Rut fever?

[Thunderflight]

Think for a second about how many times you've heard a bow hunter, who has been hunting hard during the rut, say the following:

1. I thought he was bigger when I shot him.

2. I've seen so many bucks I just couldn't take it and shot a smaller buck.

3. I was holding out for a bigger one, but just couldn't take it anymore.

There are many more, but every year it happens. I know for me it's happened. I like to refer to it as Rut Fever.

Anyone else noticed this?

 

[RedCloud]

I admit. I have done it lol.

I have in my head that I have to have a deer down and be done and tagged out before rut is over or gun season starts.

A nice cozy warm bed makes it hard to get up on those ass numbing mornings and hit the woods for late season lol.

 

[Thunderflight]

It happened to me back in 2003 or 04. I had seen so many biggens that day, even missed one, that I just couldn't take it and killed a 2.5 year old. :smiley_carnaval:

 

[rrr]

that I just couldn't take it and killed a 2.5 year old

That's still about 2 years older than your average, right?

 

[Thunderflight]

That's still about 2 years older than your average, right?

Good point!!!! :smiley_carnaval:

 

["J"]

That's still about 2 years older than your average, right?

Ouch!!!! Dang Ernie lol.

 

[uglykat26]

That's still about 2 years older than your average, right?

how come you always get to it first.....lol

 

[CJD3]

I've had the "looked bigger from here" thing happen
I can only assume it was due to the heavy moisture in the air magnifying the body of that deer.

 

[cotty16]

Sun was in my eyes.

 

[Dannmann801]

If it's brown it's down.
:smiley_arrogant:

 

[Hoytmania]

I have opted out for a smaller buck because it was the last weekend before gun season and just wanted to fill my tag because I knew I would not be out during gun week.

 

[hickslawns]

I have not settled on a smaller buck. Last year after putting in 140+hrs in the stand, I did decide to shoot the next doe that came along. I was ready to be done. Burnout had set in. Had seen a spike, one forkhorn twice, and a small basket 6pt in all those hours. I had decided in late December the area simply did not hold big deer. Took my antlerless (button buck lol) and finished my season. I don't think this is rut fever, but rather freezer filler.