what do you think
 

hey, i'm going hunting this year and i am only getting a buck tag. it will hopefully be my first buck. i decided that evnthoughi really want one that if i saw a spike or amall 4 piont i'd let it go just so it can grow up and hopefully become a nice buck. my cousin shot a spike and it was her first and my uncle shot one but it was his first deer in 17 years. my question is what do you all think about my decision, would u do the same in my position??


DEATH IS CERTAIN, LIFE IS NOT

RE: what do you think
 

Its ultimately your choice. In most parts of the country the doe population is somewhat out of whack. An antlerless tag would help that.

You hunting horns? I agree with the concept of letting them mature.

Sooner

"Size isn't important, but it sure helps!"

RE: what do you think
 

i'm hunting just for the love of hunting, horns wouldn't be a bad bonus though, i still think i should let it grow up and see what happens, if i get it in a few years great if someone else does at least they might have a nice trophy.

DEATH IS CERTAIBN, LIFE IS NOT

RE: what do you think
 

That is a personal decision, you are right they will get bigger the following year if someone else doesn't get them after you let them walk. I will add something else here, are you hunting horns? If so let them walk, but if you are looking for meat and hunting public land you may as well take a spike or fork horn, they are better eating and stand a slim chance of making the season through.

The Tazman aka Martin Price
Founder and President of
Virginia Disabled Outdoorsmen Club

RE: what do you think
 

For your first buck, I'd take a spike. Once you break the ice, then you can hold out for the big boy. It will be a good way to compare future deer. Everyone has to start somewhere.

Scott Meier
White Oak Lodge

RE: what do you think
 

Its all a personal choice. I would weigh all options. If you only get to hunt on a limited schedual, I would say shoot some meat and not let it walk; It could be your only chance. If you get to hunt on a regular basis, let it walk and wait for what you want. Also take in consideration how many deer are around. If during your scouting you say now sighns of a big deer then you could be waiting for nothing.

Personally I let many deer walk. I am blessed with the ability to hunt any time I want. And my land has many deer. So its like I said, weight all options and do what you feel comfortable with.

[Deleted]
 

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RE: what do you think
 

I agree you can't shoot a big one, if you shoot a spike. However being you haven't shoot a buck...period. You shouldn't be ashamed or feel less by harvesting a smaller buck, you have to start somewhere. A lot depends on your area and hunting schedule, let that dictate what you should harvest.

RE: what do you think
 

I've never killed a deer with a bow yet either. While I do have an any deer tag "if it's brown it's down" for me. I get to hunt friday cause we don't have school or practice. Woooo hohooo

RE: what do you think
 

It'd depend entirely on how many deer the boy's have on the pole. If we've got less than 2 I'd take the spike. Young deer are usually the most tender, yum!

You can't eat what you miss!

RE: what do you think
 

Last yera was mty first year hunting. I had an either sex tag. I let 3 spkies and 2 forkhorns walk. It almost paid off, becaus ehe second last day of the season I let a forkhorn walk and, my dad was mad..., but we pushed the bush it was in and I had strict orders to shoot if I saw it again. Ends up my uncle got a really nice shot as the second poster at about a 140 class buk but missed. So it did pay off. I let the little ones go and we got a shot at a big one. I also missed a big one earlier in the year...I'm doing the same thign this year. I didn't get a buck last yera and I may not this year, but there are 5 more deer that are bigger this year...
<a href='http://www.angelfire.com/ab7/bookbucks/NonTypicalWhitetails'>
Record Book Bucks!</a>

RE: what do you think
 

30-06 If you want to wait for a big one then thats what I would do .I don't feel hunting is just about killing something but rather what you feel about it . As far as the younger deer being better eating ,I have taken a lot of older deer and they have all been good so far .LOL I will admit to killing one that was so old even the gravy was tough . I wish you luck whatever you decide .

[Deleted]
 

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RE: what do you think
 

It depends if you get big bucks around where you hunt. If you do, then your opinion my be to let spikes and 4-points walk. But, if I was you I would dump the first buck that walked by with 4 in. spikes or better.

RE: what do you think
 

I think that you need to have a good understanding of the buck quality in the area. In my area I know that there are many small 6-8 point bucks and very few large bucks. After hunting an area for a few years you will get to know the quality of deer in the area.

That is the measure that I use. I can usually guess about the size and quality of deer in the area. Sometimes it makes since to take a smaller deer.

RE: what do you think
 

Personally, I would take the spike. Unless you have tight control over the deer herd, as on private land, the deer's chances of making it another year are slim. Also, a spike this year isn't likely to be an 8 pointer next year, just a fatter spike, or possibly a 4 point. Taking a nice legal buck will boost your confidence and get you ready to go for the bigger ones.