Recent phone conversation with buckeye got me thinking, #1, How many seasons did it take you to kill a mature buck? And how many of those did you hold out for one? #2, How old were you? Pretty simple questions really, and lets leave it all bowhunting.
5 so far and it hasn't happened. I'm 48. I started bowhunting 5 years ago. 8 deer all does and yearling bucks. I haven't yet held out for one. I'm still thrilled with any bow kil.
Thanks TX, This is my 4th season, ive killed 2 does and a 1.5 year old buck with my bow. Ive been after a mature buck going on 3 years now, with 1 slight slip-up that worked itself out.
Killed my first and only 3.5 year old at the age of 14, my third season bowhunting. My Dad is the one responsible for where I was sitting. Didn't hunt between the ages of 19-26. Been back at for 5 years and haven't taken a buck. Guess I should have my Dad pick my spots again.
#1, How many seasons did it take you to kill a mature buck? And how many of those did you hold out for one? I put my mind to it 5 seasons ago. I didn't take one then, but in 2006 I was successful in putting down my first 3.5 year old. It was a 9 pointer, didn't score real high, but it was "mature" by my standards. #2, How old were you? I was 19 when I harvested that buck. Off the top of my head I have had a mature buck within range on 7 times over these 5 years (twice this year so far). I have taken 1, missed 1, and made bad shot on 1 (100% my fault, looked for 6 days and nothing). I admit to having the absolute worst case of buck fever imaginable.
#1, How many seasons did it take you to kill a mature buck? And how many of those did you hold out for one? Third season bowhunting. I held out for a good buck all 3 seasons. I had killed a few nice ones with gun, so bowkill was a mounter or nothing. #2, How old were you? 36
Started bow hunting when I was 13. Shooting a deer was extremely exciting and has only gotten better as I've hunted. Still get just as nervous every time I pull the bow back and that's what I love. Shot some smaller bucks and does but nothing real big. Last year being my senior year in high school I really wanted to focus on shooting a mature buck and put in a lot of hours in trying to accomplish my goal. Finally paid off and shot a 3.5 10 pointer late in the season. One of the more rewarding things I've ever done. I was 17 at the time. Shot a 4.5 year old this year but it was the first time on stand so it wasn't as rewarding. Got pretty lucky the last couple years and I guess I hope it doesnt stop Can't wait for the years to come!!
This year 4, for me with a bow. I've taken does every season and 2 small bucks (1.5) in year's 1 & 2. I passed on a good buck last season (120" 8 point) and have done the same so far this season (one beautiful opportuntity at another 120/8). My wall is still void of mounts but I'm content with that. I really believe that this is the year.
It was in my 17th season. At the time I was holding out for "nice" bucks, but I wouldn't really say "mature only". It was my 3rd year of trying to shoot "nice" bucks, and had taken one each year I tried. I was 31
Haven't gotten a mature buck yet. This is my 4th year hunting now. Was able to take my first deer last year(Fergie Clause Buck). Hopefully this will be the year!
He was a 3.5 year old. No matter what people tell you Caleb there's allot of luck Involved too on getting any animal, even mature ones. I was lucky that day. From that day on not too many bucks have been shot from me. I upped my standards after that year to a 130"+ buck and I have no Intentions on shooting another 3.5 unless he scores at least 130". Many 3.5's have gotten the pass In the last 19 years, the 3.5's here In my area for the most part are nothing like the 3.5's In the big buck states. Stick to It Caleb, you'll do well.
1st year bowhunting. I gun hunted 3 years before that. I saw this deer almost everyday when I got home from school so I asked my Dad if I could use my brothers bow and go hunt. 3 days later I got him.
Killed on with the gun at the age of 8 or 9, then again two years ago with the gun. Bow hunting however is completely different, Ive been at it for 5 years, shot a few does, stuck a big 140's class whitetail in IL. but he got away from me (high shoulder shot) In NC, I have had exactly one mature buck in range, that was last year. I should have shot since he was a 3.5, but I passed because he has broken off his rack at the base fighting during the rut I suppose, never got killed as far as I know, so he should be a monster 4.5 this year. The rest of the mature deer I have seen, all over 150 yds. away. Im gonna hold out for one if its gonna kill me, but I plan on stickin to my guns and holding out for that older deer.
This is my 5th year bowhunting and I am 20 years old. I haven't shot a mature buck yet but I guess I am holding out for something nice. I may end up muzzleloading only 5 or 6 days this year (its unlikley I'll rifle hunt at all) so that'll help increase my chances. But like I said it will have to be atleast a 3 year old for me to attempt a shot. Inches are irrelevant when it comes to age. 3 year olds around here can go from 105" to 125" so I'd be happy with anything in there. I'm also hunting an old bunch of does this year too. Any doe that comes within range gets an arrow this year but I am going to be extremely proud if I can stick one of these Bottom Deer (as I call them) as the majority of these does are atleast 5 years old. I'd guess some to be close to 10.
12yrs. I had been holding out for 2yrs (this would have been my third season). I'm 24, and took my first mature buck a week ago today. 95% luck. Maybe 99%
I started bow hunting at 11 yrs old. I had no idea what I was doing and it took 7 yrs of learning from my mistakes before I killed my 1st bow deer at 18.It was a 120" 9 pt. For several years after that I got pretty good at killing a 3.5 yr buck every year but I think I was 24 when I finaly got my 1st 4.5 . I'm 30 now and have had some success hunting the 4.5 yr or older bucks, but it is a ton tougher than killing the 3.5s and I learn a little more every year.
Respect Rybo. I am in my 18th season hunting and my 9th bowhunting season I believe and have never killed a mature buck. I am in my 4th year of concentrating on larger bucks. So far I have not been able to get it done.
#1 - I hunted for 24 years before I killed a mature buck. However, I didn't try for one until my 24th year. So really, I held out for about 2 months. #2 - I was 34.
