Smash or Pass?

With the lack of new threads appearing on the board as the gun season approaches, I wanted to get a discussion going.

I was curious if everyone/anyone has a pass/shoot criteria for their hunts? Does it depend on what property is being hunted? Does it depend on Buck to doe ratio? Does it depend on size of body? Size of rack? If it’s brown, is it down? What variables (if any) are considered in making this decision?

I prefer meat over antlers and I am typically inclined to shoot anything other than a fawn as I don’t usually see a whole lot of #s on the properties I hunt.

The attached pic is the first buck to appear on camera on my new property. Would it get a pass or would it be shot? And why?

Thanks in advance for your input/comments and happy hunting!

It would be a pass as it would be illegal to shoot in the middle of the night.

Kidding aside.......everyone has a different criteria for taking a deer. If part of a group hunt it could be "if its brown its down" or "bucks only".
If you crave venison for the table then take the first good size animal you encounter. If you are a trophy hunter then patience is key.

You will get a hundred different responses as it should be!

Lol!!

That was what the idea of the thread was to see the different answers (and why)?

I’m mainly curious to see how many people pass on does, young bucks, or even 3-4 year old bucks to have a chance at something more mature.

Buck only for me, bigger the better. Don't care about size of rack, I hunt for meat. Personal choice

my first year scouting, baiting and doing all myself, so ill be taking the first legal deer I see. friends have additional tags, so if we do get a doe, we will go after a larger buck after we have coming to the camera.

first deer hunting I was taken along years ago, they shot a doe, and there was a buck following it maybe 10-15 steps back ... which makes it all more interesting.

Over the years my criteria has changed. Earlier years that deer would have definitely been a smash along with anything brown, now I try to be patient and hunt for more mature deer, for the reason now is that for me waiting for a more mature deer is for me more rewarding and that I might have gotten a little soft over the years

My criteria change every year, depending on my situation and observations. I usually hunt alone, so that typically means I only have one tag available to me, and sometimes only a buck tag. If I didn't get a deer the previous season, I relax my criteria to increase my odds of filling the freezer. Back in the good old days when I could get more than one tag in my WMUs, I would fill the freezer first, then hunt until the end of December trying to get a larger buck. It's been several years now that extra tags are no longer available where I hunt.
This year, I intended to shoot the first buck I could right behind my cottage during the archery season due to projects that I wanted to complete there this fall, and the lack of bucks showing up at another property where I do most of my deer hunting. Of course, I didn't hunt opening day of the archery season for various reasons, and my trail camera revealed that a buck showed up right on time while I was working. No bucks have shown up at the cottage since! So now I am making plans to hunt the rifle season at my main property, and maybe a bit at the cottage.

Regarding the buck in the OP's photo, I would not pass on that deer. At the current point in my life, I don't have the luxury to hunt whenever I want, for as long as I want.

I would shoot the deer in the picture. My goal is meat. I will take the first deer of reasonable size that comes into range.

I gun hunt with 5 other guys that only gun hunt so they want to fill their tags in that 5 days. Me, I can bow hunt before and after the gun hunt, Can rifle hunt up north, Muzzleloader in December and bow hunt after that until Jan 1st. So lots of time to fill mine.

I only shoot 3.5 yr or older bucks now, I don't care if the other guys shoot 5 fawns, Its up to them. We go for 5 deer in the gun hunt and let me keep mine for later seasons.

Saying that I have no problem if we fill all 6 tags during the first gun hunt, Just means more time for waterfowl!(which I'd rather do full time anyways!)

Used my tag twice in the last 10 years, I really don't care about shooting small bucks or does/fawns anymore, Call me a trophy hunter, Which is pretty much am. Lol

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Most years, I only hunt deer for one week. During that week, I hunt hard all day long hoping to cross paths with a big buck. If possible, I’ll hold onto my tag for as long as I can while trying to maximize my time in the woods. Our group no longer tries to fill every tag, rather 2 or 3 for processing into pepperoni and sausage. If, by mid-week, the hanging pole is light then I’ll lower the hammer on a younger buck. Conversely, if we have a couple hanging, then I’ll hold out for a real big one; even if that means that I go home with my tag in my pocket.

As far as the buck in the picture goes, I might shoot it later in the week.

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Originally Posted by Badenoch

I would shoot the deer in the picture. My goal is meat. I will take the first deer of reasonable size that comes into range.

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thanks for your response, I am right there with you!

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Originally Posted by Sam Menard

Most years, I only hunt deer for one week. During that week, I hunt hard all day long hoping to cross paths with a big buck. If possible, I’ll hold onto my tag for as long as I can while trying to maximize my time in the woods. Our group no longer tries to fill every tag, rather 2 or 3 for processing into pepperoni and sausage. If, by mid-week, the hanging pole is light then I’ll lower the hammer on a younger buck. Conversely, if we have a couple hanging, then I’ll hold out for a real big one; even if that means that I go home with my tag in my pocket.

As far as the buck in the picture goes, I might shoot it later in the week.

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That seems very logical, thanks foe your response Sam!

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Originally Posted by SongDog

I gun hunt with 5 other guys that only gun hunt so they want to fill their tags in that 5 days. Me, I can bow hunt before and after the gun hunt, Can rifle hunt up north, Muzzleloader in December and bow hunt after that until Jan 1st. So lots of time to fill mine.

I only shoot 3.5 yr or older bucks now, I don't care if the other guys shoot 5 fawns, Its up to them. We go for 5 deer in the gun hunt and let me keep mine for later seasons.

Saying that I have no problem if we fill all 6 tags during the first gun hunt, Just means more time for waterfowl!(which I'd rather do full time anyways!)

Used my tag twice in the last 10 years, I really don't care about shooting small bucks or does/fawns anymore, Call me a trophy hunter, Which is pretty much am. Lol

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Thanks for your response SongDog! I also love waterfowl hunting!

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Originally Posted by Highlander 61

Over the years my criteria has changed. Earlier years that deer would have definitely been a smash along with anything brown, now I try to be patient and hunt for more mature deer, for the reason now is that for me waiting for a more mature deer is for me more rewarding and that I might have gotten a little soft over the years

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Nothing wrong with waiting for a more rewarding deer. Thanks for your response!

On the public ground a couple hours away, where I have an additional tag, i'm just looking for any deer 1 1/2yrs or older. At home, with just 1 tag in my pocket, i'm looking for that slam-dunk shot opportunity on a 3.5+yr old with my traditional bow

Pass for me.

I’m hunting mostly solo for two straight week.
I have additional antlerless tags that I hope to fill for the freezer.
I will only shoot a mature buck and don’t mind hanging tag in the Xmas tree if not successful.

10 days to go, good luck everyone.

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Originally Posted by rf2

My criteria change every year, depending on my situation and observations. I usually hunt alone, so that typically means I only have one tag available to me, and sometimes only a buck tag. If I didn't get a deer the previous season, I relax my criteria to increase my odds of filling the freezer. Back in the good old days when I could get more than one tag in my WMUs, I would fill the freezer first, then hunt until the end of December trying to get a larger buck. It's been several years now that extra tags are no longer available where I hunt.


Regarding the buck in the OP's photo, I would not pass on that deer. .

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As he said...

Hovewer i have an AddOn - archery only doe.
That increases my chances and odds....but i am not particularly keen on "shoot a doe" to have a tag filled

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Originally Posted by LowbanksArcher

On the public ground a couple hours away, where I have an additional tag, i'm just looking for any deer 1 1/2yrs or older. At home, with just 1 tag in my pocket, i'm looking for that slam-dunk shot opportunity on a 3.5+yr old with my traditional bow

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Thanks for your response Lowbanks! I can’t see anything wrong about that approach. I haven’t posted much but have seen some of your pics over the years and have been envious!

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Originally Posted by Deer Hunter

Pass for me.

I’m hunting mostly solo for two straight week.
I have additional antlerless tags that I hope to fill for the freezer.
I will only shoot a mature buck and don’t mind hanging tag in the Xmas tree if not successful.

10 days to go, good luck everyone.

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That’s a good attitude to have! Thanks for your response deerhunter!

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Originally Posted by gbk

As he said...

Hovewer i have an AddOn - archery only doe.
That increases my chances and odds....but i am not particularly keen on "shoot a doe" to have a tag filled

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Thanks for your response!

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Originally Posted by Badenoch

I would shoot the deer in the picture. My goal is meat. I will take the first deer of reasonable size that comes into range.

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This also.

Since my hunting ground is my own property and mainly doe’s any monster buck I close my eyes. I want his genetics more than couple hundred pounds of burger
Young bucks. Get dropped

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Originally Posted by js4fn

Since my hunting ground is my own property and mainly doe’s any monster buck I close my eyes. I want his genetics more than couple hundred pounds of burger
Young bucks. Get dropped

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Thanks for your response J! As for the pic in my OP, would you consider that either a young buck or a monster buck? I would consider it neither but I know everyone’s idea of a ‘Monster’ or a ‘young’ buck is different. Even how much the opinion of the age of any given buck seems to vary quite a bit from what I’ve seen.

for me, every animal i take is considered a trophy. its not so much if its brown its down, but one that looks like this i would count, brag about and exaggerate around the dinner table.

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Originally Posted by punkrockerpj

for me, every animal i take is considered a trophy. its not so much if its brown its down, but one that looks like this i would count, brag about and exaggerate around the dinner table.

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Hahahaha! Me too! Awesome response, thanks so much, that comment made my day!

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Originally Posted by Whalen

Thanks for your response J! As for the pic in my OP, would you consider that either a young buck or a monster buck? I would consider it neither but I know everyone’s idea of a ‘Monster’ or a ‘young’ buck is different. Even how much the opinion of the age of any given buck seems to vary quite a bit from what I’ve seen.

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In my general area there are no real monsters. There’s nice 8 point big body deer go 15-20 miles there’s big racks. Is that all from what’s in the soil? Crops are the same bush is bush. Has to be minerals in the soil or it’s just genetics that’s in that area
Some of my guys go absolutely Gogo over big rack I see a lot of burger but that’s just me
18 month old or 2.6 year olds
I take doe as quick as a young buck but not when twins and triples are still suckling

Like anything great big old Tom turkey been there done that young one taste better
As long as it’s used I won’t judge

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Originally Posted by js4fn

In my general area there are no real monsters. There’s nice 8 point big body deer go 15-20 miles there’s big racks. Is that all from what’s in the soil? Crops are the same bush is bush. Has to be minerals in the soil or it’s just genetics that’s in that area
Some of my guys go absolutely Gogo over big rack I see a lot of burger but that’s just me
18 month old or 2.6 year olds
I take doe as quick as a young buck but not when twins and triples are still suckling

Like anything great big old Tom turkey been there done that young one taste better
As long as it’s used I won’t judge

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From my understanding I would say it’s genetics but above all, I would say protein in the diet. I think it’s a common misconception that salt licks or minerals are the main contributor to big racks. To me it makes sense that the protein needs to be there for maximum growth. Either way, I’m like you, I like the venison. I got a big body 8 point last year that field dressed out to 211 pounds and 125 of tasty boneless meat. That was the best of both worlds!

It would depend on the hunting area and who I was hunting with (their criteria)… For my control hunt it starts off with a big buck then the criteria gets less and less as the season begins...
so in short, big guy at the beginning and anything brown at the end. :)

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Originally Posted by fratri

It would depend on the hunting area and who I was hunting with (their criteria)… For my control hunt it starts off with a big buck then the criteria gets less and less as the season begins...
so in short, big guy at the beginning and anything brown at the end. :)

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Right on, thanks for your response Frank! I’ve also followed a lot of your stories and pictures on here so thanks also for the entertainment and beneficial information over the years!

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Originally Posted by js4fn

Since my hunting ground is my own property and mainly doe’s any monster buck I close my eyes. I want his genetics more than couple hundred pounds of burger
Young bucks. Get dropped

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You do realise that the young bucks have the same genetics as the big old monster.
If they don't, your plan to have the big old monster propagate his genetics isn't working.

Personally I’m a meat hunter. That deer on cam looks good for my freezer. I’m not overly picky. Saying that, I will avoid a small doe or fawn until very late in the season. Than, anything goes.

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Originally Posted by werner.reiche

You do realise that the young bucks have the same genetics as the big old monster.
If they don't, your plan to have the big old monster propagate his genetics isn't working.

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Twins and triplets something is clicking

But Let me put it this way a guy walks into butcher shop do you ask for steak from 14 month old beef or do you send butcher out back to find you one from a 5-7 year old steer

There aren't enough opportunities in the areas I hunt to pass on a deer if I want meat for the freezer so generally it's the first legal deer that presents a chance.

Like others have said, sometimes it depends on the circumstances and who I'm hunting with at the time. Hunting with the group during the first week of firearms season, we're trying to fill our tags. In the early and late season where I'm on my own or with maybe one other person, I don't have any hard rules, I just decide at the time.

I'd shoot the buck in the OP pick for sure.

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Originally Posted by Deer Hunter

Pass for me.

I’m hunting mostly solo for two straight week.
I have additional antlerless tags that I hope to fill for the freezer.
I will only shoot a mature buck and don’t mind hanging tag in the Xmas tree if not successful.

10 days to go, good luck everyone.

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Not trying to derail the conversation - obligatory response I would take that deer.

How are people getting multiple tags to the extent that you have so many you don't mind filling one?

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Originally Posted by walkinandsittin

Not trying to derail the conversation - obligatory response I would take that deer.

How are people getting multiple tags to the extent that you have so many you don't mind filling one?

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Some WMU have draws for additional tags.

Yes that’s a beautiful Deer for sure, definitely nothing wrong with it. Maybe day 14 or 15 I would change my mind. Haha
But like I said if I have a doe or two on the ground I’m ok to wait for a bigger Buck. Good Luck with him.

In archery you don't have the luxury of picking and choosing. Last year me and my family took 2 does and one button buck in a single day. This was mid October. We didn't see a single deer across many sits until Nov 28th. You can have dozens of deers on your property and you might only get a shot at two does during legal time. I aim for usually half unantlered and half antlered. Landing a mature buck or two every season. We shoot whatever we see so it usually works itself out like that.

I will preface my answer by saying this…. I am a solo ( on foot ) archery hunter on heavily hunted public land. To have a deer in front of me is a rare occurrence. I’ve had bucks come in but hold up out of sight for some reason. I’ve had does come in before but I’ve never had a tag for them before this year ( still not sold on taking a doe ). I don’t need the meat ( but you can be damned sure I’ll use every bit of it ). I’ve only been hunting for a few years now and I’ve yet to harvest a deer. I hunt very hard every year and enjoy the journey. If I have a decent ( or better ) mature buck in front of me I won’t hesitate to let that arrow fly. Having said all of that I think that whatever animal you decide to take makes it a trophy for you regardless of what popular opinion says.

I am in the woods for the biggest deer here but I will shoot the first One I see. Rut Daniels. Hahahah!! It’s a Smash!

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Originally Posted by Uncle Stevie

I am in the woods for the biggest deer here but I will shoot the first One I see. Rut Daniels. Hahahah!! It’s a Smash!

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Shopping for a 1/2 ton but if a eco-diesel comes in spinning his tires, I'll deflate em lol

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Originally Posted by walkinandsittin

Not trying to derail the conversation - obligatory response I would take that deer.

How are people getting multiple tags to the extent that you have so many you don't mind filling one?

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Not in Eastern Ontario anymore but in SW Ontario there are still additional tags.

The plan here is that 1 doe can be shot for the gang of rifle, with my wife having the first shot. Then for the controlled hunt I plan to get down a couple days early, that way I can party hunt with the bow on my dads additional bow only tag for the weekend, if it is not filled yet. Then the controlled hunt is any deer, that tag is your original tag. If that is not used up I have a bow only property that I will try to fill my buck/doe tag back in 66A during the late season.

It all depends on who you hunt with, where you hunt and with what to determine how many deer you can be in on.

I’m not a trophy hunter. That buck would be a shooter. Last night I passed on a doe and fawn. First time I have passed on an eligible target in 40+ years of hunting ( We have a first time hunter joining us next week and would like to have that new hunter have best of opportunities) Had I not passed, I would have chosen the fawn. It’s enough meat for me, and leaves a breeder in the woods.

Great post. I think it all depends on what land people are hunting. If the numbers are low they are probably playing the 'if it's brown it's down game'. I know guys that hunt bucks only and other than shoot anything other than fawns. I fall in the middle. The farms I hunt hold some good numbers of deer so there is no need to shoot a fawn or a small doe unless it is a first deer for a new hunter. Early bow we shoot large does and bucks, then for the controlled hunt we try to get new hunters on deer (anything) and by the end of the controlled hunt we usually have 3-4 deer down. For late season bow we then transition to a targeted deer - like this one and will pass on does/dawns and small bucks.

https://i.imgur.com/4SwUQSf.jpg

......and there are years like last year where I was fortunate enough to harvest a nice buck AND my targeted buck on the same hunt from the same stand 3hrs apart!

https://i.imgur.com/L7PfIby.jpg