did I do right?

[npe001]

You did right. I go to my family friends ranch all the time and there are many deer that are 180+ but If I am not giving them money I will just continue to watch them hang out

[elhefe]

What I would've done

[dustoffer]

No deer is worth a friendship. If you were unclear or hesitant you absolutely made the right decision.

Good for you--and make sure you tell your buddy

[popup_menace]

It depends on the rules set up when you got there. If nothing was said about bucks, a quick text could clear it up. Obviously something as large as a 200+ will get anyone thinking twice. But, if I were on a buddy's place and knew he was hard after a nice buck and had not closed the deal, I would let it walk. Not because I don't think he'd be happy for me, but because I am the guest there to help with numbers, not trophies. Odds are that your friend has put a lot of time and money into the place, and in my mind it is that time and dedication that earns the rights to a good deer.


That being said, it never hurts to just ask "hey, if I see a monster, what do you want me to do?"

[Bullseye07]

I definitely told him about the deer and he said it's probably the 14 point he has been seeing on his camera. Of course he told me that I should have taken the shot but I still feel better letting him walk although I'm doubting myself now.....thanks for the replies guys I'm definitely feeling better about my decision now

Well now you know to not hesitate next time. Just put him down.

[Sleepy]

Should have discussed everything at camp before the hunt even started. By being unsure, you made the right call. When I have guests, it's just a simple answer. Shoot whatever is legal and makes you happy. Big or small. Chances are, in East Texas, I may not ever see that giant myself. Would rather have someone I know shoot it and actually be able to put my hands on it, and give a high five than hearing about it and never seeing it again.

[BeerMe]

I would have made the same call as you.

[gvick]

You did the right thing. But when I get invited to hunt on someone else lease I always ask what is on the menu before I go to the stand. I also try to get them to send me pics of the ones that they have targeted for themselves. I don't want to take a deer that someone else on the lease has put time and money into. Just happy to be in the woods seeing deer and hanging out.

[Doc Peter]

You did the right thing.

I was hunting earlier on a ranch of a long time friend. He agreed to allowing me a few does. First evening out all I saw were hogs. Told the guide (and the next day my friend). They both asked why I didn't shoot the hogs. Told them both I was told does and I am not going to shoot up his ranch without permission, unles it is a bobcat or coyote because these will harm his turkeys.

Both my friend and the guide told me they appreciate that, kill as many MF hogs as you feel like. Now I have been invited back for a spring hog hunt.

[helim83]

You did good amigo. I get invited to a couple different leases/ranches a year. We always clarify before heading out to the stand. One buddies place is (for me) turkeys and hogs only, as it is a small place. Another is doe and or a carefully selected cull. Its a high fence place and my pockets aren't real deep. Another buddies place is wide open. As long as its at least 3.5. This has all been discussed and agreed before we even get to the gate.

[Patton]

What you did is what gets you invited back.

[Ten Ring]

I made the same call you did last year I was bow hunting a buddy's MLD place and he said he had a cull and trophy buck tag left and I could shoot what ever I wanted to....I told him I would be plenty happy for a cull. I had the biggest deer I have seen in person (maybe 3.5 year old 12 point with some trash) walk past my stand at about 10 yards. I let him walk and told my buddy about it after the hunt he still gives me a hard time about not shooting that deer. But to me I feel like I made the right choice. We think he is a 14 this year and is at the top of his hit list. I feel like you made the right call, with it being his place he outta get to shoot the biggest deer imo.

[JHarrell89]

I had to learn the hard way. I could shoot a long spike and ended up shooting a 1.5 yearling. I haven't been invited back.

[coffmanbr1]

200+ is well worth 1 friendship. Should shot him!!

I'm joking of course.

[Brockgreen]

i'd say you made the right decision but id asked my friend and sent him a pic of the deer and ask him if i could shoot it