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Just a fun hypothetical question

muddy

muddy

Well-Known Member
Say you have been hunting some land for several years and you have a history with two specific bucks. One is past prime and around 8 or 9 years old. The other is in his "breeder" phase and around 3 or 4 years old. You have ample trail camera pics of each deer, sheds off each deer, and the story with each one is just about even except for the number of years you've been pursuing them. One magical evening a 125-130 inch, 9 1/2 year old 10 point stops 25 yards on one side of you while at the same time the 4 1/2 year old stud who is an easy 170+ inches steps out on the other side of you at 25 yards. Conditions are perfect as the old warrior stares down the young up and comer...

You can get a shot off at either buck with no problems, they're focused on each other, would you shoot the giant "youngun" or the pop can based "old boy"

Which would you shoot? Why?
 
170.

I am one of many who hunts the properties I hunt. I am afraid that 170 isn't getting a pass to be blasted by some rifle hunter at 300 yards so he can toss the rack in his backyard flowerbed.
 
The 170 without a doubt. My main goal is to have fun and shoot whatever deer gets me absolutely pumped and about shaking out of my tree. A 125-130 inch deer wouldn't do that. It would be neat just to let the old buck live and see how old he could really get.
 
I shoot the one on my left. I would be sitting down and there would be no way to stand and pivot to draw on the one to the right without getting busted by one or both.
 
Probably the 170.

But there's also something to be said for taking the 9 1/2 year old. Any deer that has made it in the woods that long would also be a true trophy to take. They are very wary creatures at that age, and the old monarch would definitely be an accomplishment.
 
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: JNRBRONC</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I shoot the one on my left. I would be sitting down and there would be no way to stand and pivot to draw on the one to the right without getting busted by one or both. </div></div>

+1. Fun question but there are tons of "depends on" in my book. And no, I don't have my Depends on.

The 'Bonker
 
Say you're able to get a shot off at either one without spooking them. This wasn't an ethics question, just what trips your trigger the old mature buck or the young one.
 
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Saskguy</div><div class="ubbcode-body">170.

I am one of many who hunts the properties I hunt. I am afraid that 170 isn't getting a pass to be blasted by some rifle hunter at 300 yards so he can toss the rack in his backyard flowerbed. </div></div>

Didn't you pass a 180 class buck a few years ago only to nail him at 234? /forum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/laugh.gif
 
I would have to go for the bigger of the two. I also agree with letting the old one grow older just because he has almost earned the right to.
 
Wait until they line up just right and then shoot one arrow through both of them.

Well it's hypothetical so I can do that.
 
Can't know for sure what I'd do if I were in such a crazy situation. Knocking down the old boy after many many years of trail cam pics, shed antlers, encounters, and memories would sure be an accomplishment wouldn't it? Then again a booner would be damn nice as well...

Since this is my pipe dream I'd shoot the old boy with his 8 or 9 inch bases, stubby tines, and worn down teeth...

or would I?

Sure hope I'm in the situation some day!!
 
Well I wrote an article in North American WHitetail with this exact scenario back in the day. If you have an old copy find the article it is called Boone's Buck or something like that. Probably 1992 or 1993.
 
Knowing for sure he was a 9 y/o and having good documentation of his history, sheds/pics......done deal. I might have an opportunity on a different booner someday, probably not a 9 y/o monarch though. I'd have the teeth sent in for an age certificut and have a good story to tell.
 
Neither, I'd be too worried about whether or not they were going to notice me wetting myself! And then they would run off......
 
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> 170.

I am one of many who hunts the properties I hunt. I am afraid that 170 isn't getting a pass to be blasted by some rifle hunter at 300 yards so he can toss the rack in his backyard flowerbed.

Didn't you pass a 180 class buck a few years ago only to nail him at 234? </div></div>

He was actually a 190 class. /forum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/laugh.gif
But since then pressure on that particular property has increased.
/forum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/crazy.gif
I guess it would depend on what property, how many sheds I had from him and how massy his bases were.....but still likely the 170.
 
I would take the 170. only because its one of my goals.And the neighbors dont manage anything.Somtine letting them walk is iffy at best
 
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