Not really, Troy. My season opened 9/11. And, we can hunt on Sundays, now. I've been out all of ONE AM and ONE PM. I saw 2 does on the AM hunt (out of range....and one was the biggest doe I've ever seen). I saw one yearling doe on the PM hunt (in the rain....lol). I just can't bring myself to get into it.................yet (brknarrow and I were gonna go this evening, but it's really windy). I still may go and see what stirs. I wanna shoot one doe and one buck. But, I'm not hell-bent on killing anything. Pretty good place to be in. And, thanks for asking.
Meat... anything that field dresses 125 pounds and up. It doesn't matter if it's doe, spike, crotchy or whatever. After that I get more picky... like horns longer than my ... well you know. LOL I just don't get excited like I used to. I didn't go out until the second afternoon of the season. I went the 3rd morning. Our season is over a week old and that's all I've been out. Weather is cooling off and going to be nice Friday and Saturday. Down in the 30s this coming Saturday. It's rained a lot. I've shot enough deer with the bow that I don't need to be trying rain washed blood trails. That's another reason I haven't been out. Rain ends Thursday night, cold, sunshine... it's hunting time this weekend. That is, unless I give in to my brother and go try for some Salmon and Steelheads. Yup, MEAT it is. First one in the window with a nice backstrap gets shot.
My hope is to shoot something at least 4 1/2 and pushing 150's or better. I need to shoot lots of does this year. I have 20 acres of beans that didnt get more than 6" tall. Too many deer. We took 14 does last year and only 2 bucks and I found 14 dead fawns from winter-kill this shed season. Apparentyl that still isnt enough. Should make for a fun season. Season opened last Friday and I still havent had time to get out. That has got to change! Good luck to all and dont get too caught up in goals other than having fun.
The only one on the property I hunt that is big enough for a gun is a six that is 4.5 yrs and about 18 inches wide.With a bow I try to only shoot deer I would mount.
Doe - mature mommas only, fawns get a pass Buck - 125" give or take. Only exception would be one knarly 3x3 with a drop tine that I've seen on camera. I'd kill him b/c he'd look good on the wall.
I hold out for 140ish. I prefer to hold out for 4.5 year olds but It is getting harder and harder for these 3.5 to get passed on by area hunters. I've got a couple nice ones on the trail cams, specifically Mr. Crabs and a double drop, that I would love to see during shooting light.
You know the buck I'm after Troy. No sign of him yet though. Other then him I draw the line at 130 Inches. Most 3.5's won't make 125 Inches In my area so most likely It will be a 4.5 or older If I get a buck. Still haven't hunted yet this year. There Is one buck though that If I'm still buckless come December he may get hunted If he makes It through gun season and If my sister In law doesn't take him before then. I know I could go out there now and set up on him and have him In 3 days at most. I've got him figured out to a tea! He's 3.5 year old 7 point with bad genetics that would be lucky to score 105 to 110 Inches. By the looks of It he'll always be a 7 point. Passed him last year as a 2.5 countless times. He better watch out this year If he's still alive come December.
If I'm on my lease, per the rules, it'll be at least 4 points on one side or 15" inside spread. If I'm on public land, whatever makes me happy.
You must shoot the biggest buck in the contest!!! darnit!.. remember your my pick! LOL good luck Fletch!
Some of you know what deer I'm after. My thoughts are I shoot him or something better.I have no idea how old he is and don't really care. I might eat tag soup this year or have the best deer of my career.
Nothing on the whitetail agenda but my blacktail agenda is always 3 points on the main beam with a spread outside the ears (which usually guarantees P&Y status); I got ripped off on my first one this year, a 3x1 (I couldn't see the bad side for the hill he was bedded against but I'd have still shot him)! He's sure eating good! :D
Yep! Been running cams and scrapes since I got back from bear hunting the 1st time ( September 7th). Just got back from checking cams now. Time to check the cards.
Im not so much about the age, Ill take score any day or uniqness. I would shoot a bigger racked younger buck over an older Buck with less score, unless older Buck has much character. I WILL take a Doe soon, had my chances already, just was not in the mood yet So im looking for around 130" or better. I have went Buckless before because of this, and im sure ill be there some more
