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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!!

RE: Mature buck "Age structure" the "Great Equalizer"?

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Good for you, VA. I've just been fortunate to know one of the deer I killed.....and I got lucky "judging" the other one (to be honest.....I thought he was a 4x2 when I shot him (but knew he was one of the bigger bodied deer I'd been seeing)....and was pleasantly surprised when I walked up on him).

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"?

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ORIGINAL: GMMAT

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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.

I don't begrudge anyone their view on this, Sliver.

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.

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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.

Hey don't take this the wrong way....because it isn't intended to say anything about you.....but the more I hunt deer.....the more I find I respect the guys who DO put age structure before " of antler. It may very well be because of where I'm from. I don't know. But I think someone else said that it won't always be the popular view. That's OK.

Thanks for the reply.

And Hillbilly.....Don't make fun of me because I can read and write. It's not becoming;)

This is another good point you bring up Jeff.
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"?

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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.

I think most them are full of it to!

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"?

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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.

RE: Mature buck "Age structure" the "Great Equalizer"?

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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.

Well said.......as it should be.

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.