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?

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.

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

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

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

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

hunt with your dad

I would hunt spot one.

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!

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.