Going through phases as a deer hunter

[JCDEERMAN]

I don't know what's gotten in to me. We all go through phases, even if that's "shoot every deer you see", transpiring into "6 points or bigger" and so on. I think I have just progressed in to the next phase. This is our second biggest deer we have on camera. I sort of had my mind made up that I wasn't going to shoot him, but I knew it would be a game time decision. Sunday morning, I had this deer at 35 yards. I knew it was him as soon as I saw him. I immediately reached for my phone to record him. After a few seconds of recording, I thought to myself, "why is my gun not in my hand?!?". Once he got out of sight, the feeling of gratification I had was unreal. I pass up a lot of bucks, but of this caliber, not too many. Maybe it's the shorter tines that didn't get my heart beating out of my chest - really not sure.

I truly believe this deer is going to get shot. If he does, I just hope it's by one of our guys. He is on most all of our cameras and is obviously just walking willy-nilly all over the place. Nonetheless, I REALLY hope he makes it another year. I have expressed this to all our guys, but also told them if they shoot him, I would be thrilled for them and would be the first to congratulate them.

Side note - Our #1 deer broke off his entire right side just above his brow. Super bummed about that. We've moved him off the "shooter list". Had quite a few new bucks show up thus far, but none I'm thrilled about. Definitely bouncing back from the EHD die off in 2019. Next year should be incredible. I may be heading to a few leases in Jackson County we have. We have some really good ones there.

 

[TNTreeman]

I'm the same way. Unless it takes my breath away I grab my Binos or camera first. Had a really good deer several years ago on a trail cam And swore I'd shoot him if I saw him. Saw him at first light , let him go. Watched the video and said if I see him again I'm taking him, I did the same day, let him go. That was early November . Ended up taking him the day after Christmas bc he had been injured and could hardly walk. He was 6.5 years old.

 

[Volbuck777]

Wow nice buck. I would have trouble restraining my trigger finger on that one.

 

[DoubleRidge]

That's a nice buck....very rewarding to video and know you could have...and sorry to hear your number 1 got broke off....bummer....and no doubt we go through phases and it's hard to put into words.....don't get me wrong...I still wanna kill.....but at times I get more excited about habitat improvement projects and working on the property than I do about actually killing.....so as crazy as it seems...I get it.

 

[tahtah]

I completely understand. I may not be to the point you're at yet though. That's a nice deer. I let a 10 pointer walk by, directly below my stand, last year and just enjoyed capturing it on my phone. I wouldn't have believed that would be possible for anyone, especially me, to do when I first started hunting. He was probably 2.5 maybe 3.5 and will be very nice this year or next. I saw another six decent 8 pointers, all probably 2.5 or 3.5, that I would have loved to have had opportunities at in my early years as a hunter. I just recorded them with my phone as they walked by. Several reasons go into the decision to be picky, but probably the biggest reason for me is the knowing that there are much bigger bucks in the woods. Patience is a virtue.

 

[Gravey]

There's no right answer. If my blood gets pumping when I see him then I'll squeeze the trigger. If not watch him walk off. Beautiful buck and hate the #1 on the list broke off.

 

[Specializedjon]

My blood got pumping watching the videos. I wouldn't of had the strength to pass him up. Nice lookin deer. Hope he makes through the season.

 

[trout]

I find my self taking more video. I have filmed smaller bucks but have not the opportunity or discipline to film a ten point. It is always a blessing just to be in the woods. Thanks for sharing the video and I respect your decision!

 

[redblood]

I love watching walk off knowing that i could have but didnt. If they are 5.5 and up, im probably gonna shoot most times.

 

[redblood]

Pretty young buck chased a doe under me this morning. Had my bow. Would have been an easy shot for sure, but hes still 2 yrs away.

 

[DeerCamp]

I don't know what's gotten in to me. We all go through phases, even if that's "shoot every deer you see", transpiring into "6 points or bigger" and so on. I think I have just progressed in to the next phase. This is our second biggest deer we have on camera. I sort of had my mind made up that I wasn't going to shoot him, but I knew it would be a game time decision. Sunday morning, I had this deer at 35 yards. I knew it was him as soon as I saw him. I immediately reached for my phone to record him. After a few seconds of recording, I thought to myself, "why is my gun not in my hand?!?". Once he got out of sight, the feeling of gratification I had was unreal. I pass up a lot of bucks, but of this caliber, not too many. Maybe it's the shorter tines that didn't get my heart beating out of my chest - really not sure.

I truly believe this deer is going to get shot. If he does, I just hope it's by one of our guys. He is on most all of our cameras and is obviously just walking willy-nilly all over the place. Nonetheless, I REALLY hope he makes it another year. I have expressed this to all our guys, but also told them if they shoot him, I would be thrilled for them and would be the first to congratulate them.

Side note - Our #1 deer broke off his entire right side just above his brow. Super bummed about that. We've moved him off the "shooter list". Had quite a few new bucks show up thus far, but none I'm thrilled about. Definitely bouncing back from the EHD die off in 2019. Next year should be incredible. I may be heading to a few leases in Jackson County we have. We have some really good ones there.

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That's awesome!

Not because you didn't shoot him. But because you had a great experience.

 

[Dumbluck]

I don't want to shoot any buck under 4 if I can help it. It's just where I'm at. I've got a video camera attached to my bow loaded with videos of bucks I've passed that are on everyone else's hit list. Some make it but most don't. Some get shot, some just die, but the few that actually make it make it fun for me.

I've gotten to where I don't even tell the other hunters I have seen them or passed them up unless they ask. People will get their panties in a wad if you tell them you passed up a deer they are after; definitely don't tell them if they shot it.

 

[Snake]

Wow nice buck. I would have trouble restraining my trigger finger on that one.

I wouldn't have , he'd been shot .

 

[tellico4x4]

Fully understand! Lots of satisfaction knowing you could but didn't. Find myself doing it more & more, no regrets.

 

[fairchaser]

The body of a bull gets me going as much as antlers. I'm just not that mad at them anymore.

 

[timberjack86]

I can't get outta this backstrap phase and I honestly hope I never do!

 

[GnashviLLe]

I just did the same this evening. I am 31 years old and I am a turkey slayer. I only got into deer hunting big time two years ago. I never really liked it to be honest when I was younger. Cold ass mornings, getting up super early, it was not for the younger me. I thoroughly enjoy deer hunting now, don't get me wrong. I have a younger neighbor who is 21. We share property lines and he is very into deer hunting too. I found a super nice travel corridor with a bedding area not far, and a massive white oak right outside with acorns falling like crazy. My neighbor doesn't know of this spot because I just found it. (180) acres but it's right in our property lines. I had a nice mature 10 point walk in this evening at about 15-20 yards from my climber and I could've smoked him 100x over with my T/C Encore 209x.50. I didn't though. I got out my phone and filmed him walking around casually eating acorns. I sent it to my neighbor and told him he needs to get with me before this weekend so I can show him where to put his climber to get on this old mule. I am in it for the meat nowadays to share with my friends and family honestly. I was after a big doe tonight. Even just 2 years ago though, I would've been heart throbbing at the bucks I saw tonight.

Sorry for the long reply, just thought I'd give my two cents. Great post by the way

 

[JCDEERMAN]

I'm the same way. Unless it takes my breath away I grab my Binos or camera first. Had a really good deer several years ago on a trail cam And swore I'd shoot him if I saw him. Saw him at first light , let him go. Watched the video and said if I see him again I'm taking him, I did the same day, let him go. That was early November . Ended up taking him the day after Christmas bc he had been injured and could hardly walk. He was 6.5 years old.

I would have done the same thing. We have taken a couple deer that were wounded and we know wouldn't make it. Several have gotten shot from a local management area and have found their way onto our place.

 

[JCDEERMAN]

That's a nice buck....very rewarding to video and know you could have...and sorry to hear your number 1 got broke off....bummer....and no doubt we go through phases and it's hard to put into words.....don't get me wrong...I still wanna kill.....but at times I get more excited about habitat improvement projects and working on the property than I do about actually killing.....so as crazy as it seems...I get it.

It's funny you mention that. I was sitting in my stand looking at all the less desirable trees immediately around me that I could girdle, hack n squirt or hinge cut versus the whites, reds and chestnut oaks. In the middle of this, I heard his footsteps.

 

[backyardtndeer]

You have better self control than I do. I let a lot of deer walk, but on our little tract I don't think I could let one like that walk. Would be different if I was managing a thousand plus acres.