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lazy_turtle

lazy_turtle

Member
Hey folks,

Hoping to gather some thoughts from others in the community.

I have a deer this year that is almost certainly 4.5 years old (3rd year of trail camera photos). My goal for age has been 5.5+ for quite some time now. However, this deer probably scores around 175-180. Potentially my biggest ever. I haven’t even gone after him once this year, but am starting to think I’m crazy.

Any thoughts/advice?
 
If he stays close to home and is somewhat protected, I'd consider passing.

If there are tree stands on every property surrounding him, someone will be tempted. Hate to shoot a deer worried that someone else might. Usually how it happens, though.

Only you can make that call.
 
lazy_turtle said:
Hey folks,

Hoping to gather some thoughts from others in the community.

I have a deer this year that is almost certainly 4.5 years old (3rd year of trail camera photos). My goal for age has been 5.5+ for quite some time now. However, this deer probably scores around 175-180. Potentially my biggest ever. I haven’t even gone after him once this year, but am starting to think I’m crazy.

Any thoughts/advice?
Click to expand...
That’s a tough call . If you have a large farm and think he can survive ? So much depends on his history and range ?

I do not mind passing bucks, but a 180 would be very difficult to pass !

Good luck !
 
Many years ago I passed a buck with some history that scored 195” at 3.5 years. He was a perfectly typical 6X6. I reasoned that if I killed him I would always regret it & wonder “what if”. Long story short, his core bedding area on our family farm was erased the following spring, he moved & was never seen again. Those are just the chances we take. Good luck with your decision either way.
 
Stoney said:
Many years ago I passed a buck with some history that scored 195” at 3.5 years. He was a perfectly typical 6X6. I reasoned that if I killed him I would always regret it & wonder “what if”. Long story short, his core bedding area on our family farm was erased the following spring, he moved & was never seen again. Those are just the chances we take. Good luck with your decision either way.
Click to expand...
erased? Like a bulldozer?
 
Set your own goals - stick to them. Do what makes you happy. I echo what's been said above. Don't be disappointed if you pass a buck, he meets someone else's goal and they shoot him, always bet on the deer and let them go if that's your goal.
 
It sounds like I am in the minority, but I would shoot him. You don't get that many chances at deer that big.

Unless you have a number of bucks that size on the wall and are really wanting a 200incher and have the ground to protect him you may regret it.

Just my opinion, but you did ask.
 
Only you can answer it- my goal is a 200” every year but then filling the freezer becomes more important. I have 16 acres- the neighbor shoots everything that walks and aren’t good shots, so I take the next best thing. Every situation is different- either way- whatever you decided I’m betting everyone on this site will understand and be happy for you as long as you are happy for yourself
 
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