Shoot or Pass on This Deer?

Good points guys. I do want him to reach full potential. That should be next year as a 6.5 year old. I don't need to shoot him as there are other places for me to hunt. Since he has a small home range and it's in some thick bush, I think he has a good chance of survival given that he appears to be in his prime. But I know he may not be bigger next year as nutrition and availability of water could cause him to lose size or he just may not be a Boone and Crockett deer no matter how many years he lives.

Winters are harsh however, and disease is a possibility. Predation is less of an issue since there are no wolves in the area but there are coyotes and the odd black bear. There is a bear right behind my property denning at present and he was making his rounds all summer and fall on the property. Had him on the cameras a few times. I was worried that the bear would scare the deer away but I've had the two on the cam at the same time. But when the bear shows up the deer will leave. It seems they use the same travel routes.

My biggest concern is he slips up and presents himself to another hunter or poacher, or a "rights based" hunter who can hunt when ever and where ever with no deer tag and no limits.

I really enjoy seeing them grow and live in a safe area to reach their full potential and spread their genes for as long as possible and I'd love to be able to find his sheds next spring.

Just wondering if any of you guys have had a history with deer and how you made the decision to shoot or pass. And if you could post something. It's a tough decision to make when you have so much invested into these beautiful animals.
 
You probably won't even get a chance to shoot him anyway. So make the decision if the opportunity presents itself. Which likely won't happen.
 
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Are you trying to impress everyone with the size of deer on your property - perhaps with the idea of making them envious and jealous?

Had a guy like that at work once. Didn't allow hunters on his land but would show pictures every hunting season of the deer on his land to co-workers who were hunters.

Finally folks caught on and said they were not interested in seeing pictures of deer they would never get to hunt anyway.

Some folks are funny that way.
 
PSE said:
Are you trying to impress everyone with the size of deer on your property - perhaps with the idea of making them envious and jealous?

Had a guy like that at work once. Didn't allow hunters on his land but would show pictures every hunting season of the deer on his land to co-workers who were hunters.

Finally folks caught on and said they were not interested in seeing pictures of deer they would never get to hunt anyway.

Some folks are funny that way.
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Thought some folks might be interested in seeing some pictures of the deer that are out there and getting another perspective on deer hunting. Maybe they appreciate seeing a well thought out and put together post. Maybe there are some guys that have experience with deer for many years that they have watched and either shot or let live out their days. At least that's something that would interest me.

Regarding that guy at work and the deer pictures...I'd like to see those pics regardless of whether I could or could not hunt.

Do you get envious or jealous when Big Buck Magazine" or "Big Game Illustrated" posts pictures of some hunter who shot a giant buck and then got paid to sell the magazine their story?

I'm posting because this is a hunting forum and I thought guys would appreciate or may be interested in seeing something other than just the same old threads about "what shot to use for grouse" or "what caliber to use for elk".

And, I have and do let people hunt my land who are not related to me believe it or not a complete stranger. Although it is mostly friends and relatives who are close to me. I'm even considering doing some "Mentored Hunts" or "Take a card Carrying Liberal or NDP member hunting".
 
umchorn2 said:
Thought some folks might be interested in seeing some pictures of the deer that are out there and getting another perspective on deer hunting. Maybe they appreciate seeing a well thought out and put together post. Maybe there are some guys that have experience with deer for many years that they have watched and either shot or let live out their days. At least that's something that would interest me.

Regarding that guy at work and the deer pictures...I'd like to see those pics regardless of whether I could or could not hunt.

Do you get envious or jealous when Big Buck Magazine" or "Big Game Illustrated" posts pictures of some hunter who shot a giant buck and then got paid to sell the magazine their story?

I'm posting because this is a hunting forum and I thought guys would appreciate or may be interested in seeing something other than just the same old threads about "what shot to use for grouse" or "what caliber to use for elk".

And, I have and do let people hunt my land who are not related to me believe it or not a complete stranger. Although it is mostly friends and relatives who are close to me. I'm even considering doing some "Mentored Hunts" or "Take a card Carrying Liberal or NDP member hunting".
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wtf makes you think some Liberal or NDP members don't hunt?
 
Rugdoc said:
wtf makes you think some Liberal or NDP members don't hunt?
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I never assumed they hunt or don't hunt. I'm saying I am considering taking a Liberal or NDP member hunting. Or maybe a vegan or animal rights activist/anti hunter. Do you know any Liberal or NDP members that don't hunt and would like to? Help them get involved in the sport if you can. Be a positive influence. Educate them around hunting and guns.
 
umchorn2 said:
And, I have and do let people hunt my land who are not related to me believe it or not a complete stranger. Although it is mostly friends and relatives who are close to me. I'm even considering doing some "Mentored Hunts" or "Take a card Carrying Liberal or NDP member hunting".
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I’ve seen your previous EE ads for someone to go partners with you on your land and you’re described hunting methods and ideologies. They are bizarre and far beyond any hunting scenario I’ve seen and I’ve been in the hunting game awhile.

You haven’t posted in the hunting forum here on CGN for quite awhile and as one poster asked, are you looking for a fresh audience? Just wondering…
 
bush1 said:
I’ve seen your previous EE ads for someone to go partners with you on your land and you’re described hunting methods and ideologies. They are bizarre and far beyond any hunting scenario I’ve seen and I’ve been in the hunting game awhile.

You haven’t posted in the hunting forum here on CGN for quite awhile and as one poster asked, are you looking for a fresh audience? Just wondering…
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I guess you don't like outfitters then? Not like I'm doing anything different. Except I don't get to charge people to shoot deer or write off my expenses. And I actually own my land instead of having a given area to hunt with a quota for species. How do you think outfitters gain access to private land to hunt? With "Please" and "Thank you's"?

I don't mind answering you're question but the least you can do is be courteous and answer my original question...What would you do, shoot or pass? Maybe offer an explanation why. And maybe thank me for taking time to post something that took years to put together.

Regarding "the spank's" post # 14, he never asks me anything, he assumes somethough though. You however asked me something directly, that's why I'm answering. Seems that you have become my audience would you agree? If you actually read what I wrote earlier you'd have your answer. Some guys might actually be interested in my post since it's different from the usual hunting forum posts. Have a good day and thanks for your feedback.
 
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I’d blast it if the opportunity presented itself. Sure theres the potential it could be a bigger deer next year, but there’s also a high probability of my neighbours getting it first. Also a good chance it’ll be hit by a vehicle on the road.
 
What is all the fuss about a guy posting deers pictures in a hunting forum and asking question about that said deer? I do t get it, but it must be because I’m French Canadian and not….

Anyway to answer the question, I would shoot it and the reason is like some one said earlier he might be out of his prime but prevent new stock to breed, that is one good reason to me and plus I do t care about antlers, they are fun but never found them good to eat…
 
It’s the history of his posts…

I have a bigger pair of horns sitting in a bowl on my coffee table in front of me right now. Therefore you should cull it before it affects the genes of “your” deer :dancingbanana:
 
The OP seems to have some strange ideas on game management.

Looking back through his history, odd.

Seems to think that animals that aren't fenced, pass through his land are his.

Funny thing is, my Dad has land, way more then this guy, not fenced, it's farmed but with bush. We have deer and other game that comes through all the time.

I guess the weird logic is. I bait for stuff I think might have a good rack in the fall. Even though their free range wild life that exit my property, their mine........

:-|
 
I would shoot him if he's 5.5 years old. I don't care much about score though and consider any mature deer 5.5 or older to be a "trophy". I think he's a pretty spectacular deer even if he doesn't make the book. To me having my name in some book isn't important but I guess it is to some. Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't mind shooting a "book" buck but it also just isn't a thing I strive for anymore. Have you ever read the B&C book? It's just a bunch of names of people you'll never know or meet or mean anything to you. lol. Well, not all. My late Grandpa is in there.
 
bush1 said:
Op, after reading your posts over the years describing how deer and other wildlife that are on your property are “your” wildlife, there’s no way I’d post an answer to your question.

You have some very strange beliefs regarding wildlife and ownership of wildlife that you’ve described here in the hunting section of CGN so just shoot what you want. It’s a bit bizarre to post pics of deer and ask for opinions on which one to harvest and you haven’t posted hunting articles here for quite awhile now and that’s good news.
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I'll post!

It depends on whether it's inside or outside your fenced in section of land, and whether you have a client willing to pay for a farmed deer or not. I mean, it's not like the guy can get in the record books, shooting a deer with an ear tag is it? If it doesn't have a tag, you don't OWN it!

If it is not inside the fence, I actually hope it gets tagged by some lucky kid that happens to be in the right time the right place. You don't own it!

And yeah, I have carried and been proud of, some of the infractions I have carried, over my replies to this guy's postings! Clown show.

Guy is to cheap to do farmed deer right, but thinks that all should support farmed deer done in the open country with wild stock! AKA: Quality Deer Management, which really, is trying to farm, without an actual farm.
 
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Personally the score on the antlers should never be the reason why you shoot any animal.

BUT... if you are determined only to shoot record book deer, then obviously pass on that buck.
 
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