Dou you shoot???

[mole]

Here’s a situation for everyone to think about. I hunted the last night of muzzleloader Saturday. I was sitting in a fence line that had been my honey hole all year. It again proved to be the spot to be. At 4:30 I saw a group of does making their way through the neighbors hay field (I do not have permission to hunt their side of the fence). The deer were moving fast and I quickly sized up the potential targets. As I watched the lead doe I saw antlers. There were two bucks having a shoving match. The shooter going mid 130’s. I used my scope to size them up. I had a clear shot at he big one for at least 5 minutes at 45 yards. I kept thinking that this is my last day miracle. I debated whether I should shoot or wait. I chose to wait. The deer all crossed the fence only 10 yards from my spot. I set my gun for where they would come out and the second doe nailed me. She stomps and snorts and sends the buck into the next county. He should be a nice one next year.

Here’s the question. Do you shoot across the fence knowing its probably your best chance at taking the deer? I have talked with a couple of other guys and have been surprised at their responses.

mole

 

[Limb Chicken]

Tough one mole... I personally wouldn't have shot if I didn't have permission... I guess the question could be posed if it was someone on the other side of the fence would you want them shooting on your side...? I think you made the right call.

 

[Shredder]

Tough call but you made the right decision. I think I would be at that farmers front door tring to gain at least bullet access for the following year. I had a place I hunted in Missouri where the guy did not want me hunting directly on his land but gave me access from a property border stand that if I had a shot, I could shoot onto his land (with a bow) and recover the deer if need be.

 

[tracker]

Do you already have a 130" deer on the wall? If you do then definately don't consider shooting the buck even if he's ten feet in front of your broadside.He should be bigger next year and he should surely make his way into next year.Pick up his sheds.170 inch deer and bigger don't just get there overnight, they need a little help to survive.If you don't have anything that big, then wait for the shot,but only on property you "only" have permission on.Who knows somebody might be watching you.....

 

[deadeye]

DON'T SHOOT if you don't have permission. If you did have permission and wanted to harvest that buck, then make sure you don't hit the fence. Not sure if you were shooting through a different fence or if you would be sticking your barrel through the fence. Saw Bill Jordan hit the fence with an arrow and missed a really good buck. Bullet could do the same thing. Should have smacked that doe that busted you right on the spot.

 

[mole]

I know I made the right choice. I seriously thought of shooting the doe, but this deer would have been my biggest. I consoled myself by saying he has another year, who knows 150 + next year.

Tracker I also had the thought of whos watching me. I would make a terrible crook, I am always worried about getting caught.

The reason I posted the question was a response I got from a few friends. If the bullet or arrow can reach em, theyre fair game I was very surprised at their responses. Limb hit the nail on the head with the point of what if it was someone else shooting on your side. I know in the past I always call the neighbor and ask permission to trail deer, but Ive never thought to ask about shooting across the fence. Lesson learned.

Deadeye the fence was never an issue, I was right on it and at best it has two of the five strands left. This farm has not seen cattle in over ten years.

I have spent the past few years taking does and letting the small bucks walk. Im finally starting to see the payoff. This was most likely the best year for trophy buck sightings I have ever had. Cant wait to start looking for sheds. I have a pretty good idea where he beds.

mole

 

[Pupster]

It would have been trespassing. You did the right thing.

Pupster

 

[muddy]

i think you made the right decision.

 

[kbgibby]

Definitely right to pass him up. Though I probably would've shot the doe just for messin' things up! Especially with it being the last day, with any luck, he'll still be around next year. Good luck finding his sheds and setting up for him next year.

Threebeards