Would you shoot this one?
#15
RE: Would you shoot this one?
It all depends upon your own personal standard.
Obviously, this has a lot to do with your experience, the goals you've set for the herd on your property (even if it's not personally yours), and access by other hunters and how they feel about lettin' 'em grow.
Personally? My taxidermist tells me (and I've read in other verified reports) that a deer can put on close to 40" of bone from year to year. Think what that guy would look like in one more year!
Obviously, this has a lot to do with your experience, the goals you've set for the herd on your property (even if it's not personally yours), and access by other hunters and how they feel about lettin' 'em grow.
Personally? My taxidermist tells me (and I've read in other verified reports) that a deer can put on close to 40" of bone from year to year. Think what that guy would look like in one more year!
#19
RE: Would you shoot this one?
This would be at best, a personal decision!
When he sheds the velvet, he's 120-130 at best, and about 3 1/2 yrs. old! Many places, this would be a very decent buck! To a "trophy" ONLY hunter, it's a pass.
Personally, a true "trophy," is a better than average buck for the area! If thats what he is, BANG!
If you are not into the "trophy" game, BANG! Very legal meat in the freezer!
If you are in it for the numbers, (which even asking about taking him, suggests that you are not,) he'd walk for sure!
To thine own self be true!
When he sheds the velvet, he's 120-130 at best, and about 3 1/2 yrs. old! Many places, this would be a very decent buck! To a "trophy" ONLY hunter, it's a pass.
Personally, a true "trophy," is a better than average buck for the area! If thats what he is, BANG!
If you are not into the "trophy" game, BANG! Very legal meat in the freezer!
If you are in it for the numbers, (which even asking about taking him, suggests that you are not,) he'd walk for sure!
To thine own self be true!