Thoughts on this buck?

[Alberta Bigbore]

If its private land with sole permission and not near any major roads and highways, ud let him grow. If not id take him because someone else will, i learned that the hard way 6 timea in 8 years.

[daveyn]

The whole "let em grow" movement is crap in my opinion. There are a 1000 different reasons why that deer won't be around next year, including, but not limited to, harsh winter, starvation, disease, injury, poachers, wolfs, cougars, traffic, legal hunters, deer changes home range, older smarter and doesn't show up in daylight anymore...many more reasons. Never any guarantee he's going to be around next year like you could just pick him off the shelf. So in conclusion, if you like him take him (if you even get a crack at him) if not, don't. but don't count on him being around next year bigger and better, odds are well against that happening.

[Curtsyneil]

Originally Posted by daveyn

The whole "let em grow" movement is crap in my opinion. There are a 1000 different reasons why that deer won't be around next year, including, but not limited to, harsh winter, starvation, disease, injury, poachers, wolfs, cougars, traffic, legal hunters, deer changes home range, older smarter and doesn't show up in daylight anymore...many more reasons. Never any guarantee he's going to be around next year like you could just pick him off the shelf. So in conclusion, if you like him take him (if you even get a crack at him) if not, don't. but don't count on him being around next year bigger and better, odds are well against that happening.

Well said and I personally agree with this. To many people think hunting is like they see on wild tv!!! It's not very often do you get to see a buck grow into something special with multiple opportunities to kill him. It's getting to the point if your lucky enough to see one 160 class buck a year. This is free range whitetail hunting in alberta at it's finest.

[MK2750]

I have several on camera for several years. What I find interesting is how little some change. I have one big 4 on camera for 3 years and every picture is pretty much identical. If you are thinking next year a deer will grow into a monster, you may be disappointed.

Having said that, it is very unlikely you will shoot a monster if your tag is filled. It will probably be a buck you have no history with that comes cruising through after the rut gets going strong and later.

I have one quarter I hunt with several well placed cameras. I get great photos all fall and then a bunch of strange bucks towards the end of the month. Bucks from neighbouring bush come cruising through after their base areas are depleted.

[burnme]

I agree with those that say take him if you like him and don’t wait till next year! Next year is a long way off, there are several others in the area that will take him. I have access to a couple quarters but his travels will be more than that. I was just curious as to what others thought about him. If I had a front view pic, I am sure I would have my mind made up!🍻

[MK2750]

Originally Posted by burnme

I agree with those that say take him if you like him and don’t wait till next year! Next year is a long way off, there are several others in the area that will take him. I have access to a couple quarters but his travels will be more than that. I was just curious as to what others thought about him. If I had a front view pic, I am sure I would have my mind made up!🍻

Everyone has an opinion so since you asked. IMO that buck would be a hard pass without a second thought. The reason being, for me, is that he does have a unique rack and potential to become something special. A 140 class buck like this is an interesting Euro mount and some nice eats, but not much more. If he was to survive another couple or three years, he might become a once in a lifetime buck.

You are exactly right, he may be gone by next year. If you kill him he most certainly will be gone by next year. I passed on many nice bucks and never lost any sleep over it. There is lots of nice bucks in Alberta.

Another consideration should be the time you have to hunt. If you are only able to get out a couple of weekends be thankful with what is offered. If you have lots of time, especially towards the end of the month, then you should maybe be patient.

[whitetail Junkie]

Originally Posted by burnme

I agree with those that say take him if you like him and don’t wait till next year! Next year is a long way off, there are several others in the area that will take him. I have access to a couple quarters but his travels will be more than that. I was just curious as to what others thought about him. If I had a front view pic, I am sure I would have my mind made up!🍻

I think you would be pretty happy with that deer...only thing im unsure of is the right g3 might be broke abit or it is split at the top.

[JD848]

Only way you will ever know for sure is to hunt him, check him out and take him or let go. There are no real other ways unless you get better pics and pics sometimes change the real view in size . camera angles can play tricks if it's not a perfect pic ,even then your never really sure . One pic is a start that is all .

I like to see them alive in front ,if not it's hard. To see him alive then get pics is another story .

Cheers all the best in your hunt .

[58thecat]

When it’s right you will know.
Right time, place, company etc.
enjoy the outdoors and the challenges, adventures…. Oh that’s a good buck push him my way


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[Ursus]

I put a lot of weight on the situation / setting. Good shot at midday - I'm pulling the trigger. Last light and a longer shot - not likely - especially just now as there's no snow on the ground. More and more I'm walking out well before the end of legal light. I don't enjoy searching for blood in the dark with no snow... Mind you, these are my considerations on a fork-horn too. I am not overly hung up on antlers but given the chance, I'd be pulling the trigger under the right conditions with a deer of this size. As noted "wait for next year" - really? I don't see that as a likely event where I hunt (private and crown) as the bigger deer don't last that long once they're of good size. The peak of the rut in north central AB is coming soon - the biggest deer I've ever seen are often later in the season once I've tagged out: I'm not terribly patient.

[walking buffalo]

Once a buck makes it to for years old, few people will ever see them.

Doesn't mean its dead.

[wbl170]

Good point WB. The longer they live the smarter they get. As to the OP. Only you can make that decision. And you did.

Best of luck!

[martyparty]

Pass on this guy. Cool buck, but if we create a culture that values book deer it will be better for everyone. (That and shoot/trap coyotes,wolves in winter). IF you really need meat, shoot a doe or two. I love deer hunting but value moose and elk above deer for eating so that is my choice and opinion. That said, everyone can’t shoot does for herd health. Wonder if a poll of all deer hunters would help with this.

[catnthehat]

Originally Posted by martyparty

Pass on this guy. Cool buck, but if we create a culture that values book deer it will be better for everyone. (That and shoot/trap coyotes,wolves in winter). IF you really need meat, shoot a doe or two. I love deer hunting but value moose and elk above deer for eating so that is my choice and opinion. That said, everyone can’t shoot does for herd health. Wonder if a poll of all deer hunters would help with this.

choices are personal.
I couldn't care less about rack size ( never have), and I don't need meat to hunt. I enjoy venison as does my wife who prefers it over elk or moose.
For the most part I shoot what comes in front of me and is legal, up here I won't pass on the first day what I would shoot on the last day.
However , The number of deer up here a person sees in a season often equates to what you can see down south in two days in some ares.
Cat

[Smoky buck]

Originally Posted by martyparty

Pass on this guy. Cool buck, but if we create a culture that values book deer it will be better for everyone. (That and shoot/trap coyotes,wolves in winter). IF you really need meat, shoot a doe or two. I love deer hunting but value moose and elk above deer for eating so that is my choice and opinion. That said, everyone can’t shoot does for herd health. Wonder if a poll of all deer hunters would help with this.

I pass on bucks all the time and I have buddies who shoot meat bucks all the time. I personally see no issue with either. I actually see more issues with shooting does in some areas do to population and herd make up. I am happy they cut back the sup tag to one. There is also way more bucks big and small than hunters realize too. I hear people complain about buck size or numbers all the time but for the most part most bucks just stay hidden is what it is. Those shootings little white tail bucks are barely scratching the surface.

Remember a trophy buck is a trophy because it’s a challenge to take one.



As for the original poster’s question that buck is a decent buck but yes he will likely blow up next year because he is at that age. I am pretty good at keeping track of bucks over multiple years and it’s a gamble if they make it to the next season. If want a bigger buck pass on this one but don’t do so expecting he will be there next season because you never know. If you would be happy with him shoot him.

My opinion that fact you posted asking if you should pass odds are you have goals of a bigger buck

[Bushrat]

Originally Posted by Smoky buck

As for the original poster’s question that buck is a decent buck but yes he will likely blow up next year because he is at that age. I am pretty good at keeping track of bucks over multiple years and it’s a gamble if they make it to the next season. If want a bigger buck pass on this one but don’t do so expecting he will be there next season because you never know. If you would be happy with him shoot him.

Most people don't realize how few bucks reach the magic 5+ years of age, let alone have the genetics required to produce those truly big racks.

[MountainTi]

Originally Posted by walking buffalo

Once a buck makes it to for years old, few people will ever see them.

Doesn't mean its dead.

I agree. I've always said those mature/big bucks have their one dumb day a year. Gotta get lucky and hit that one day...