I'm not really that good at aging deer this time of year but he looks like he's 3. Neck doesn't fill in with the brisket and his belly is pretty flat. It'd be hard to pass him up but he's got some serious potential.
Phil's pics 2015 2016
- Thread starter hickslawns
- Start date
I was thinking 3 as well Chad. I am not seeing 4 or 5. I agree with you and Teenbowhunter. . . .He will be tempting. Good potential for sure. My son sees him and he gets shot. lmao
Lumber head 75
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Looking good Phil! If you ever need help finding one or dragging one out don't hesitate to get ahold of me.
Looking good Phil. Nice pull. Whitey could really blow up next season if he makes it but he'll still look really good to most hunters this season.
Hortontoter
Senior Member
There are a couple that would be tough to let walk. Whitey could blow up like Ric said. But then again he could run into another hunter. Always an issue one must consider if a good buck walks in to range.
You are correct Sir. I think he might disappoint when the velvet peels making it an easier decision. Coming off back to back seasons which both exceeded my imagination, I think it will be easier to pass. I can go a few years without a buck and still be floating. Not trying to sound cocky. I just think it will make it easier to pass this year. I am perfectly content to sit back and enjoy whatever I see from the stand without loosing an arrow. Freezer meat is all I am after this year. Anything else is a bonus.
Hortontoter
Senior Member
I wouldn't take your attitude as being cocky at all. I'm in the same frame of mind. I know for myself, as I aged, killing became much less important than the experience.
I totally agree with ya Dick.
Dont have to kill one and if i do it is because i liked it and that's good enough for me.
Good luck Phil.
Only had 2 cameras out until today. I put out two more. Probably won't have time to check them for a few weeks. My schedule sucks for hunting. Whitey sure looks good. I wouldn't fault anyone for wanting to shoot him. Couple other guys hunt the same woods. I would be happy to help them drag him out. I really think he is 3. Probably score better than the Muley looking deer but I think Muley is at least 4. One problem? Haven't seen him.
Here is all I got of Whitey in the last 3 weeks.
Here is all I got of Whitey in the last 3 weeks.
I saw Muley from the stand. Came to full draw. Elected to pass. He is 3yrs old MAX. I am not so sure he isn't a 2yr old. What I saw from the stand was 120-125" deer. The pics from July? I don't know. He must have just been bloated or the camera angle gave him an older appearance. Or maybe I just suck at aging from a picture. I knew when I saw him he wasn't the deer for me. I enjoyed the encounter. Enjoy getting out in the woods. I don't have any desire to shoot him though. I am ok eating a tag. Guess the deer from 2yrs back with very similar rack had to be an older brother, cousin, or possibly even his dad if he is a 2yr old.
I wouldn't be talking that tag eating nonsense yet, Phil. Your a good hunter, the one that tickles your fancy will stroll by soon enough!
Sounds like a good encounter Phil! Things are just starting to pick up on cam, with the bucks spreading out, I've had three new deer show up in the last week. Unfortunately nothing I want to shoot though. Hang in there, you'll find one soon, or maybe it will find you!
My point was more or less: I just enjoy being out there.
To me it truly is more about the hunt than the kill. I put myself in position twice in 3 hunts to kill a 120-125" deer. That is a true reward and blessing. Some guys don't have the area to see a 120. I am not bragging. I have felt the frustrations of hunting my butt off and not seeing deer, let alone a nice and solid 120 inch deer. Knowing I had them in range means I won the battle. It is like "catch and release" deer hunting to me.
After starting the season watching Garrett tag his first deer, I am in the bonus round. I just got two bonuses this week.