Passing up bucks
 

I was talking with TeeJay a few hours back and he asked If I was still holding out for a P&Y buck yet? I told him It depends what woods I'm hunting. The main area I hunt I'll never Intentionally shoot a buck under 125" unless he's an old buck on the down slide. I did tell TeeJay that I probably would shoot any buck In the other area that's In back of my house that I rarely hunt. Is this wrong? Or what about going out of state and shooting the 1st little buck a person see's on Public land? Is It wrong to manage your woods but not every other area? I don't think It's wrong unless your hunting someone's property who requests you not to shoot anything that's so and so size or age.

Curious on your thoughts.;)

RE: Passing up bucks
 

Public land I'll likely shoot whatever makes me feel good be it a spike or a booner. Its pretty much a waste of time to try to manage. At least on the lands I've hunted. As far as going from one property to the next I guess it all depends on the potential of the land. If I know there is a good deer population and my odds of shooting a better deer are good I'll likely pass the small guys. If I'm not likely to have anotrher shot opportunity all season I'll more than likely take the shot. I would have to get to know the land and then make the call.

RE: Passing up bucks
 

If it's legal, it's OK.

You are the one that has to be happy.

There may be some circumstances that may cause this to be wrong such as going against the landowners wishes etc. But you get the idea.

RE: Passing up bucks
 

I agree 100% with Greg.

RE: Passing up bucks
 

Steve, I've always set different goals depending on when/where I am hunting.
I usually set my Goals according to what I feel like is roaming around;)

I don't see a problem with that type of hunting. Of course if I'm hunting someone else's property what they say goes.

In any of the areas I hunt I won't kill a PH Buck. There are just too many does here and they need thinned out. Meat is meat. I killed multiple does this year, and they are put in the freezer ASAP. I don't even bother taking pictures of Does any more.
I really don't know anyone that'd be interested in seeing them anyway[8D]

Dan

RE: Passing up bucks
 

It's ok to shoot whatever you want. If you set your standard at 130" and hunting a piece that you'll never see a 130" buck on then it wouldn't make much sense holding out for one. You have 2 choices. Lower your standards on that piece of land or find other land that will give you that opportunity. Personally I wouldn't be hunting a piece of land that didn't hold bucks that met my standard. Just no interest in shooting small bucks anymore no matter where I am. There is absolutely nothing wrong with it, but I'm not sticking one just because "he's a good buck for around here". If others feel like that buck was a great buck for a particular land and it makes them happy they killed it... good for them. Job well done.

RE: Passing up bucks
 

Schultzy,

I really think that you should let me go with you and thenyou hold out for a 125". You pass 'em up and I'll drop 'em. :D:D

Seriously, there'd be nothing wrong with taking a smaller buck on the other property.

RE: Passing up bucks
 

Shoot what you like as long as youlike what you shoot.

RE: Passing up bucks
 

Schultzy I think GregH nailed it. You need to be happy with what you choose to do

RE: Passing up bucks
 

Everything doesn't have to be about management. I'll adjust my "standards" according to the area I am hunting or the landowners wishes. BUT since I only get one buck tag I still wouldn't pop a buck on a lesser property just to do so if I still had a lot of time to hunt in a good spot.

RE: Passing up bucks
 

Greg is right on. Do what makes you happy. I shot a 6pt Buck on the last day of PA gun season this year that I would have let walk any other year. But this day I was with some old hunting Buddy's and we were doing some small drives like the old days . I was on stand and they pushed out this buck and I shot it. Man!! we hooted and holler and high five and it made for a great day and hunt with some old friends! Was it the buck I was looking to shot this year? NO! But this 6pt buck at that moment made me and my Buddy's real happy! It was a great day! Good Luck with your Buck!!

Hatchet jack

RE: Passing up bucks
 

Rules are rules there slick! You cant lower your standards just cant. Me on the other hand 100" and its dead! I wish I had those 120" guys I let walk back.[:@]

RE: Passing up bucks
 

Steve,
I don't see anything wrong with that thought process. I've held off of smaller bucks for years, but I'll tell you I still do get VERY tempted!!! If you're happy with the animal you shoot, it's none of mine or anyone else's business unless it's illegal or against a landowner/club's wishes.

Good Hunting,
Doug

RE: Passing up bucks
 

Me to! Shoot what makes ya happy!

RE: Passing up bucks
 

Its not wrong, its whatever you decide imo. Like others said, whatever makes you happy

RE: Passing up bucks
 

Trust me If I shoot any deer (small buck, big buck, fawn, doe) I'll be more then proud, the pics I'll post up will be proof of that!! I was just curious on your thoughts If It's wrong In your eye's to manage one woods but not have a care In the world In another woods, that's all I was asking.

RE: Passing up bucks
 

I agree with everyone else. What you decide to legally shoot where and when is your call, assuming there isn't some sort of agreement in place on the property you are hunting. I don't see anything wrong with managing properties differently. All comes down to shooting what makes you happy or fits your goals at that time.

RE: Passing up bucks
 

If the other landowner doesn't care about horn management,then why should you?


Manage your land,he will manage his the way he wants.IF,you don't like shooting small bucks,then don't.At that point,this is a very personal thing and should be dealt with as such.

Time comes into play when going somewhere else to hunt.It may not be reasonable to expect a book deer in a week in another area,so,you shoot the best deer you feel you can take in that amount of time and still be happy with the accomplishment.


Greg pretty much nailed it.[8D]

RE: Passing up bucks
 

I agree...but some public land tracks have size limits. I know not everyone obeys these rules, but if you want to really increase the quality of the population we got to follow size limits. I personally wouldn't shoot a buck that is less than 15" spread. Cuz, hopefully he will be bigger next year. As, far as behind your house, whatever suites your fancy. I would try to use some sort of QDM behind your house, just for fun!

RE: Passing up bucks
 

This is true,some areas have restrictions.I personally don't mind having a small wildlife area that has a size restriction.You still have the rest of the state to shoot what you want.

RE: Passing up bucks
 

Like Rybo, I only get one tag so it's gotta be a good one. The definition of good one does adjust a little for the location though.

RE: Passing up bucks
 

To fill a tag or not to fill a tag, that is the question...???
YOUR question, isn't it?

For me, I would weigh my personal goals and when I pull the trigger (gun or release) I ultimately have to be happy with my choice at that second.
No turning back either way. Either the deer is dead or it's still walking.
I have a 5-year plan (for my goals) and will be patient, however I will deviate from it, if I choose?!
I won't allow myself to cry over spilled milk. Of course you may, but that's your lively hood!:D

Everyone knows that you may encounter tag soup while holding out for the exact deer your looking for.
Could have, should have, would have??!!?

If I had my own personal property I would manage it for specific goals and stick to them.
However, I may get trigger happy on another piece of property if I choose,
depends on what part of the season and if I want to put meat in the freezer or not?

But your brother can now help with the latter part!

RE: Passing up bucks
 

Smart ass!!:D

RE: Passing up bucks
 

Now Steve...
I was simply reassuring you that you had a source to get venison from.
If you opt to stick with your goal of a 130+ inch buck until the waning minutes of the season.

But thanks for the compliment just the same!
My sarcastic humor sometimes comes out when I'm not even trying?[8D]

RE: Passing up bucks
 

Steve ya need any pointers from the kid? He is at his moms thiss weekend, ill give you her phone # if you want.

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That's about It to TeeJay!! Lets see that number.:D

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Lol! It's all good Ed. Sarcasm Is a good thing! I've been doe hunting since last Sunday so the 1st chance I get I'll hopefully stick a doe as long as my damn bow Is with In reach![>:] If a buck under 125" walks In front of me in my main hunting woods, It will get a pass just like any other time. If a buck under 125" walks In front of me anywhere else other then my main hunting woods, he's going to get an arrow flung at him!!:D

RE: Passing up bucks
 

Thers's always road kill[8D]


I have different goals depending on where I hunt and what weapon I use andwhat method of hunting I try. I keep it fun that way. :D

RE: Passing up bucks
 

Just got to this thread and wanted to share my thoughts on this. I dont think there would be anything wrong with shooting a "lesser" deer, expecially if you dont think that the land hold any more potential or if it just doesnt hold big deer period. I am hunting all new ground this year and it will be the only year I will hunt it probably (graduating college and getting out of this forbidden place). I was really gunning for a 125-130" 8 pt that I saw prior to season opener. I found his carcass later into the season and right then and there I decided that no matter the size if I see a buck that sparks my interest, granted he is within range, I am taking the shot. Just two night ago I got a trail cam pic of a small 7 or 8 and I got plumb tickled, I am now in the gunning mode for him, yea he is 2.5 yr old deer and would eventually get bigger, but I am not hunting this property after this year and have not seen a bigger buck than him since the rut.I also only have about 18 days of season left and if I am lucky willget to hunt 10more times.Some might say I am settling but I know that for me this year he is a trophy.

RE: Passing up bucks
 

:) OUCH!

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Lol!! I expected that out of Todd.:D

RE: Passing up bucks
 

Steve,

On our 550 acresup north we pass unless its in the 115 + range

On my property a few miles down the road I take small bucks here and there...I will still take a big doe first if I can...but this property is 17 acres and the other is 80 acres....So in short....I guess I have the same view as you.