Question for "mature buck" advocates
#1
Question for "mature buck" advocates
Can someone please explain why it is that a lot of guys that will only shoot what they consider mature bucks feel that their demands outweigh those of people who don't care about the size of the antlers. I just want to shoot a couple deer a year (with hopefully one a buck). How big it is is not generally a factor (if I have two in front of me and can shoot either, I would try to shoot the bigger one). I would rather shoot a buck every year than a bigger one every couple years. Sure it would be nice to shoot a big one every year, but that doesn't happen to very many people. After reading the "what did you learn" post, it seems that there are several people who didn't get a chance at a "shooter" or big enough buck, and so didn't take one. And some people don't get a chance at any buck (though likely much of that is time spent in the stand). Wouldn't you have prefered to shoot one of the "lesser" bucks, than nothing?? Help me understand... It really doesn't make any sense to me, especially with a bow.
#2
RE: Question for "mature buck" advocates
ORIGINAL: mnbirddog
Can someone please explain why it is that a lot of guys that will only shoot what they consider mature bucks feel that their demands outweigh those of people who don't care about the size of the antlers.
Can someone please explain why it is that a lot of guys that will only shoot what they consider mature bucks feel that their demands outweigh those of people who don't care about the size of the antlers.
#3
RE: Question for "mature buck" advocates
ORIGINAL: mnbirddog
Wouldn't you have prefered to shoot one of the "lesser" bucks, than nothing?? Help me understand... It really doesn't make any sense to me, especially with a bow.
Wouldn't you have prefered to shoot one of the "lesser" bucks, than nothing?? Help me understand... It really doesn't make any sense to me, especially with a bow.
#5
RE: Question for "mature buck" advocates
ORIGINAL: early in
I would much rather shoot a doe than a "lesser" buck. That takes care of my venison needs. Then I try for a "good" buck, or it's no buck at all. Give "lesser" bucks a chance to mature. I hope this helps you understand.
ORIGINAL: mnbirddog
Wouldn't you have prefered to shoot one of the "lesser" bucks, than nothing?? Help me understand... It really doesn't make any sense to me, especially with a bow.
Wouldn't you have prefered to shoot one of the "lesser" bucks, than nothing?? Help me understand... It really doesn't make any sense to me, especially with a bow.
I feel the same way. I could give a crap about shooting a buck at all. I deer hunt because I like to eat vension. Compare a doe steak to a buck steak... and a doe will take the fight in 3 by KO. No contest at all! Thats why I shoot slick heads. If a BIG buck comes by... sure I'll take him... but I let a heck of a lot of small bucks walk this year and never lost any sleep over it. Just a doe that doesn't taste as good with some potential. Nothing more.
#6
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Kodiak, AK
Posts: 2,877
RE: Question for "mature buck" advocates
ORIGINAL: mnbirddog
Wouldn't you have prefered to shoot one of the "lesser" bucks, than nothing??
Wouldn't you have prefered to shoot one of the "lesser" bucks, than nothing??
#7
RE: Question for "mature buck" advocates
Well if its just about killing a deer why not shoot a doe they eat better anyhow and what are you going to do with a small bucks rack other than throw them in the shed to collect dust. I say shoot what makes you happy but have never understood the mindset of shooting small bucks rather than does I mean the doe will always be a doe however old she gets that 1.5 yr old buck who knows in 3 yrs.
#9
RE: Question for "mature buck" advocates
ORIGINAL: magicman54494
BTW I don't recall anyone here looking down on anyone for shooting a smaller racked buck. If someone has, they are in the wrong.
BTW I don't recall anyone here looking down on anyone for shooting a smaller racked buck. If someone has, they are in the wrong.
#10
RE: Question for "mature buck" advocates
I also don't agree that a doe eats any better. I, and most others I suspect, cannot tell the difference side by side (except maybe a yearling gives smaller steaks). Plus most 1.5 and virtually all 2.5 y/o bucks yield more meat than any doe. Also, the way I see it; shooting a doe subtracts from the population much more than a buck, and the area I'm in doesn't have an excess of deer anymore thanks to the liberal doe permits given out by the DNR for a few years. Just some of my thoughts thoughts.