RE: Do you shoot bucks you wouldn't have mounted?
 

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.

RE: Do you shoot bucks you wouldn't have mounted?
 

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.

RE: Do you shoot bucks you wouldn't have mounted?
 

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.

RE: Do you shoot bucks you wouldn't have mounted?
 

Buckeye Would you shot a small buck that was wounded?

RE: Do you shoot bucks you wouldn't have mounted?
 

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.

RE: Do you shoot bucks you wouldn't have mounted?
 

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.

RE: Do you shoot bucks you wouldn't have mounted?
 

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.

RE: Do you shoot bucks you wouldn't have mounted?
 

You guys need to realize I am not flaming anyone.

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

RE: Do you shoot bucks you wouldn't have mounted?
 

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?

RE: Do you shoot bucks you wouldn't have mounted?
 

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.