Which place would you hunt?
 

I'm in a small dillema here where to go for our opener. Regardless of where I go, I'm not just out to shoot any buck, it will have to be a nice one.

Spot #1
-5 minutes from home.
-Is torn up with the BIGGEST buck rubs I've ever seen. Trees 4-5" in dia, shredded.
-I am able to shoot does there
-Shotgun only regulations

Spot #2
-40 minute drive
-has its share of big bucks, 3 140"ers have been seen there all season, but the rubs here PALE in comparison to the other spot
-I can't shoot does
-Any weapons(I would use my handgun, my favored way to hunt)
-I'd (kind of) get to hunt with my Dad. He'll be there, but we won't be hunting "together"

Any ideas?

RE: Which place would you hunt?
 

If its best buck sign ever seen, I'd have to go with spot 1. Plus you could take a doe for some meat in the fridge while waiting for Mr. Big. My opinion though.

RE: Which place would you hunt?
 

Bucks are nice to have, but not worth waiting another year for something to eat.

RE: Which place would you hunt?
 

Spot 2. If big deer have been seen there, thats good, and being able to hunt with family is a plus.

RE: Which place would you hunt?
 

If it is important to your dad I would hunt the second option.All other things being equal I would hunt the first option.

RE: Which place would you hunt?
 

2 definitely id rather use a rifle or a handgun over a slugger

RE: Which place would you hunt?
 

hunt with your dad

RE: Which place would you hunt?
 

I would hunt spot one.

RE: Which place would you hunt?
 

Without question, I would hunt spot #1. Short distance from your house means you can hunt more often, and the choice of shooting buck or does is a definite plus. Big buck sign is also an added bonus. I have hunted with a shotgun over the years, and it would not be my weapon of choice. In my opinion though, the positives trump the only "negative".

Good luck!

RE: Which place would you hunt?
 

I talked with my Dad, he's not even sure he's going to go out opening day, that takeshim out of the equation.
I am almost set that I am going to hunt spot #1 now. I've never hunted over there opening day, it will probably be a circus, but so would spot #2. And as far as using the shotgun, I have a very nice scoped slugger, I won't feel the slightest bit that I have an inadequate tool.