mevertsen
Very Active Member
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There are quite a few discussions s this year in regards to the drought, poor antler growth, etc.
People talk about not seeing anything worth shooting. Numbers are down, and various other comments.
So, in this post, let's talk specifics.
In the area I had for archery deer, I saw over 30 bucks on opening day. This included a lot of 1 year old bucks, a couple a little older, and one 3x4 that was about 24 inches wide, which later got wounded (unknown if recovered) by another hunter.
I hunted this area because I like deer meat. Not because it's cheaper, or I'm starving, but because I like a nice young buck to eat.
I have never been a score guy, and quite honestly don't understand it.
So....
What's a good deer?
Score or particular general size is fine.
If you don't find your target size, do you settle? Or do you eat your tag? What trends are you seeing in the units you primarily hunt?
Where I hunt, in one particular unit, 50 deer a day is low for me and has been for several years. Part of that is because I believe the deer herd is doing well in that spot and part of it is because I think I am becoming better at finding deer.
In two other units, 30 deer is a low day, probably up to a high of 80 in each.
As for my question on what would I shoot? Pretty much what's legal. My biggest buck is a 26 inch 3x4 and he's on the wall.
Lion hunting all winter, I get to see hundreds of deer, and probably only see one or 2 over the 180 or mark each year.
People talk about not seeing anything worth shooting. Numbers are down, and various other comments.
So, in this post, let's talk specifics.
In the area I had for archery deer, I saw over 30 bucks on opening day. This included a lot of 1 year old bucks, a couple a little older, and one 3x4 that was about 24 inches wide, which later got wounded (unknown if recovered) by another hunter.
I hunted this area because I like deer meat. Not because it's cheaper, or I'm starving, but because I like a nice young buck to eat.
I have never been a score guy, and quite honestly don't understand it.
So....
What's a good deer?
Score or particular general size is fine.
If you don't find your target size, do you settle? Or do you eat your tag? What trends are you seeing in the units you primarily hunt?
Where I hunt, in one particular unit, 50 deer a day is low for me and has been for several years. Part of that is because I believe the deer herd is doing well in that spot and part of it is because I think I am becoming better at finding deer.
In two other units, 30 deer is a low day, probably up to a high of 80 in each.
As for my question on what would I shoot? Pretty much what's legal. My biggest buck is a 26 inch 3x4 and he's on the wall.
Lion hunting all winter, I get to see hundreds of deer, and probably only see one or 2 over the 180 or mark each year.
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