I answered 120-130 based on last years season. After answering I realized in less than a week I will be moving to Alabama and MAY have a few weekends this year to come home and hunt, if that. It scares me the thought of how low that number may drop when an opportunity presents itself. lol
115" for me if he's old. I'm not shooting anything smaller than that no matter what the age is, if I got more than one archery tag then maybe I'd change my tune. I'll also never lower my standards because it's late in the season, he just has that much better chance at getting through to see what he is next year. Now if the bowhunting.com contest is on the line, then watch out 50 incher!!
I went with 110-120 because you cant shoot what is not there and the last couple years I just plain have not seen anything that big in my spots. Now gun season ive shot enough spikes so that would be any antlered deer.
I haven't shot a young buck for 20 years. I'd rather eat my tag where I do all my hunting then shoot a young buck. Out of state public land hunt or on someone else's property that doesn't care what's shot, It could be a different story come the last few days of the hunt If one were to walk In front of me.
Indiana is a one buck state, uless your in an urban zone, which isn't too much of the state. With that being said and knowing what is out on the properties I have access to; there is no reason for me not to harvest a buck 120" or better. I answered 110 - 120" on the pole. Basically if I think the deer is 2 1/2 or younger I will not shoot it. Most deer around here make it over 120" if they live to 3 years old.
I voted 110". I don't have any interest in shooting younger, smaller deer, but I haven't shot enough bucks in my life to hold out for a buck that scores 120 inches! The buck I shot last year was 114" and some change, and I was super proud of that buck.
Agreed. The age card is NOT a cop out. If I answered that I would shoot any antlered deer that would be incorrect and wouldn't reflect my true position. The survey is one dimensional. I won't be voting in the poll because it doesn't fit for the criteria I personally use. I don't disagree with anyone elses opinion, personal goal, or system of evaluating deer. This poll just won't work for some hunters. Good Luck to everyone this season and be safe!
Out here in CA ill fling an arrow at any legal buck, even a spike-fork on opening morning. We just dont have that many opportunities put on a stalk out here and i never want to go home with an unfilled tag.
I really kinda messed up with my hunting stages and jumped right to trophy hunter. I'm holding off for 130 maybe 115 if its on public land. For me personally its not just the antlers its more the challenge. Last season I passed a 115ish buck 30 minutes into my first sit of the season oct 3. I have learned more by chasing slobs then anything else next to here on the fourm. Each season I see more and more deer by being willing to hike to a big boys retreat.
I wanted to check the 150+ box but so far I've only scouted and found 4 bucks in the 135 - 145 range. I've scouted a lot and am running trail cameras. It is looking to be a tough year for finding let alone killing a buck over 150. Normally by now I have found a few 150 - 160 class bucks in previous years. I checked the 140 - 150 box. Should have really checked the 130 - 140 box but just couldn't do it. Still got hopes of finding a bigger racked buck. I shouldn't complain as a 135 - 140 is a good buck... but I've always passed on them knowing something bigger is out there. Last night while scouting... I snuck in on a buck that I had high hopes for. I had trail cam pictures of him earlier when you couldn't tell how big he would turn out. I spent 20 minutes under 50 yards watching him last night. The truth... I was disappointed in what I saw. I didn't even film him. He will top out about 140. On the walk out.... I realized how spoiled I've gotten. Tim
Don't listen to Tim. He talks a good game, but runs over any buck that jumps out in front of his truck, wipes the milk off of its lips, snaps a few glamor shots, then enters it in the contest. He's not even above using other peoples' roadkills. It's really quite sad. On the other hand, It could be worse - he could be Germ, and not even able to locate a fresh enough roadkill to take pictures of. Zing!
46% of the folks that responded only will shoot deer 120 and above. Dang. You guys either must hunt in great areas or are fantastic hunters.
120" bare minimum this year, last year was a fluke 112 and change, not complaining but I had some shrinkage on the walk up.
I'll shoot any buck that's bigger than any of my previous bucks. I'm going for 100", but thats not a set in stone number. Ideally, I want a buck big enough to put on the wall, being that the walls are still empty.
