Smash or Pass?

[Whalen]

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.

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

[Whalen]

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.

That seems very logical, thanks foe your response Sam!

[Whalen]

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!

[Whalen]

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

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

[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

[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.

[gbk]

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. .

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

[Whalen]

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

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!

[Whalen]

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.

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

[Whalen]

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

Thanks for your response!