I am surprised, yet jealous, that some of you would let him go. I totally understand where you are coming from - but whatever we pass up here, will be shot in rifle season by someone else. It's a pumpkin patch everywhere when it comes to guns. Beautiful buck - if you don't get a shot at him/let him walk - I hope he turns into a stud next year.
I wish I had the opportunity to even consider passing a deer like that. I am happy if I see a buck bigger than 130"
If it were me. I'd shoot him before firearms season for sure. And, if it were me, I'd shoot him after firearms season as well. However, if you get a chance at him and let him walk make sure it's after firearms season IMO. Point being, if you let that deer walk at 20yds broadside early season and find out that someone shot him with a 30-06 from 100yds you'll be bummed. He has a much better chance of surviving till next season if he makes it through gun season. Like I said, I'd shoot him anytime... I'm just offering another option. Be careful what you let walk, especially before gun season. To be clear! I have absolutely no issues with anyone legally harvesting that or any deer with a firearm. I'd have no problem shooting that deer with a firearm during gun season. -D
It is always tough passing a buck like that and very few are willing too. If you ever want to hunt a true GIANT those are the types of bucks you have to pass. If given the chance very few bucks could actually be Boone class bucks.
I was surely mistaken when I thought this season was all out of curveball's. I am eating breakfast at a local diner after a morning hunt while reading the newspaper. I read a story about two bucks found locked together dead in a pond. I read the remainder of the paper then flip back to the story and look closer at the pictures and almost fell out of my chair. I couldn't believe it but sure enough he was 3/4 of a mile from his summer core area and that's how the story ends.
On the plus side hopefully he had himself a couple of lady friends before he went for his final swim.
Yep - that seems to be the most common ending to the story of a really good 3 year old buck. They always seem to find a way to end up dead. Sucks.
Wow, that is crazy. I love that deer hunting produces so many interesting stories. This sounds like an awesome one to tell the grandkids someday
Not really. I already addressed that deer in the last episode. He's been MIA since 10/28 and is presumed dead at this point. If he shows back up at some point, great. If not, I guess that's life.
Yeah, I saw that episode and was wondering if you got confirmation that he's dead. Too bad either way though, dude
