ewolf

Sure, I think as a whole we are too caught up on antlers. We should let little deer walk(My opinion), but we have other duties as well. I shot a 6 pointer with my bow last week. Before you blister me for it, he was wouded and limping. It's our duty as hunters to put such animals out of their pain. I would have never shot him at any other time. If you will not shot a smaller wounded buck, you need to think about what you are there for. To say that one will never shot a smaller buck proves to me that they are in it for the glory. Remember we have other responsiblities.

Note: The day after shooting this 6 pointer I had a 160's class buck broadside at 27 yards. Even after that I don't regret shooting the 6 pointer.

buckeye

I don't necessarily mean a shoulder mount in all occasions. A skull mount is a sweet way to display a rack as well.

I know a few guys who have to shoot a buck no matter the size of it, they won't shoot a doe. Then don't even take the antlers from the butcher shop. I don't understand it. Why not just shoot a doe if it presents a shot before a small buck? Why wait on a small buck to throw the antlers away?

But for me I won't shoot a buck unless he is a mature animal. I will mount a mature animal whether it scores 110 or 210.

buckeye

Ewolf I would never blister you or anyone else who legally hunts. You may shoot any deer you wish with out a word from me but a congrats.

Also, I love a big set of antlers but it is a mature buck I hunt.

ewolf

Buckeye Would you shot a small buck that was wounded?

buckeye

It would depend on the severity of the wound. I won't shoot just because an animal is wounded. Would you want me to shoot you if you had a broken leg that was not life threating?

3 years ago (EDIT should read 4 years ago) I shot a button buck with a broken front leg who had a real hard time getting around. And I myself am 100% against myself shooting fawns and immature bucks. So, yes I would and have.

deerhuntr107

Me, personally, wont shoot a buck I dont plan to mount. That may change in time, this is only my fourth season, but for now, Ive passed up about 6-7 little year and a half old bucks just this year to let them get a little bigger. This, same as last year, Im lookin for 120 or bigger. Only buck I got now was my first deer, year and a half 7 pointer.
I shoot does for population control and meat, bucks for horns and meat. I will end up with a doe or two between shotgun and muzzle loader, and try for a good wall hanger throught the season.
May I add I just deer hunt till rut then pass does in hopes horns is behind her. Its biten me in the you know what before as I still aint killed a deer with my bow yet. But I find the pleasure in being out there enjoying Gods country, not just in the kill so it doesnt bother me. I have killed a deer every year so I always get meat, thats all Im worried about.

buttonbuckmaster

I pass some bucks, some I take. Not really looking for a wall hanger, I am not really into shoulder mounts. I will get one mounted if it is really unique or super big (170 class) but I hunt because I enjoy it. I took a doe this year with my bow and am still waiting on just the right buck to shoot. I won't shoot a spike or a fork horn, but I don't have a problem taking a good basket rack buck. Flame me if you want. I hunt for food and enjoyment, antlers are icing on the cake.

buckeye

You guys need to realize I am not flaming anyone.

I just want to see where members stand on this issue.

buttonbuckmaster

buckeyebuckhuntr,

I didn't mean you were going to rail on me or any one else. Does Ohio have antler restrictions in place? I have noticed....like most everyone else....that there are some real monsters being taken in Ohio. Just curious.PS...how do you like the patriot?

buckeye

Ohio does not have any antler restrictions at all. I myself wish they would put them into effect but the consciences of the state is to not place them. I am OK with that though.

The Patriot is a lean mean shooting machine. It is the best bow I have ever owned. But I have it sold to a buddy with all accessories on it for $575. I have around twice that in it. Not a bad price for him eh? He gets it the day I get the new one. I am picking up the Allegiance here shortly, well most likely the Allegiance the Old Glory has my attention as well. I will have to shoot them side by side.