I let him walk.

[Hoss163]

He is young 8 pt and might be pushing mid 120s and there is a wide 6 pt that meets AR. I have the best doe population at this time than I can ever remember.
I provide 7 acres of food plots fall and spring, have a source of water and 25 acres of Post oaks. I have been doing all this for 4 years and have finally started to see some results. I keep about 70 acres set a side for wildlife

Sounds like you are doing things right then you will connect on a good buck eventually I bet. like they say the two best things to attract the boys are plenty of girls and food ! Good luck !!

[Mike D]

Good looking deer.

Maybe I’m just not as mad at them as I used to be. I passed a few deer this season that I would have normally shot just a few years ago.

Once you realize you can’t control your neighbors it becomes less important to shoot every buck that looks ok and easier to let them walk.

My buck tags went completely I filled this year and I’m ok with that.


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[JeffK]

Good job OP. It is not always about pulling the trigger especially if the deer does not fire you up. It will be just as awarding watching the deer grow this summer and seeing what he may become.

[texashunter56]

I think you did the right thing. I have let a lot of 4+ yr old bucks go over the past 6 seasons now. Many of them never are seen again and few are make it back the next season. I have been able to take two of them myself after watching them for 2-3 yrs. I passed on a couple of bucks that were 4-5 yr old this year. One was a 5x5 that I am sure was at least 5. I had seen him once in Oct and then several times in the rut in November. I passed on him with a rifle in Nov and said if he makes till after the first week of Dec, I might try him with my bow. My neighbor to the north killed him in late November, which I am glad he got him. I plant 11 acres of spring/summer food plots, 3.5 acres of fall oats, year round free choice protein, corn feeders, good year round water and take does with MLD. All I can do is provide enough food and safety cover for them. So far it is working good on my 230+ acres. I have a fine with someone else killing a deer that I passed on.

[Mike D]

Good job OP. It is not always about pulling the trigger especially if the deer does not fire you up. It will be just as awarding watching the deer grow this summer and seeing what he may become.

That’s really a great point. I told my wife multiple times this year in the blind that I had not seen a buck that tripped my trigger (pun intended). I mostly played guide for her most of the season. I always had either my 10mm pistol, 41 mag revolver or my 300BO SBR in the blind with us, but other than the doe I shot with the 10mm, I never even unholstered or raised the others up at a deer this year.

My freezer won’t be nearly as full but that’s ok. We won’t starve. [emoji6]


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[Drycreek3189]

Exactly! Everyone's situations are different. He is a nice quality deer today and hopefully will be better next year. I just hope he's still going to walk out and give you a nice broadside shot again next year. Everyone does not have to shoot a 150" buck to be a good, honest, ethical hunter. Just saying.

Exactly !

[OS_BRANDON]

Oh man that’s a nice one hopefully you passing on em pays off.


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