Is it a shooter?
 

Well, I haven't been hunting this area very long and I placed a trail cam on what looked like a heavily traveled area a couple of weeks ago. I came up with 5 pics over two weeks time and this buck appeared on the camera twice at the same time of day. My question is, do you guys think I should let this deer walk? My only concern is that he will not make it through the season because this is a heavily hunted area. What kind of standards should I abide by?

RE: Is it a shooter?
 

Its all up to you. Its not the size of deer killed, its the rush you get harvesting the animal.

RE: Is it a shooter?
 

Yeah, I just don't want to be like the rest of these trigger happy hunters in my area that kill anything that moves. At the same time this deer would be the biggest buck I have ever encountered. After all, I only have the rights to hunt 40 acres that is surrounded by 100+ acres in which, you can hear gun shots going off all year long. I have only killed two does in my entire hunting career and might decide to just take one of the many does in the area. I am more interested in the meat anyhow. It would be nice to see a buck grow to the size of what most of you guys are harvesting.

RE: Is it a shooter?
 

Its all personal preference bud.



Butttttt, if you're going by management standards or anything like that, definitely an immature, non-harvestable buck;)

RE: Is it a shooter?
 

It is completely your call if you want to shoot him, never let anyone else opinion dictate what you can or cannot shoot.

The "if I dont shoot it someone else will" statement has alwats bugged me. Look at it this way, if you shoot him, you know he's dead and wont be bigger next year. If you let him walk there is a chance, no matter how slim, that he does make it.

Bottom line, if he puts a smile on your face, then you go right ahead and take him.

RE: Is it a shooter?
 

Do what you gotta do, if it will make you happy then sling an arrow! :D

RE: Is it a shooter?
 

He will be good and tender meat like a veelcalf. I just got a Button buck tonight because i thought it was a doe. ... but if there are other bigger deer in the area pass him up and let him get bigger.

RE: Is it a shooter?
 

You can answer your own question, do whatever feels right to you, its the only way you will truly be satisfied with the outcome.

RE: Is it a shooter?
 

Is a yearling buck a shooter to me? NO

Is it a shooter to you? That is for you to decide...not us.

RE: Is it a shooter?
 

Its up to you.

He may be the biggest deer you have seen or encountered out there, but even though I dont hunt your area, I would be willing to bet a pretty penny that there are bigger deer out there than him.

RE: Is it a shooter?
 

i wouldnt hesitate to take him

RE: Is it a shooter?
 

You will achieve whatever standards you set. I personally would not shoot him. However you have to start somewhere. If he gives you that feeling put him down and focus on a larger deer next year and keep uping your standards. I have killed many large bucks and my favorite deer was a 70lb doe that was my first bow kill. It is not always about the antlers it is about the hunt

RE: Is it a shooter?
 

When we let others dictate what is exciting or an accomplishment, we lose the thrill of the sport. It is not a competition, it is a self fulfilling achievement. If he is legal and you would be proud of him, and the sight of him makes your heart thump and your emotions go on over-drive...then let that, be your guide!

If there was no internet and no picture posting..would that influence your decision?

Shoot well and may your track job, be short.

RE: Is it a shooter?
 

It all depends on what makes you happy. I swear these hunting shows are spoiling the fun for a lot of guys! I have killed a lot of deer in my life and that deer for me may or may not be shooter depending on the situation. Opening day of bow season, he is a shooter for sure. Mid November after I have a few in the freezer, probably not for me, but in your case I would not hesitate to shoot that buck, cut the antlers off and put them on the wall, enjoy the meat and savor the memories of the hunt. Keep in mind unless you can hunt larger tracts of managed land where everyone is is practicing buck management it really does little to let small buck walk unless you just dont' want to shoot it. Chances are the deer will be shot later in the year or maybe he will wise up and make it through the season. The main thing is do what will make you happy.

RE: Is it a shooter?
 

I knew Bob would save me some typing.

The only added thought, your worried he won't make it through the season but if you shoot him, he won't make it through the season either. If your proud, what Bob said above. Good luck.

RE: Is it a shooter?
 

In my area he would walk and live through the season but maybe he wouldnt in yours..Idk it is all up to you and if he would really satisfy you.

RE: Is it a shooter?
 

Well, I wanted to hear different opinions on, not just whether this deer is a shooter but, rather if deer management if possible in my situation. I almost feel like if I am the only one in my area practicing proper management then I am pretty much sight seeing while everyone else is hunting. I have harvested so few deer, that every deer I see in the woods about gives me a heart attack from excitement. I am going to decide to let this deer walk and see if he makes it to the end of the season. I have only been hunting this particular area this season and who knows there is bound to be bigger deer roaming these woods. Thanks guys!

RE: Is it a shooter?
 

No. You ask my opinion your going to get it. I personally see no prize in a 110 lb yearling 5 point buck. Shoot the doe same result. JMHO!

RE: Is it a shooter?
 

and I appreciate everyone's opinion but, you must keep in mind the quality of deer in NC is much different then the deer you are used to in MN. As I said in my previous post I am going to choose to pass on this deer and hope to see him another season. BTW, count your points again.

RE: Is it a shooter?
 

Personal choice only YOU can answer. Good luck.

RE: Is it a shooter?
 

Smack him buddy! I'd love to see him walk past me tomorrow night at 20yds.

RE: Is it a shooter?
 

In my neck of the woods it is. It's not a monster trophy by any means but 1. I need experience and 2. I need meat in the freezer. For my first bow kill, I'll take that 1 1/2 year old with no second thoughts.

RE: Is it a shooter?
 

Just make sure you do what makes you happy. There are some really great hunters here who set high standards for themselves and I truly admire that but for alot of guys a deer of any kind is a true trophy.

I trying to improve but some seasons I am lucky to see more than a few deer so I hesitate in being over selective. I have ligitimate passes on three deer of that calibur this seasonand let them walkBUT that does not mean they should make the same mistake again.

There is something very special about counting coup on a buck without releasing an arrow but I'm not really sure I'm gonna make a habit out of it.

One of my biggest mistakes was learning how to score a deer in the first place. For me success can't be measured by a score or anyone elses standards.

I know FIRST hand of a fellow forum member who shot a small buck last year and did not enter it in the contest because it did not measure up to "standards". Very Very Sad...

RE: Is it a shooter?
 

like most of the other guys have said, YOU, need to be happy with the choice YOU make, For your first buck with a bow, Any buck would be a trophy. My first bow buck was a little 6'er just like that one, the next year I got an 8pt, every year I try to one up the last. Thats just how I go about it. You will make the choice you want to make. don't let other dictate how you hunt.

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RE: Is it a shooter?
 

Well here is the deal, if you pass on this deer you dont get the meat or the largest buck you have seen.
Also to add if anyone hunting this area would not pass on this deer. Then they are not helping the deer get bigger by taking this size of a deer.

So in the end it rest on you. Take it and have a harvest, Pass and maybe someone else wont get it this year.

RE: Is it a shooter?
 

...

RE: Is it a shooter?
 

He'd get an arrow from me, if that helps you any.

RE: Is it a shooter?
 

You ask Ill answer. I see a short snout, slim neck small 5 pt rack on a 110-125 lb frame. I would encourage anyone to let this deer walk, but the choice is ultamitely yours. Good luck with your decision.

RE: Is it a shooter?
 

do wat u want but personally i would pass he doesnt have a bad rack for a yearling

RE: Is it a shooter?
 

A trophy is in the eye of the beholder!!

RE: Is it a shooter?
 

When I had the same harvest numbers as you listed this thread would be my harvest photos. Never should you ask or care what others think about your harvest. I almost stopped hunting a few years back because I made it work and not fun. Now don't get me wrong, this thing is year round for me but it is now year round fun, not a second job that better pay off with a wall hanger or I was steaming and blaming everything.

Shoot what you want and enjoy the sport for what it is.

RE: Is it a shooter?
 

He'd be good eatin!

RE: Is it a shooter?
 

Something else I forgot to mention. It depends a lot of the location for me as well. Hunting on my main lease, he is a shooter for the first deer, but not the 2nd and last buck tag. we have no management practices at all on the lease. In WVA on my buddies farm he is no where near a shooter and I have let a lot of deer like that walk. Ultimatly though it's what will make you happy and proud at the end of the day.

RE: Is it a shooter?
 

I think the bottom line question is if it will truly make you happy. If so, then yes by all means shoot it. If not, if you are only shooting it because “everyone else” would then no, that is not a good reason to shoot something.

RE: Is it a shooter?
 

i agree with tj

RE: Is it a shooter?
 

i would shoot him but it is all personal preference
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RE: Is it a shooter?
 

Your choice I might take the shot if it was the only buck I have been seeing.

RE: Is it a shooter?
 

Your own

RE: Is it a shooter?
 

Hunt there. If your heart starts beating out of your chest, and you feel your bow pulling back.

Shoot.