Should this be my first bow kill buck?

[BIG D]

I agree. If he makes you happy, nail him. It should be about what makes you proud. Dont worry about too many other opinions.

[FarFromHome]

I agree with the poundage issue. 41 pounds is plenty. I watch my wife take a 1200 pound Kudu with her bow at 42 #s and he was down dead dead dead at 80 yards.

I am going to go against the grain on the age. I would put this hill country deer at 5-1/2. I love his browe tines and think he is an awsome deer.

I will also agree that the decision in yours. He could definatley be larger next year but he would also make an awsome first bow buck.

Good luck with your decision... The good thing about it is there is no wrong answer to this question so you will be right no matter what you decide.

[Deerhunter30]

I would say shoot him. He is 4.5 and will probably be bigger next year. If you have a lot of 5.5's running around, then wait for one of them, but if you don't have a lot of 5.5's then ventilate him! Next year you can pass on the 4.5s waiting for a bigger deer. The bottom line is, if he would make you happy, then take him.

Don't worry about the 41 lbs. I shoot a 55 lb recurve that probably produces about the same ke if not a little less than your setup and I have never had a problem putting deer down with it.

[Tx-Burt]

Nice Buck, I would take him if he walked out in my zone. Good Luck!

[mesquitecountry]

cheri,

I think the deer is older than 5.5. He's got a well defined neck. Close to an equilateral triangle head. Front legs at shoulder are getting close to the same length. His brisket is a little lean. But i'm still going to go towards 5.5 in those pics. If you want him take him. He'd be a dang fine trophy. Dont let billy come in and whack him first!

[sq2shooter]

Let me ask a hypothetical question! Can you automatically assume that if the deer is 4.5 and a nice looking buck THAT given normal rainfall for that area next year that the deer will actually be a better buck at 5.5. The range conditions are exceptional this year, probably the best int 20 years, if next year has normal rainfall or drout conditions couldnt it be possible, even likely that the deer wont be as good. I may be way off base with this, what are some of yalls opinions?

[JRL]

yes it should

very beautiful deer

can't wait to see the LDP's

[sq2shooter]

i say for a first bow kill buck, I wouldnt hesitate to take it

[aggie82josh]

without hesitation. 41 lbs is plenty to take down a buck. From the looks of your avatar you know what you are doing. An old doe is harder to kill than a buck IMO. It's all about shot placement and timing.

The hardest part for me is trying to control buck fever. The whole tripod shakes when I get it...lol

Good luck

[huntinfool]

I think the most important thing is if you keep letting him walk will he stay there and not get shot by a neighbor? I doubt that he is safe on a low fence ranch in the hill country. Therefore if he is a buck you would be proud of and you would like to harvest him then the answer has already been made. Your poundage is not an issue with proper shot placement. A double lung shot and he'll be down inside 60 yds. Good luck.

[stickman]

That would be a great deer to take as your 1st buck.

[Tommyh]

id put an arrow in him! hes got a nice rack and at least 4.5. take the shot

[seguinslinger]

if your high fenced then wait , if not take him before regular season opens

[Smart]

Here's the way I look at it when dealing with firsts.....

#1 he would be a first.

#2 he is a fine buck..especially for a first.

#3 there are no guarantees he will be back next year so you might as well make the first one a nice one.

#4 you can obviously grow another.

#5 there is no reason to jump into "trophy hunter" right off the bat. Put the trophy deer manager mentality on hold for awhile. Enjoy the firsts, enjoy the hunting, enjoy the excitement..... There will be plenty of time to start the "trophies or nothing mentality" later (like right after you shoot this one) Right now just enjoy the fact that you have deer like that to stick...I'd be proud of it for sure had it been my first....and yes it is way bigger than my first.... Good Luck and stick 'em.....

[Blood Trail]

I'll smoke him...If you wait, he won't be around next year. I think he's as big as he's going to get...