsKu-ONtg Pictures:    |
RE: Mature Bucks - Nocturnal...Camera Shy....
Here's an old 8 point that we only got one picture of. I have no idea of his age but I'm sure he's easily pushing 5.5+! Look how long his snout is.
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RE: Mature Bucks - Nocturnal...Camera Shy....
Once again looking straight at the camera, and never making that mistake twice.
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RE: Mature Bucks - Nocturnal...Camera Shy....
Very true Jim! There's another deer which appears to be a buck in this pic on the bucks right side. You can see it by adding light to the pic but it still doesn't come in to well. You can see the eye's glowing slightly the way the pic is now.
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RE: Mature Bucks - Nocturnal...Camera Shy....
ORIGINAL: Schultzy Very true Jim! There's another deer which appears to be a buck in this pic on the bucks right side. You can see it by adding light to the pic but it still doesn't come in to well. You can see the eye's glowing slightly the way the pic is now. |
RE: Mature Bucks - Nocturnal...Camera Shy....
ORIGINAL: Schultzy Very true Jim! There's another deer which appears to be a buck in this pic on the bucks right side. You can see it by adding light to the pic but it still doesn't come in to well. You can see the eye's glowing slightly the way the pic is now. |
RE: Mature Bucks - Nocturnal...Camera Shy....
ORIGINAL: bawanajim These are the deer that drive me to hunt, so many guys don't believe these deer exist in their woodsbecause they have never seen them, this goes back to the ghost buck thread, they are out there. I have never shot at one but I have seen enough of them to know they are there and a very worthy adversary.[:-] Finding that skull was one of the biggest "wake up calls" I have ever had. I became a better hunter because of that in some respects. |
RE: Mature Bucks - Nocturnal...Camera Shy....
ORIGINAL: bawanajim ORIGINAL: Schultzy Very true Jim! There's another deer which appears to be a buck in this pic on the bucks right side. You can see it by adding light to the pic but it still doesn't come in to well. You can see the eye's glowing slightly the way the pic is now. |
RE: Mature Bucks - Nocturnal...Camera Shy....
I don't own a trail cam. There is a group of hunters that hunt the same areas that I hunt. They have about 10 cameras out. The senior partner of the group told me that most of the time they only get one picture of a big mature buck from the same spot. They sometimes get another pic in a different location. It is his opinion that the cameras scare the deer.
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RE: Mature Bucks - Nocturnal...Camera Shy....
ORIGINAL: Schultzy ORIGINAL: bawanajim ORIGINAL: Schultzy Very true Jim! There's another deer which appears to be a buck in this pic on the bucks right side. You can see it by adding light to the pic but it still doesn't come in to well. You can see the eye's glowing slightly the way the pic is now. |
RE: Mature Bucks - Nocturnal...Camera Shy....
Great DVD Magic!! Thanks man!!!:D
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RE: Mature Bucks - Nocturnal...Camera Shy....
Hang your cameras in places you DON'T plan on hunting.....and take them down before the season starts. Never have to worry about spooking them with the flash OR (more likely) spooking them with your continued scent in their bedroom.
Too many photos of them hanging around for me to give it too much thought, though. It's a vacuous "absolute" I don't agree with (that it scares all of them - the flash). |
RE: Mature Bucks - Nocturnal...Camera Shy....
Its my belief that its all about the deer. Some will spook and some wont. Also, the deer can getused to cameras in certain locations (i.e. bait piles and mineral licks). Especially if you have been using cameras for a number of year (5) like i have.
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RE: Mature Bucks - Nocturnal...Camera Shy....
I don't know about anything besides what I have experienced, and the bucks here have no problems with either my flash or my IR camera. I will get picture after picture as they stand there or mill around. I have not experienced anything that would lead me to believe that the cameras bother the deer whatsoever. Is it possible that many only get one pic of a big buck because of the roaming nature of bucks? Just a thought.
caveat: I am not saying that anything you guys have experienced is "wrong" or that you are exaggerating or anything. I just haven't had the same experiences. I also usually hang my cameras over piles of corn, which are also places I don't hunt. |
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