This deer looks pretty good to me but I'm trying to decide if he is a shooter. I'd love some feedback. Also could use some help with a name.
Its really up to you and what makes you happy, but since you're asking for my opinion on the deer, I wouldn't even take my bow off hook had he come by.
if he was by me I would guess him to be 3.5 and the second biggest deer around. I would have one bigger 4.5 year old that I would target and leave this one go for next year. But that is where I hunt. Only you can decide based on what your hunting goals for the year are and what the herd where you hunt is made up like.
This is not a shooter to me because he has potential to be a monster in a few years. I also have bigger deer in the area. If that is a big deer for the area you are hunting then you should take it. If I saw that deer in the area that I'm hunting I wouldn't shot it but he is in the area you are hunting so, if he makes you happy shoot straight!
Here I would call that a 2 1/2 year old. I've shot and passed the same caliber. Do what your heart is telling you to do when he presents the shot. Odds are you may never see this particular buck while on stand let alone in a shooting lane. If you waited for a buck that a majority on the site would shoot you may never take one. So much unanswered. Where do you hunt, how many deer have you taken, how many were bucks, what's your goal meat or trophy, how many opportunities do you get each year...... Some say let him walk and shoot a doe of you need meat, but if you only see 2-3 deer a season it's not always feasible.
I agree with most, it really all depends on your area and what bucks you have around. For me, that's a no go deer. I don't even stand up, but I know what I typically have running around here. If you are new to bowhunting, or haven't taken bigger deer in the past, that's a different story. You gotta get that first one under your belt and if you wait for a P&Y or larger, you might be waiting a long time.
I've had the same post from a month back with a buck i call little bull. Big body'd 2 year old. Give him 1-2 years if you're on private and know if he's a mover. IF he stays put, you'll have a trophy buck in 2 years!
I'd shoot him, to each there own, he's probably 2.5 yrs old. Will be really nice if he makes it to next year.
But if I don't I'm worried the neighbor will shoot my deer again. I only have food on my very small tract. Neighbors have all the bedding
Not new just haven't had many chances with a bow... gotten some nice deer with a gun but so far with a bow only does and unfortunately some button bucks.
I would let him go. Neighbor may or may not get him,but if you killhim now you KNOW he will never get bigger.
Not your deer, your land if it is private but not your deer. Odds are you will not have this deer in a shooting lane anyhow this year. Don't stress yourself out on a deer you question, find that one you want and try to make it happen.
