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RE: Mature buck "Age structure" the "Great Equalizer"?
In most places I hunt, if I take a buck it's b/c I think his rack is worthy of going on my wall, beit horn mount or shoulder mount. I never have aged a buck while in stand, I don't care how old he is, if he has a nice rack he's dead. Even if he's a 1.5 yr old. You gotta understand that here in this part of the state , the dog hunting pretty much does away with management of big bucks. We have big bucks for a few reasons. 1. genes 2. lots of food. 3. they out smart beagles and hounds!!
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RE: Mature buck "Age structure" the "Great Equalizer"?
In most places I hunt, if I take a buck it's b/c I think his rack is worthy of going on my wall, beit horn mount or shoulder mount. I never have aged a buck while in stand, I don't care how old he is, if he has a nice rack he's dead. Even if he's a 1.5 yr old. You gotta understand that here in this part of the state , the dog hunting pretty much does away with management of big bucks. We have big bucks for a few reasons. 1. genes 2. lots of food. 3. they out smart beagles and hounds!! In reality.....unless I see a deer multiple times....or have him on game cam....I'll likey be hunting a lot like you (I'll take my chances). I also have 2 tags, which makesthat a little easier to do. "Management of big Bucks"? Man.....I see less than 1/year.:)....and heck you called mine "little" (j/k);) |
RE: Mature buck "Age structure" the "Great Equalizer"?
ORIGINAL: GMMAT Jeff, I can only say that I would take a big rack over a worn jawbone any day in any state. Not being smartazz, just the way it is. Some of us see a big deers rack as a form of art by nature. I have never seen a deer jawbone collection on anyones walls, even in Florida. We all know it's more than a "jawbone", though. What if you'd only shot 2.5yr old 130" deer? You sure couldn't claim to be a "mature" buck hunter, could you? But the guy shooting the 100"'ers with the "jawbones" might could. It's only a different mindset. Never said one was right. Its all about how much bone is one their head (allways has been, allways will be), and to most, has nothing to do with how old they are. Thanks for the reply. And Hillbilly.....Don't make fun of me because I can read and write. It's not becoming;) I have been lucky enough to havelived in and hunted several good whitetail states and been able to watch some bucks over a several year period and I can honestly say, I have never seen a buck reach a 130" mark in 2 1/2 years, not even in Kansas. There may be one now and then somewhere, but I am sure it is the exception and not the rule. |
RE: Mature buck "Age structure" the "Great Equalizer"?
I'm betting you've not seen too many 4.5 yr old 100" bucks in those states, either.;)
(unless he had a side broke off.....lol) OK...just kidding.....kinda:) I know what you're saying.....but I hear about P&Y 2.5 yr olds quite a bit.....and from guys on here. I wouldnt think they were THAT UNcommon....but I, admittedly, have no idea. And for the record....I pulled that number off the wall (130" 2.5yr old). |
RE: Mature buck "Age structure" the "Great Equalizer"?
I know what you're saying.....but I hear about P&Y 2.5 yr olds quite a bit.....and from guys on here. I wouldnt think they were THAT UNcommon....but I, admittedly, have no idea. |
RE: Mature buck "Age structure" the "Great Equalizer"?
This has been an interesting thread. Lots of valid points.
It just seems round here big & mature go hand in hand. And for me personally 3.5, 4.5, 7.5 I can't tell. And don't care to. If it's got a huge body & most of the characteristics of and older buck, its likely going to sport a big rack & the whole age vs size thing is moot. So far where I am hunting, there aren't enough "mature" bucks to pick & sort thru to only shootthe "big" ones. Any will do me fine. Half racks & all:) |
RE: Mature buck "Age structure" the "Great Equalizer"?
How do you tell a 3.5 year old from a 4.5 year old? That's a pretty tough distinction to make in the field under hunting conditions.   the buck in the first pic is at least 4.5 years old while the buck in the second pic is 3.5..................its easy to tell the difference in these two but after they get past 4.5 its super hard to tell |
RE: Mature buck "Age structure" the "Great Equalizer"?
I hunt for the bucks that make ME happy...really have never cared what anyone else thinks...nor do I care what anyone else shoots.
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RE: Mature buck "Age structure" the "Great Equalizer"?
I hunt for the bucks that make ME happy...really have never cared what anyone else thinks...nor do I care what anyone else shoots. |
RE: Mature buck "Age structure" the "Great Equalizer"?
I don't care if the buck is still sucking on mamies teet. If he has a big rack thats what I am after. Just so happens 99 out of 100 times big racks and maturity go hand in hand. To answer your question Jeff, the guy that shoots a mature buck in the south or NC for that matter AINT got nutten but meat. The heartland hunters are still superior.
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RE: Mature buck "Age structure" the "Great Equalizer"?
To answer your question Jeff, the guy that shoots a mature buck in the south or NC for that matter AINT got nutten but meat. The heartland hunters are still superior. |
RE: Mature buck "Age structure" the "Great Equalizer"?
Personally, If I like what I see I'll shoot the deer. It doesn't matter to me what others think of my kill.I don't hunt to please the masses or categorize myself.
I think human nature and location dictate what one thinks is an equalizer if such things are important. If you hunt a herd that doesn't have book potential age will be the determining factor. If you hunt a herd with book animals then score will be the equalizer. |
RE: Mature buck "Age structure" the "Great Equalizer"?
I don't really understand what the big deal is? What does there need to be an equalizer for? What are you trying to equalize in the first place?... [/align][/align]I hunt for myself, not to keep up with the "Joneses"... Do you?[/align]
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RE: Mature buck "Age structure" the "Great Equalizer"?
I don't know, Scott. Who are you talking to?
I asked a question with this thread.. |
RE: Mature buck "Age structure" the "Great Equalizer"?
I was just about to say the same thing buckeye, (i was even thinking of making a thread about it).
I just read through 6 pages and found out that their is pretty much 2 types of whitetail "trophy" hunters: "Mature" buck hunters "Trophy Rack" buck hunters I just don't see the place where it matters, if person A is happy with his 5.5 year old 100" buck and person B is happy with their 2.5 year old 130"...then whats the big deal? Their isn't an official scoring system for the "better" hunter, its all personal preference IMO :D |
RE: Mature buck "Age structure" the "Great Equalizer"?
Who said it was a big deal?
I'm not sure you read the opening thread. |
RE: Mature buck "Age structure" the "Great Equalizer"?
ORIGINAL: Siman08/OH I was just about to say the same thing buckeye, (i was even thinking of making a thread about it). I just read through 6 pages and found out that their is pretty much 2 types of whitetail "trophy" hunters: "Mature" buck hunters "Trophy Rack" buck hunters I just don't see the place where it matters, if person A is happy with his 5.5 year old 100" buck and person B is happy with their 2.5 year old 130"...then whats the big deal? Their isn't an official scoring system for the "better" hunter, its all personal preference IMO :D |
RE: Mature buck "Age structure" the "Great Equalizer"?
ORIGINAL: GMMAT I find it fascinating that people who claim to be "mature buck" hunters would forego a "more" mature animal.......for one with more rack size....but who is less "mature" in age structure. I'm not condemning the practice.....just saying I find it "fascinating". "Might" the reason for this be......that "age structure" is the "great equalizer" when it comes to hunting "mature bucks"? I mean.....a man in FL can target 3.5+yr old deer ......and in his mind.....he's leveled the playing field withhis compadrefrom IL. Does this "leveling" of the playing field rub "some" the wrong way? Curious at to your thoughts on this. |
RE: Mature buck "Age structure" the "Great Equalizer"?
I am all about the rack total fasination for me. I dreamed of these racks as a young boy growing upand I still do.A mature buck is a mature buck no matter what part of the country you are in IMO.
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RE: Mature buck "Age structure" the "Great Equalizer"?
quote: To answer your question Jeff, the guy that shoots a mature buck in the south or NC for that matter AINT got nutten but meat. The heartland hunters are still superior. Welllllll, we keep a few secrets...  |
RE: Mature buck "Age structure" the "Great Equalizer"?
ORIGINAL: nctaxi quote: To answer your question Jeff, the guy that shoots a mature buck in the south or NC for that matter AINT got nutten but meat. The heartland hunters are still superior. Welllllll, we keep a few secrets...
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RE: Mature buck "Age structure" the "Great Equalizer"?
Chris....Greg's a taxidermist....a hunter....and a resident of our state (he lives about 1/2 hour from me). Him showing you that deer.....and people thinking they're all over the place down here......or even "somewhat" common........
Well.....that's about as realistic as looking at Jenny Finch....and thinking that's what all women softball players look like. ;) |
RE: Mature buck "Age structure" the "Great Equalizer"?
They are few and far between but they do happen more often than most people think, especially since the "brown and down" mentallity is changing. I think that the next few years are gonna show some great changes for this state.
 And Jeff, ANSWER YOUR PHONE. I called and left a message. I am gonna be in the shop working on a mulie, hollar at me. I would like to talk to you about deer aging (another post). |
RE: Mature buck "Age structure" the "Great Equalizer"?
Help me understand a few things Gmmat.
[/align] [/align]I struggle to understand why you post so many topics on this and similar issues? [/align] [/align]Help me understand what it matters if one state doesn't have bucks as big as another state? [/align] [/align] Help me understand why you seem to want to compare yourhunting skills amongst others? [/align][/align] [/align]Help me understand how you have "no" big bucks on "your" land but they live every where else in your county? [/align] [/align]What would you say if someone in OH, IL, IA, KS, WI, MO,etcsaid the only reason they don't shoot large antleredbucksis because there are none on "THEIR" land. They know this from trail cams and stand sightings? [/align] [/align] |
RE: Mature buck "Age structure" the "Great Equalizer"?
Mowtown, I agree. I don't care if he's on the teet, if he'sbig Im gonna try my best to kill him. Now here is where I disagree... you are right that the mid west has more, but the south is plentiful as well. I have an entire photo album and many deer heads from my house to many others that I hunt with to prove it. I will say the mid west has more big bucks, but not always the biggest. There are some here in Va and KY that would challenge any deer anywhere, anytime.
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RE: Mature buck "Age structure" the "Great Equalizer"?
I struggle to understand why you post some many topics on this and similar issues? Help me understand what it matters if one state doesn't have bucks as big as another state? Help me understand how you have "no" big bucks on "your" land but they live every where else in your county? What would you say if someone in OH, IL, IA, KS, WI, MO,etcsaid the only reason they don't shoot large antleredbucksis because there are none on "THEIR" land. They know this from trail cams and stand sightings? I wish you wouldn't struggle, though. That wasn't my intention. |
RE: Mature buck "Age structure" the "Great Equalizer"?
Congrats on successfully skirting around each of my questions. My questions were based on a culmination of thoughts from over time... No all from this thread. [/align] |
RE: Mature buck "Age structure" the "Great Equalizer"?
OK Scott....I'll bite.....
I struggle to understand why you post some many topics on this and similar issues? I believe this is my first post on this subject. If you'd care to cite others where I'm asking a similar question.....I'll re-adress your question. Fair enough? [/align] [/align]Help me understand what it matters if one state doesn't have bucks as big as another state? I can't help you. It doesn't matter, to me, though. [/align] Help me understand why you seem to want to compare yourhunting skills amongst others? Again....tell me where this comes from and I'll address it. What and where I hunt are a lot different than comparing skills.....and I'm smart enough to know that the size/age deer a man kills doesn't necessarily correlate with how much hunting "skill" he has;). [/align][/align] [/align]Help me understand how you have "no" big bucks on "your" land but they live every where else in your county? Help me understand how you know this to be true. [/align] [/align]What would you say if someone in OH, IL, IA, KS, WI, MO,etcsaid the only reason they don't shoot large antleredbucksis because there are none on "THEIR" land. They know this from trail cams and stand sightings? Actually....I answered this already. It's never happened.....lol. |
RE: Mature buck "Age structure" the "Great Equalizer"?
people who claim to be "mature buck" hunters would forego a "more" mature animal.......for one with more rack size....but who is less "mature" in age structure. Might" the reason for this be......that "age structure" is the "great equalizer" when it comes to hunting "mature bucks"? I mean.....a man in FL can target 3.5+yr old deer ......and in his mind |
RE: Mature buck "Age structure" the "Great Equalizer"?
OK Scott....I'll bite.....
I struggle to understand why you post so many topics on this and similar issues? I believe this is my first post on this subject. If you'd care to cite others where I'm asking a similar question.....I'll re-adress your question. Fair enough? You have countless times addressed the age vs. inches debate. There is no denying that at all. Seriously. [/align] Help me understand what it matters if one state doesn't have bucks as big as another state? I can't help you. It doesn't matter, to me, though. Why is it always a point of discussion than? [/align]Help me understand why you seem to want to compare yourhunting skills amongst others? Again....tell me where this comes from and I'll address it. What and where I hunt are a lot different than comparing skills.....and I'm smart enough to know that the size/age deer a man kills doesn't necessarily correlate with how much hunting "skill" he has;). This is only my opinion not knowing your personally,but I feel your competitive ego get's in the way at times. I am not going to dig through old posts to find a reply to throw at you, this is just something that I believe I have saw here from you onnumerous occasions. [/align][/align]Help me understand how you have "no" big bucks on "your" land but they live every where else in your county? Help me understand how you know this to be true. In this very thread youspoke of the "big bucks" in your county... In other posts you mentioned seeing 140/150 bucksjust down the roadfrom your house..... The buck your coworker shot.. The buck your "poacher" neighbor shot... To name a few. [/align] What would you say if someone in OH, IL, IA, KS, WI, MO,etcsaid the only reason they don't shoot large antleredbucksis because there are none on "THEIR" land. They know this from trail cams and stand sightings? Actually....I answered this already. It's never happened.....lol. To take your own words....How can you prove this? How do you know many states over what ones land has? Also, I have no intentions of arguing, not saying you do but, if it eludes to it.. I am out. I am not going that route. [/align] |
RE: Mature buck "Age structure" the "Great Equalizer"?
Ii'm gonna go back to my bass fishing analogy. Is a guy who consistently catches 8-10 pound bass in Virginia as good a fisherman who consistently catches 12-14 pound bass in Florida? ABSOLUTELY. There are some variations in this equation, such as someone who fishes "granny's ponds" and just stands from the bank and casts into ponds that haven't been fished for a decade compared to someone who is fishing a large public lake....so within this analogy variations exist, so unless you walk in someone elses shoes when it comes to pursuing large whitetails, you really have no idea how dang good they are at taking them.
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RE: Mature buck "Age structure" the "Great Equalizer"?
I have no intentions of arguing with you, either, Scott.
You have countless times addressed the age vs. inches debate. There is no denying that at all. Seriously. This is only my opinion not knowing your personally,but I feel your competitive ego get's in the way at times. I am not going to dig through old posts to find a reply to throw at you, this is just something that I believe I have saw here from you onnumerous occasions. In this very thread youspoke of the "big bucks" in your county... In other posts you mentioned seeing 140/150 bucksjust down the roadfrom your house..... The buck your coworker shot.. The buck your "poacher" neighbor shot... To name a few. To take your own words....How can you prove this? How do you know many states over what ones land has? It's NEVER HAPPENED, though. |
RE: Mature buck "Age structure" the "Great Equalizer"?
I find it fascinating that people who claim to be "mature buck" hunters would forego a "more" mature animal.......for one with more rack size....but who is less "mature" in age structure. I'm not condemning the practice.....just saying I find it "fascinating". "Might" the reason for this be......that "age structure" is the "great equalizer" when it comes to hunting "mature bucks"? I mean.....a man in FL can target 3.5+yr old deer ......and in his mind.....he's leveled the playing field withhis compadrefrom IL. Does this "leveling" of the playing field rub "some" the wrong way? Curious at to your thoughts on this. |
RE: Mature buck "Age structure" the "Great Equalizer"?
ORIGINAL: GMMAT I have no intentions of arguing with you, either, Scott. You have countless times addressed the age vs. inches debate. There is no denying that at all. Seriously. It does interest me, that is why I click the threads. When you address the issue you seem overly defensive at times and use far fetched analogies in attempt to prove your point. This is only my opinion not knowing you personally,but I feel your competitive ego get's in the way at times. I am not going to dig through old posts to find a reply to throw at you, this is just something that I believe I have saw here from you onnumerous occasions. I did not say or imply I dislike you, nor did I "blow a gasket".... Far from it actually. So, I have no idea what you mean by me "feeling this way". You do have a very competitive ego, it takes no Einstein to figure that out either (not saying that is a bad thing either). LOL... I just realized.... You have SACK RIDERS! :DCongrats guy's on your excellent sack clinging abilities! In this very thread youspoke of the "big bucks" in your county... In other posts you mentioned seeing 140/150 bucksjust down the roadfrom your house..... The buck your coworker shot.. The buck your "poacher" neighbor shot... To name a few. You are correct, you never mentioned how big the buck your neighbor shot was, only that you saw it at your states Deer Expo and it was a nice buck. Also, I do recall your state record Typical is from the next county North.... That's not all that far really. To take your own words....How can you prove this? How do you know many states over what ones land has? It's NEVER HAPPENED, though. It has happened.... PA is #8 for entries and lot's of em' complain they have no big bucks :D |
RE: Mature buck "Age structure" the "Great Equalizer"?
It does interest me, that is why I click the threads. When you address the issue you seem overly defensive at times and use far fetched analogies in attempt to prove your point. I did not say or imply I dislike you, nor did I "blow a gasket".... Far from it actually. So, I have no idea what you mean by me "feeling this way". You do have a very competitive ego, it takes no Einstein to figure that out either (not saying that is a bad thing either). LOL... I just realized.... You have SACK RIDERS! :DCongrats guy's on your excellent sack clinging abilities! You are correct, you never mentioned how big the buck your neighbor shot was, only that you saw it at your states Deer Expo and it was a nice buck. Also, I do recall your state record Typical is from the next county North.... That's not all that far really. It has happened.... PA is #8 for entries and lot's of em' complain they have no big bucks :D |
RE: Mature buck "Age structure" the "Great Equalizer"?
Hey GR8!
Thanks for playing. Don't be such a stranger.;) |
RE: Mature buck "Age structure" the "Great Equalizer"?
Scott...I don't think anyone's gonna read this and think I'M the one being defensive about this.....lol. I asked for your opinion. I have nothing to be defensive about (although you still haven't answered the questions I asked in the thread header;)). I find it fascinating that people who claim to be "mature buck" hunters would forego a "more" mature animal.......for one with more rack size....but who is less "mature" in age structure. I'm not condemning the practice.....just saying I find it "fascinating". I am ou there looking for a buck that has a look to him that I find more appealing than the average buck. It will almost always be a "mature" buck that fits the billing for what I am looking for. "Might" the reason for this be......that "age structure" is the "great equalizer" when it comes to hunting "mature bucks"? I do not see an "equalizer" for hunting bucks..... You are trying to compair hunters success..... I think this is pointless. I mean.....a man in FL can target 3.5+yr old deer ......and in his mind.....he's leveled the playing field withhis compadrefrom IL. Again, why try to "level the playing field".... If one is worried about being on equal footing with another in the deer woods they are hunting for the wrong reasons IMO... Does this "leveling" of the playing field rub "some" the wrong way? It does not rub me the wrong way, I just think it is pointless. Curious at to your thoughts on this. I didn't say you did blow a gasket. I said someone said you would.;) It's a figure of speech....but it's fairly evident (understatement) that this subject matter bothers you. If I have sack riders......I pity them...lol:D He'll STILL tell you a 100" buck is a NICE buck for these parts. He ain't lying. Well....I think you might be looking at this from some rose colored glasses. #8 in front of who and behind who? |
RE: Mature buck "Age structure" the "Great Equalizer"?
LMAO!! I don't know of one registry that figures the age into a Trophy.
It's all about inches of Antlers. That's 2+2=4, and it's the Gospel!  Dan |
RE: Mature buck "Age structure" the "Great Equalizer"?
Hey now you leave our up & coming P&Y hotbed wannabe of a state out of this. [8D];)
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RE: Mature buck "Age structure" the "Great Equalizer"?
The subject matter does not bother me at all.... More so the frequency and excuseish nature of some of the posts. The same reason you haven't or anyone else who hasn't shot a "big" (read big, not nice)buck in their area. |
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