Tall but thin 8 pt - harvest advice

[dburt]

I mostly hunt public WMA areas, but I have one 60 acre private farm in Dickson county that I'm allowed to hunt along with maybe 1 or 2 others. I've taken one doe out there this year, and other than this 8 point buck it's lots of does (some real nice), a small 4 point, and maybe one other small antlered. Or at least that's what I've captured on cam. Don't have a day time pic of this guy yet. He's no beast, has a real tall rack but not very wide, definitely not a super mature buck but to this new (3 years) hunter would be the biggest I've killed to date.

So my question is this: since I'm not the only one to hunt this property, and since there are nearby farms with hunters around, would it be a mistake to harvest this buck if I ever get the chance? (as opposed to passing and letting him get more mature) I hunt for meat in the freezer, not out for any trophies, but of course I'd love a chance at a larger rack all the same.

And the follow up question is how should I hunt it? There's a field with some standing corn, and small strips of woods all the way around, and though the owners have seen him come out to the corn in the evenings I've only ever photo'ed him at the back lower section of the property. I guess my main question is should I leave it alone now and wait for the rut to kick in full? Hunt the edge of the field close to corn or back close to potential bedding area or open woods with white oaks?

 

[Winchester]

Pretty buck and only you can answer those questions, if he will make you happy hunt him and kill him. Its Nov now and he will be spending more time on his feet in the daylight the next few weeks than any other time of year. Get after him!

 

[catman529]

It sounds like you want a crack at the buck so I would say to find those does favorite hangouts, hunt only the right wind throughout November so they don't bust you and wait, he will probably show up at some point following the does.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Andy S.]

.......but to this new (3 years) hunter would be the biggest I've killed to date.

So my question is this: since I'm not the only one to hunt this property, and since there are nearby farms with hunters around, would it be a mistake to harvest this buck if I ever get the chance? (as opposed to passing and letting him get more mature) I hunt for meat in the freezer, not out for any trophies, but of course I'd love a chance at a larger rack all the same.

This is all I need to read. I would encourage you to shoot the buck if given the opportunity. Don't worry what others tell you, or say about you, just do what makes you happy as long as it is legal. Best of luck with this buck, I hope you get him.

 

[WRbowhunter]

Agree with most. I would shoot this one if given the chance. Don't get caught up in this passing every deer to let them grow stuff. Shoot what makes YOU happy.

 

[chebuck]

My philosophy has always been if your hunting antlers then shoot for your biggest deer to date with the weapon your hunting with. For some lucky or skilled hunters that is very hard and most would shoot anything 130 to 140 inch or above. Your deer appears to be mid 130's from here

 

[Mike Belt]

Get caught up in passing every deer to let them grow... IF... that's what you want to do. If you'd be happy shooting him then shoot away. There's a good chance someone else will but you never know. You know if you squeeze the trigger he's dead. The rut should put him on his feet in daylight but 60 acres may not be enough land to hold him there. Based on what you posted I don't think I'd hold off trying to give him another year of growing. If your standing corn isn't going to be harvested it might pull the does out with him tagging along. I'd probably hang along the edges of your thickest stuff especially once hunting pressure picks up.

 

[bloodtrailing]

Don't get caught up in the TV propaganda, enjoy your hunting. It is your hunt and you should do what you want that makes you happy. Internet experts abound, that is sarcasm, don't let them fool you. Hunt for yourself and what your goals are.

 

[hitek7]

I am to a point that I typically only shoot mature bucks or one with bigger horns than I have in the past. That being said, if I was in your shoes I would hunt and shoot that buck if given the chance. Lots of people hunt for different reasons or are at a different point in their hunting "careers". 60 acres is a small property to try and manage also, unless everyone else around is helping do so.

 

[Snake]

Choot him !!

 

[megalomaniac]

It's SO important to have reasonable expectations while hunting.... otherwise you will just end up getting frustrated with your hunting season. I also particularly enjoy finding a buck on camera that gives me something to look forward to on each hunt, hoping he might come out at any time.

That being said, in Dickson County, there are plenty of mature bucks roaming around. And I would suspect, you have already had one cross through the property you have access to hunt this year, and will likely have another one or two come through again during the season. (of course, on 60 acres, most of the deer on that property are also using other properties).

Since you hunt for meat, I'd focus on does until you have enough meat for the season. If you would be thrilled to kill the buck in the picture, then go for him! If you aren't that excited about killing him, I'd give him a pass. In my opinion, the only standards that should be the same between hunters is the excitement factor to justify killing the deer. If you aren't excited about shooting him, better off just letting someone else who would be excited get him instead or get a year older and hopefully the 'wow' factor.

 

[poorhunter]

Choot him !!

Couldn't have said it any better!

 

[cbhunter]

I truly believe that 90% of hunters on this site (including myself) would shoot that deer given the chance. If we were all 3rd year hunters as yourself, probably 100% of us would shoot it. IMO that deer is better than your giving him credit for. He may not be the biggest around but he is definitely respectable. As others have said, only you have the answers to your questions and do what makes you happy and don't feel bad about your decision in the least!! Good Luck!!

 

[fairchaser]

The odds are against you getting a crack at that buck but if you do recognize it as the rare opportunity it is and take it. Many will hunt their entire career and not kill a buck like that. Best of luck. You are gonna need it.

 

[dburt]

Thanks everyone, appreciate all the tips - and yeah, with a bit of luck, maybe I'll get a look or even shot at him by the end of the season. I'd definitely be pumped to bring that boy home! First I'm gonna stay out of there until it cools down a bit.

 

[Deer Assassin]

you can harvest it but personally id kill it


good luck

 

[MickThompson]

Do you have any other pics of the deer? A side view is better for aging. For me, the trophy is in the age, not necessarily the antlers. That's certainly looks like he could be a good one, but a little hard to tell with his head moving. He looks like he has a little sag to the brisket, which is usually a sign of an older buck.

Like others have said, if that's the deer that will make you happy, then let er rip. Otherwise, hold off and let him walk. Your call. You will know pretty quick when you see him if he gets you fired up or not. If not, does beware.

 

[dburt]

Do you have any other pics of the deer? A side view is better for aging. For me, the trophy is in the age, not necessarily the antlers. That's certainly looks like he could be a good one, but a little hard to tell with his head moving. He looks like he has a little sag to the brisket, which is usually a sign of an older buck.

I have (as of a week ago) one more of him on another trail cam, but I didn't transfer the pics last time I checked them. Going out to another section of the property Thursday morning to try and harv...KILL (haha deer assassin I don't know why I was being pc on a deer forum) one more doe, so I'll try to slip in mid day to check the cam and bring the pics this time.

 

[GRIT]

Find the does and the bucks will come

 

[jotahech]

We all have our own criteria. I like to shoot mature deer. That's me. I hunted in a club with plenty of 120 class deer. Nothing special to pass even during bow only. If that deer would make you proud, take him. If he would not, let him go and you both will grow from the experience.