I have changed the film 4 times in the last 6 weeks and only had one 2X2 along with a slew of does. They started taking some of the corn out of the adjacent fields and low and behold my camera was full after only a week. I got quite a few of this buck and am trying to decide if I want to take him if/when the opportunity arises. Any thoughts/advice? Would you take him? Hopefully, I got it attatched to the post.

He'd be big enough for me, no doubt. It depends on what you consider to be a trophy in your area. In 20 years of hunting in my area, that would be in the top 3 of the biggest bucks I've ever seen.

He may not be real big but he'd be a keeper in my area as well .We have bigger here but he's be mid range and well worth taking in my books.

nubo

I am afraid he is only 3 1/2. With another year, he will be pretty nice. I don't mind being patient and taking a doe in December if I have to. It's always a little bitter sweet taking a deer this early anyway. I enjoy being out in the woods more than anything. Here is another pic.

I would pass. If this buck is only 3 1/2 then I would probably give him 2 more years, 5 1/2 is when they start putting on their best antlers. The biggest jump (antler wise) that a buck makes is between the 3rd and 4th year, so another year will certainly be worth the wait.

I'd probably age him at 2 1/2. He still has that long legged look of a younger deer. Still, a nice deer.

I agree. Let him go, if you know he will not get shot this year. If you have other hunters then its up to you. good luck

He'll be bigger in another year or two -- no doubt about that . . . but that, of course also means that no one else kills him. If you can guarantee his safety and feel likely to be able to get a shot in a future season, by all means hold off. Around here, I pass on smaller bucks all the time only to have some other "less selective" hunter kill them. I'd have to shoot this buck.

There are 3 rifle hunters and 2 other bow hunters in the same section. I don't know who they are, but there is a fair amount of pressure all over this area anyway. I would say he has a 50-50 chance of making it through the year. Our area is about 80 acres of trees and 220 of beans and long grass. I am going to let him walk and hope he makes it. If someone isn't willing to let deer this size go, we will never get any real big ones...

he looks about three and a hlaf years to me. now i am not you and i don't know what type of hunting pressure is around you, but i hunt a section by myself and i would probably let him walk this year and hope he doesn't cross any fences or get hit by a car for a year and then try and get him. but then again if it is the last day of the season and i have a buck tag burning a hole in my pocket i might take him. he is definitely a nice buck in my opinion one year will only make him better.