When do you make the decision to shoot?
#31
Typical Buck
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Northern Michigan
Posts: 974

I've been fortunate enough to be to draw extra doe tags outside my combo license. So what I try to do with some help from some farmer friends in the area, is shoot two mature doe real early in the season. This always helps me with my decsion making the rest of the season. Now I'm not worried about meat as much, and can try and stick with my self imposed rule of shooting a older mature buck only. I'll tell you what though, it's hard not to shoot that 6 or less with my bow, because any horned buck is a good buck with your bow. Having that meat in the freezer helps a whole lot.
#32
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location:
Posts: 2,186

First clear shot that will allow me to put a bullet through the vital area. But I don't shoot at running deer at all. No good at it.
Shots down my way are seldom over 200 yards, so distance has not been my problem. It is stuff in the way ... brush, reeds, trees, creek banks, etc.
Shots down my way are seldom over 200 yards, so distance has not been my problem. It is stuff in the way ... brush, reeds, trees, creek banks, etc.
#34

At IMB Outfitters we have a 125 inch minimum, so I stick to those standards. If our clients have to abide by it, then I will too. As for meat in the freezer, any good doe just may end up there.
#35
Spike
Join Date: Dec 2003
Posts: 34

If I grab the bow from the hanger the deer is big enough. I go off of initial reaction. Typically anything over about 155 will have me grabbing my bow.... As far as does, some days I will go out with the intention of shooting one and other days you just never know...