Do you shoot bucks you wouldn't have mounted?
 

I personally do not or will not shoot a buck that I won't have mounted. That goes for out of state hunting as well, not just at home.

It wouldn't matter if it was the last evening of bow season and I had an unfilled tag and had a big 2 1/2 year old 20 yards broadside. He would live to see another year.

Case in point, my last 4 bucks are on the wall. Well 3, I am still waiting on the 4th to come back.

What about you guys??

RE: Do you shoot bucks you don't plan to mount?
 

Yes. Mounting's not for everyone. That said, I am reall picky about what bucks I'll shoot with what weapon. I had a really nice 10 that hung up just out of range with my bow that I couldn't get a shot at, but would have if offered. I let a similar sized 8 walk by at 20 yards with my shotgun.

The only thing I'd probably spring for mounting is a really big deer. Others will get the skull mount treatment, or left to walk to reach mountable status... :)

RE: Do you shoot bucks you don't plan to mount?
 

Boy ,what in the world would I do or be able to afford a life time of nice bucks made in to mounts?????????? I mounted my first 150 plus buck .cause thought I would not ever get anything better.Well 23 years later I have a shed full of antlers like that and bigger. To be honest I rather shoot doe anymore at my old age. they all taste the same

RE: Do you shoot bucks you don't plan to mount?
 

Of course. I have over sixty racks on my wall in my garage. Deer killed over thirty year of hunting with a bow, shotgun, and muzzleloader. My son is amazed that I can stand there and tell him the story of all of them. Well almost. There is one that i just can't figure out at all no matter how long I stare at it. I will though.

Sometimes and on some property I shoot the first legal deer to come through. Other times, like this year, I wait for the biggun. Case in point, the big nine pointer that my buddy and I are after. We have both passed many bucks waiting for him. Then on another day, I hunted another piece of property and took a nice basket seven pointer. Great hunt, great story, fantastic memory and man was I pumped. It depends on a lot of things but rack size is not that big a deal. Of course I'd like the big ones - just not my main priority.

Greg

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

I personally wont shoot a buck that I dont intend to EAT.
Im growing more and more concerned that new young hunters are being told that shooting a young buck is not good.
I proudly display all my buck antlers, whether they are spikes on my shop door or a small 6 pt. on a plaque in my den.
Each to their own, but I think this prevalent big rack trophy mentality is turning alot of youngsters away from hunting.

RE: Do you shoot bucks you don't plan to mount?
 

I shoot bucks and doe for food and the antlers are only a byproduct of the harvest. I know there are those who only are interested in the antlers and need them on the wall to feel successful/macho but it is the meat that is precious not the antlers guys.

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

Well I don't know if I will mount every single buck I kill, but I do limit myself to only shooting bucks at least 3 1/2 years or older. These are typically in the 130+ range for the area I hunt. Of course it has not always been that way and I used to take a 1 1/2 year old buck on the last day before gun season but quit doing that about 10 years ago.

I did run into a dilemma from this though. I went 4 years in a row without taking a deer at all because I was being selective and waiting for a mature buck. I have no problem going without a deer but my problem developed when I decided I might be getting rusty from going so long without taking a deer. So I decided to take a shot at a doe at 22 yards and missed! This really started my mind twirling because all I could think of was how I had spent all this time on stand waiting for a nice buck and how I may have missed him if the opportunity had presented itself. Now of course I was still practicing and was an excellent shot, but there is a lot that goes into staying calm and picking a spot on a live animal. Anyways I decided that I don't want to go more than 2 years without shooting something. I now go for a doe for the meat and also to stay in practice of shooting at a live animal. Back then I was the only one in my family eating the deer meat but now my wife and kids are eating it as well so I am killing 3 birds with 1 stone (meat, staying in practice, and QDM). And I will say that this year the does have eluded me so far. I have passed shots on 1 1/2 and 2 1/2 year old bucks and several yearlings but was busted by a few mature does. I will say those mature does are some wary creatures and can be as difficult to kill as a mature buck (or more).

Sorry for getting a little off topic but I was curious how other hunters who are selective deal with this.

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

yes, sometimes funds just don't allow it, and my house isn't that big to keep mounting every one. It still may be a real nice buck, so those i'll do a homemade skull mount for.

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

I'm lucky to have a 160 buck mounted on the wall. He isn't mine, but was shot by my grandpa in the early 70's. I have four racks that I feel deserve a plaque, all around 110-130, each one a little bigger than the last. I still haven't gotten one that is close enough to grandpa's to deserve a full head mount.

By the way, I can't stand it when people hold off on a small buck on one property (often their own property), and blast away at them elsewhere (ususally someone else's land). If you have a standard in one area, stick with it all the time.

Thats like telling your child to earn A's at school, except in some classes, where it isn't important.

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

I have a wall of fame in my shed. I've hunted for 13 years and bow hunted for 10. I've managed to kill a buck every year. Every buck is special. Not all are mounted. In fact I have had 3 mounted and the fourth one is on the way. I have 2 130 class deer that I shot with a gun not mounted. But I sent off my last bowkill to get mounted and he was smaller, but a lot more special. I say to each is own.

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.

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

all I know is that it is hard to eat the antlers. I personally have only seen one, maybe 2, bucks that I would want to mount (head mount) - didn't get a shot. I will take the first good shot i have at any deer. don't get me wrong, I would love to have wall hangers (I do mount all the racks I have gotten). I think it's great that people can hold out for the big racked bucks, but its not for me - too much public land around to pass smaller ones up.

buckeye - do you at least shoot doe to help with herd management???

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

As I'm a newbie here and just started, I haven't taken any deer with a bow. But I have with my 25-06 and my black powder rifle (patch & ball). I hunt for meat. Mostly does because of population control. I don't get many opportunities for bucks because I hunt with friends on their property. Buck priviledges go to lease holders, which I am not.

I have been hunting for 5 years now and just got my first buck (Axis) 4 weeks ago. He is being mounted for three reasons:
1) he was my first
2) he is absolutely huge! 2nd largest Axis off the ranch, 29" from base to point, 25" spread.
3) I shot him old-style. .50 cal black powder w/ open sites @ 90 yards. I had only one shot.

The story behind this hunt means more to me than the mount ever will. It holds many great memories. The mount is just the proof. But I may never get another deer mounted. Depends on the circumstance.

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

If I only shot bucks that were worth mounting I would go hungry. So it's safe to say that I'm NOT a trophy hunter and proud of it.:D

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

Yes sir I do. I only will shoot a mature doe as well.

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

Yes and no. I won't shoot anything unless it's huge until the end of the season. Even then I really don't like messing the animal so I tend to talk myself out of it. I do have a request for a few deer and I need to help out my team so I will be dropping a buck this month sometime. I may stay selective until later in the month.

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

Devils advocate here...If you won't shoot a small buck early in the season, why take him late season? Did he get a bigger rack during the season?;) If I deem a buck off limits to me, he is safe for the entire season. Just MHO.

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

I will shoot a "Genetically Inferior" buck for Land Managment and the Deer Herd management, but will not shoot small basket racks, spikes, or any other small bucks (1 1/2yr-2 1/2yrs) For me to shoot a 3 1/2yr old it would have to be a big buck, otherwise there is no point, normally those deer do not have the mass of a 4 1/2-5 1/2yr old buck. I hunt mature bucks only, and a mature doe in the later part of the season.

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

i shoot only mature deer no matter when i see it if hes not big enough to have mounted he lives untill he is( in my book) and taking one that is, consistantly is not easy (i guess thats why it's not for everyone). i shoot my limit on does while i hunt for a mature buck and while i don't shoot one evey year when i do finally settle on one you can bet he's going on the wall.




SIZE MATTERS LET'EM GO ANOTHER YEAR
RESPECT THE ANIMAL YOU HUNT
QDM
HOYT USA

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

I got into it a debate with some guys who would archery hunt and hold out for a big buck, but then turn around in gun season and shoot the 1st legal buck(we have AR here) to come by them. To me that made absolutely NO sense. Some guys just have to get "thier buck" I suppose.

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

i believe in taking only mature deer, doe or buck. this has not always been the case when i was younger i killed a couple 8's that were not mature animals. the last buck i killed was in 2000. its mounted, an 8 pt that scored around 140; since then i have passed on bucks that size and larger that weren't mature.

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

Every year ;)

I mount all the bucks antlers I shoot one way or another........plaque, euro, etc. I olny have one full shoulder mount and truthfully don't think I want a whole house full. I keep the most recent in the house and the others get moved "down the bench" After awhile you start thinking "what the hell am I gonna do with these things?"

I killed 3 deer (2 bucks and 1 doe) 2 years ago and 4 deer (2 bucks and 2 does) this year and in between I had a horrible year last year where I saw very few deer in all seasons combined and only took 1 deer (The 13 pt I have mounted).

I will take a year like this one or two years ago any day over that miserable year with 1 good day and a "trophy".


I don't hunt land where I can afford to pass deer up............and I doubt I would even if I did. Antlers just don't mean THAT much to me. I like bucks as much as the next guy but antlers or not.........my freezer is getting filled ;)

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

where I hunt if you let a small buck pass the next guy won't so yes I'll shoot any legal deer (except button bucks ) but be it a spike or bigger I'll hang the rack somewhere

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

I agree with you if I'm in NC. I wouldn't shot one late in the season if I passed on it earlier. In Md the deer population is so out of control it's not an issue. I've hunted about a dozen times this year and have passed on 40+ bucks and countless Does. The only reason I wait to shoot something I wouldn't mount has to do with the odds of seeing a big deer. You don't get a very big window when the big deer will show themselves during the daytime unless there is very little preasure of someone or some thing kicks him up.

Last year I screwed up big time wasting my time on a pretty 10 point knowing I wouldn't mount him. To make a long story short I wasted all of my energy on him holding the bow back waiting for him to clear a tree. When a huge 8 point showed up 20 minutes later I was too worn out. I won't make that same mistake.

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

I try to wait for a muture buck or a doe, but I do have some exceptions. I will shoot a wounded deer even if it is a small buck. I will shoot inferior deer. This year I passed up over 10 bucks and shot a big bodied buck come by me that had four big points on one side and a 12" spike on the other side. I later had him aged at 3.5 years old, would he have ever had a normal rack? Who nows but I wasn't going to let him pass on those bad genes that he had. The next week I had a REALLY nice wide 8 pointer about 130 class come by me twice at 10 and 50 yards and all I could do was smile and I had no regrets.

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

Nope, I have no reason to. I'll shoot a doe first.

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

By mount I assume you mean full shoulder mounts.
Yes, I have a hard time getting my wife to allow me to hang the one shoulder mount I have in the house. I'm not saying that I wouldn't shoulder mount another but it would have the be a monster (over 150") . In Maine and New Hampshire we just don't see that many of those. I always keep the racks though and have quite a few on plaques.

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

As of the last 4 years I decided not to shoot any more small bucks, so the answer is no! I will only shoot bucks that are mountable! I don't understand meat hunters shooting small bucks. I go to the locker and see small racks laying all over. If your going to shoot a buck the least you can do is hang up the rack. Thats one way to give the animal the respect it deserves!

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

When I go hunting I am actually decorating. He doesn't get put on the ground if he isn't going on the wall. My personal threshhold is 140 for wall status. We don't have an overabundance of does or I would shoot a very mature one given the opportunity. The only exception to this rule is a wounded deer, they go down immediately. I hunt in a suburban area and don't want the bad press that a wounded deer brings coming down on me. Even if I didn't wound it.

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

Never had one mounted, probably never will. I do mount the pictures of the buck i kill in my hunting album. The only thing that is left on a mounted deer is its antlers, so why bother? I have plenty of wracks in the hunting room, i only shoot bucks that are a trophy in my eyes. I killed a 12pt and a 9pt, people say i should have had mounted, but i was just a teenager and didnt know any better, but i probably still wouldnt have them mounted.

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

I have the antlers of every buck I've killed mounted on the wall of my garage. Since shoulder mounts are so expensive, at this point only two heads grace the walls of the inside of our house. Both are P&Y bucks. One is an 11 point that I killed and the other is a very big 8 point that my oldest son killed when he was 14. Both bucks are bowkills.