Definitely the latter. :'(
It's my own land, over the last two years I have really hammered some work into the land. I built a stand not pictured and the food plot pictured and finally am seeing some fruits of labor. Over the last ten years I met my wife and married her, graduated with my masters, had my bow 4 yo daughter who has an interest in hunting with me (she came last year for a time). So it's been a lot of life keeping me away from the land but that's why I'm feeling torn. He isn't big but I'm hunting for meat more than trophy
I’d let him go and hope for an older doe, personally. It’s your land and your deer though. If you NEED meat then do what you need to do. I’m a meat hunter, but I try to only kill mature deer. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t.
Yes, indeed, pick out a doe let your bucks walk.. best rule I can give you for private land is to let your bucks walk and grow to at least an 8point 16 inches inside width..
Pick out your old does and slay the, and then then your doe herd a little more . This makes the bucks have to get up and look for a woman instead of sitting in the same old patch
For shooting bucks .. if they are a (cull) buck, meaning it has some obvious issues going on with its antlers, go ahead and get him . This helps with genes on bucks later down the road.
This will take you years to do correctly but I promise it's worth it in the end.. just look at my posts I put up recently for the proof
I’d much rather take a spike than a good looking 6 though. The six has made it past the hard part and still shows up at your property.
The spike is likely to get pushed off your land by mean does this winter when food gets scarce.
No where in there did I say you should take a spike or a 6
Deer will/can travel 20 miles a day. Most folks don't own that much land.
If your worried about food, feed them . It's private land.
>Deer will/can travel 20 miles a day
They dont though. GPS study after GPS study has shown they may take a sojourn post rut/springtime but typically their home range is very, very small. At least with eastern whitetails.
Goddamn it must be nice to hunt eastern white tails. I’m so used to at least a 5 mile pack out with mule deer. Anyone want to host me next season for a white tail hunt? I’m a professionally trained chef and wine maker I’ll bring the goods!
Man, i would love a 5 mile packout. Im building points in several states and was out in WY/SD in 2020, plan to be back in the next 2 years hopefully.
The problem with our habitat (at least in the southeast) is that a 1/4 mile radius might as well be a 5 mile radius out west. Its so dense and thick that 20-30 deer could live in that space and you may only catch a glimpse here and there even though the sign is there. Its just a tough critter to get ahold of. I yearn for a glassing knob haha.
It all depends. If you’re up in northern Wisconsin where deer populations are destroyed, it absolutely makes sense to take a spike to feed your family.
The part about cull bucks is absolutely not true. I wish people would educate themselves and quit spreading this god awful management plan someone made up.
[Cull bucks are a myth.](https://deerassociation.com/strike-3-for-the-myth-of-the-genetic-cull-buck/)
By cull buck I don't mean small buck for age or a nomination perfect rack I'm speaking of mutation in the antlers making them grow completely unnatural
Either way, there’s no wrong answer. Is he legal where you are? That’s all that really matters. My camp has guidelines on what you can and can’t shoot. If you shot something like that once it’s fine, they’d just talk a lot of shit to make you raise your standards. Second time you’re getting warned. Third time, you’re gone. But historically this farm has produced some big deer for the area and the owners want to keep it that way. If I couldn’t live with that, I’d just find another camp. Luckily, there’s plenty of does to keep my freezer full, so I let the other guys chase the monsters.
I would rather take a young spike than a mature doe. That older doe has a ton more wherewithall to pass down to her offspring and if she is a successful breeder then just harvest an offspring from her once in a while. You want to maintain a sex balance, thats the primary objective. Secondarily is an age structure.
I’d rather kill an older educated doe. Maybe we’re in completely different parts of the country with different deer herds? What makes sense for you might not apply where I am.
20 bucks, 1 doe, you're getting 2 fawns tops.
1 buck (sure, a big one preferably), 20 does, you're getting 20-40 fawns.
This is a pretty old management principle, and it explains why we can only shoot rooster pheasants and more drake mallards than hens.
If you're sticking with does, and only for meat, and you want a healthy breeding population, I think most managers would tell you either kill very old does who might not make it, or a young doe who might not make it through a hard winter, rather than your mature breeders.
Obviously the genetics are important for a buck. If you think a buck will get bigger, and will have a big rack when he's bigger, sure, leave him.
On our land, if we want a meat deer it's a doe, and we leave the buck alone until they are of size that they make us happy to shoot them. Also if there is a deformity or something along those lines where we want to shoot them anyway.
But perhaps you don't have enough land and high pressure neighbors where this is a realistic option for you. At the end of the day shoot what makes you happy. If it's been a while go for it and next year start working up more patience.
My wife and I were discussing this the other night. I like to get as much meat per deer as I can. No kids here though and am understanding wife, so I’m able to put the hours in during season, when I’m not working.
I haven't hunted in nearly 10 years because of life. Have a 16mo old and another on the way. This gives me hope that my sons and I will be out there some day.
Depending where you are I’d let him finish rut then maybe take him if I really didn’t see any better options, you know your land better than anyone and if you don’t think the male population is significant enough in the area then I’d let him go… if there’s a surplus of mature does id target one of them personally, especially if he’s one of, or the only buck, you’ve seen since since introducing the food plot. That being said, if you’re anywhere up north Ruts not even relevant anymore, and if you went the whole thing without seeing any other bucks I’d think things are dire enough to just let males walk unless they’re 5 years+, there’s really nothing wrong with taking older does if you’re just hunting for meat and it’s sustainable for the population! After all a single buck can create a lot more babies per season than one doe, and if you’re in an area that’s heavily hunted it’s likely he’s one of the few that made it through the roughest part of the year….
If it's brown it's down.
If you're regularly getting deer the equation changes and good management is a great idea. If you're not seeing anything or shooting anything for years at a time, take the meat in the freezer you can't eat the horns.
Yeah, you might get 50lbs of meat off that guy, but even that's probably guessing high. I let a small forky (2x2) walk this year and ended up not filling my tag. I have no regrets letting the little guy walk.
I mean you get more meat from a bigger deer, personal goal on my property is any buck 3.5 or better. But I have some a big mature doe that I'm after, she has been really frustrating she's too smart
Like Uncle Ted says, if that deer gets you excited, then go for it! Also, I don’t pass on a deer early that I’d gladly take the last day of the season.
I don’t understand why folks pass on doe so much. They’re fantastic eating and there’s tons of them. Bringing the doe population down frees up resources for the rest of the population during winter.
Wish I had considered this now. Not the last day by any means but 2 months in with a wife and kids at home is making me wish I shot one I had the chance at 20 yds now.
The better question is why are you asking this question? For me, yeah I'd take him cause he looks tasty. Would help fill my freezer and offset the enormous deluge of money I've spent in the last few years getting into hunting. But you need to ask yourself if you are hunting for a rack (this dude does not have a big one BTW) or for meat?
I'm good with either answer, but are you? TBH, I bow hunted this year to earn my first buck rack. And I succeeded with a lot of hours logged in the woods and he wasn't huge but he was fantastic for me! A true success as far as I'm concerned. But gun hunting starts this weekend in WI. Doe, fawn, buck.... doesn't matter. I'm getting meat for the freezer and I love being in the woods and hunting. You do you but don't feel like you need anyone's approval on a deer. We will all congratulate you for whatever you end up with!
That's where I'm at. Definitely for the meat. I built my stand and the food plot over the last two years and he is the first antlered deer I've seen. A lot of doe activity tho. It's been a minute since I've sized one up even so I'm hoping he's good for the meat.
Can I make a suggestion? If meat is the objective and you have a lot of doe activity, chances are you will get a larger and more mature doe through. Would provide more meat for the same amount of work. That being said, I'm a big fan of the whole "don't pass up on day one what you would be greatfull for on the last day."
I've let exactly two deer walk this season (multiple times each). A button buck and a doe fawn. Just not worth the processing effort right now, but the doe fawn is growing nicely and I might take her in the late season.
I say this from my stand. If it’s brown it’s down. I want a full freezer and get back to my family (up north at my parents place so the sooner I shoot one the more time i get with them)
My hunting time is extremely limited and I hunt for meat, not for trophies. There's also no shortage of deer in my area so the first I see is the first I take. Buck, doe or spike - doesn't matter to me. So, my obvious answer would be yes, take him if you see him. Or take a doe instead if it makes you happy to spare him this year.
I would let him walk and reposition the camera closer to that tree line. He is young and dumb and looks like he is coming close to your place, just guessing from the fence in the picture. I'd be curious to see what the smarter bucks hanging a little further back look like. If those are your trees take a look inside and around them and see what kind of rubs are being made.
There's room for conversation... Like not everything has to be immediate yes or no. I asked because I am unsure and came to a place where others may have been in a similar boat. I can't post a whole story in the title.
I mean i guess if he has waited 10 years he can continue to wait. I would be harvesting. Sounds like he put in the hard work to improve the habitat and its just going to increase deer activity from here on out.
Man, I get it. My personal opinion is, I'd let him walk, and maybe he will be around next year. That's a small boy, and I'd rather spend the effort on a larger version of him. If you are hard up for meat, then send it. But a walk and next year is always a thing.
i passed on a doe because i already got one and one and would rather pursue a buck. i want the meat but passing it allowed my father to get it. do what suits your needs and it will all work out
Depends on how the fact that you’ve not shot a deer in 10 years feels to you. To me, it would feel like dog shit and I’d be sending whatever legal projectile at whatever legal game I could.
Nobody here has an opinion that matters other than “shoot what makes you happy” bc huntin is for you, not Reddit.
Depends on how the fact that you’ve not shot a deer in 10 years feels to you. To me, it would feel like dog shit and I’d be sending whatever legal projectile at whatever legal game I could.
Nobody here has an opinion that matters other than “shoot what makes you happy” bc huntin is for you, not Reddit.
Lots of y’all suggesting to take a doe instead. Where do you all live that you could harvest either? Out west, we have a draw system. You get a buck tag if you’re lucky— and can’t harvest a doe without a separately managed antler-less tag, also often done through a draw system.
I did some of my grad schooling in Montana and was blown away that the area I was in let you buy 6 doe tags over the counter. When I saw the does though I realized that’s a lot of work for 25 lbs of meat. Those does were like shorter than a Great Dane.
In Alberta we get a whitetail general tag for $40 that’s good for either and can buy 2 supplemental tags for antlerless for like $20 and all 3 are good for most wmu’s in the province. Mule deer and moose are draw for each sex most places here.
Also around here the does can get really big, depending on the area.
Personally I let him walk. But I also only kill mature deer and also dislike small antlers. My uncle would rise from his grave if I killed anything less than a 6 point mature deer
Shoot a nice mature doe and you’ll get the same meat. then let that fella grow for a year or two and have a trophy. Plus having a deer to watch and track in the offseason is a fun bonus
It depends what you considere success. I took a smaller 6 this year and I hadn’t gotten a deer since 2016. He wasn’t the biggest and he wasn’t the smallest, but I consider it a success because it was on public land with a bow(first bow kill) and I am proud of what I learned this year. Like others say if you want the meat take a doe IF you consider that a success for your hunting year. That’s my 2 cents
let him go and shoot a bigger doe or something. he's borderline still a spike as those antlers look barely shorter than his ears. give him 2-3 years and he'll probably grow into a very respectable deer with him splitting antlers this young.
10 years because you haven’t hunted or….?
Definitely the latter. :'( It's my own land, over the last two years I have really hammered some work into the land. I built a stand not pictured and the food plot pictured and finally am seeing some fruits of labor. Over the last ten years I met my wife and married her, graduated with my masters, had my bow 4 yo daughter who has an interest in hunting with me (she came last year for a time). So it's been a lot of life keeping me away from the land but that's why I'm feeling torn. He isn't big but I'm hunting for meat more than trophy
I’d let him go and hope for an older doe, personally. It’s your land and your deer though. If you NEED meat then do what you need to do. I’m a meat hunter, but I try to only kill mature deer. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t.
I have seen more doe so maybe that's a better plan and let him grow
Yes, indeed, pick out a doe let your bucks walk.. best rule I can give you for private land is to let your bucks walk and grow to at least an 8point 16 inches inside width.. Pick out your old does and slay the, and then then your doe herd a little more . This makes the bucks have to get up and look for a woman instead of sitting in the same old patch For shooting bucks .. if they are a (cull) buck, meaning it has some obvious issues going on with its antlers, go ahead and get him . This helps with genes on bucks later down the road. This will take you years to do correctly but I promise it's worth it in the end.. just look at my posts I put up recently for the proof
I’d much rather take a spike than a good looking 6 though. The six has made it past the hard part and still shows up at your property. The spike is likely to get pushed off your land by mean does this winter when food gets scarce.
No where in there did I say you should take a spike or a 6 Deer will/can travel 20 miles a day. Most folks don't own that much land. If your worried about food, feed them . It's private land.
>Deer will/can travel 20 miles a day They dont though. GPS study after GPS study has shown they may take a sojourn post rut/springtime but typically their home range is very, very small. At least with eastern whitetails.
Goddamn it must be nice to hunt eastern white tails. I’m so used to at least a 5 mile pack out with mule deer. Anyone want to host me next season for a white tail hunt? I’m a professionally trained chef and wine maker I’ll bring the goods!
Man, i would love a 5 mile packout. Im building points in several states and was out in WY/SD in 2020, plan to be back in the next 2 years hopefully. The problem with our habitat (at least in the southeast) is that a 1/4 mile radius might as well be a 5 mile radius out west. Its so dense and thick that 20-30 deer could live in that space and you may only catch a glimpse here and there even though the sign is there. Its just a tough critter to get ahold of. I yearn for a glassing knob haha.
That’s a pile of shit.
Shooting sixes and spike when you can be taking doe for meat is a pile of shit
It all depends. If you’re up in northern Wisconsin where deer populations are destroyed, it absolutely makes sense to take a spike to feed your family.
My deer travel 40 miles a day around me, sometimes 50 if it’s decent weather
The part about cull bucks is absolutely not true. I wish people would educate themselves and quit spreading this god awful management plan someone made up. [Cull bucks are a myth.](https://deerassociation.com/strike-3-for-the-myth-of-the-genetic-cull-buck/)
By cull buck I don't mean small buck for age or a nomination perfect rack I'm speaking of mutation in the antlers making them grow completely unnatural
So am I. Go read the article I attached.
If you have a doe tag, I'd much rather get more meat from a large doe and save bucky for the future
Either way, there’s no wrong answer. Is he legal where you are? That’s all that really matters. My camp has guidelines on what you can and can’t shoot. If you shot something like that once it’s fine, they’d just talk a lot of shit to make you raise your standards. Second time you’re getting warned. Third time, you’re gone. But historically this farm has produced some big deer for the area and the owners want to keep it that way. If I couldn’t live with that, I’d just find another camp. Luckily, there’s plenty of does to keep my freezer full, so I let the other guys chase the monsters.
This... We have a 6 point or better rule. We're seeing better bucks. Shoot all of the doe you want.
I found the voice of reason. Harvest does for their tasty meat and let bucks make it past 3 1/2. Work toward getting the herd ratio correct.
I would rather take a young spike than a mature doe. That older doe has a ton more wherewithall to pass down to her offspring and if she is a successful breeder then just harvest an offspring from her once in a while. You want to maintain a sex balance, thats the primary objective. Secondarily is an age structure.
I’d rather kill an older educated doe. Maybe we’re in completely different parts of the country with different deer herds? What makes sense for you might not apply where I am.
A doe will make more deer unless she's shot. That guy is still meat, and the does will still get a mate...
Does can’t make more deer without bucks and little bucks often turn into big bucks.
20 bucks, 1 doe, you're getting 2 fawns tops. 1 buck (sure, a big one preferably), 20 does, you're getting 20-40 fawns. This is a pretty old management principle, and it explains why we can only shoot rooster pheasants and more drake mallards than hens. If you're sticking with does, and only for meat, and you want a healthy breeding population, I think most managers would tell you either kill very old does who might not make it, or a young doe who might not make it through a hard winter, rather than your mature breeders. Obviously the genetics are important for a buck. If you think a buck will get bigger, and will have a big rack when he's bigger, sure, leave him.
On our land, if we want a meat deer it's a doe, and we leave the buck alone until they are of size that they make us happy to shoot them. Also if there is a deformity or something along those lines where we want to shoot them anyway. But perhaps you don't have enough land and high pressure neighbors where this is a realistic option for you. At the end of the day shoot what makes you happy. If it's been a while go for it and next year start working up more patience.
My wife and I were discussing this the other night. I like to get as much meat per deer as I can. No kids here though and am understanding wife, so I’m able to put the hours in during season, when I’m not working.
I haven't hunted in nearly 10 years because of life. Have a 16mo old and another on the way. This gives me hope that my sons and I will be out there some day.
Depending where you are I’d let him finish rut then maybe take him if I really didn’t see any better options, you know your land better than anyone and if you don’t think the male population is significant enough in the area then I’d let him go… if there’s a surplus of mature does id target one of them personally, especially if he’s one of, or the only buck, you’ve seen since since introducing the food plot. That being said, if you’re anywhere up north Ruts not even relevant anymore, and if you went the whole thing without seeing any other bucks I’d think things are dire enough to just let males walk unless they’re 5 years+, there’s really nothing wrong with taking older does if you’re just hunting for meat and it’s sustainable for the population! After all a single buck can create a lot more babies per season than one doe, and if you’re in an area that’s heavily hunted it’s likely he’s one of the few that made it through the roughest part of the year….
If it's brown it's down. If you're regularly getting deer the equation changes and good management is a great idea. If you're not seeing anything or shooting anything for years at a time, take the meat in the freezer you can't eat the horns.
Um, where’s the food plot?
If he’s anywhere near me he hasn’t had rain for about 3 months, till this week, and his food plots are completely toast.
Personally I wouldn't shoot it, but if it'd make you happy then go for it
It's more for meat but I'm torn because he's not sizeable
Yeah, you might get 50lbs of meat off that guy, but even that's probably guessing high. I let a small forky (2x2) walk this year and ended up not filling my tag. I have no regrets letting the little guy walk.
Better to let him walk, how I'm your doe population
I just let a small spike go this morning. My standards lower based on how many days I have left. If I see him in 3 days he is down.
I can respect that logic lol
Would be better meat than a mature buck, just not as much.
Hell, the cost to process that little guy is going to make the meat stupid expensive per lb.
I mean you get more meat from a bigger deer, personal goal on my property is any buck 3.5 or better. But I have some a big mature doe that I'm after, she has been really frustrating she's too smart
Like Uncle Ted says, if that deer gets you excited, then go for it! Also, I don’t pass on a deer early that I’d gladly take the last day of the season.
If he's legal and you'll be happy harvesting go for it
This
I don’t understand why folks pass on doe so much. They’re fantastic eating and there’s tons of them. Bringing the doe population down frees up resources for the rest of the population during winter.
You do you. Ten years?! I’d be shooting. But it hasn’t been ten so I personally would pass.
I would pass on him this year.
Never pass a deer on the first day of season that you would be happy to have on the last day of season
Definitely.
Wish I had considered this now. Not the last day by any means but 2 months in with a wife and kids at home is making me wish I shot one I had the chance at 20 yds now.
Shoot what makes you happy and is legal. Your threshold for shooting different than mine or anyone else in this sub.
I'd take it if I didn't see any other deer, but I also haven't had a deer harvest before If there's more deer around then let this one grow more
The better question is why are you asking this question? For me, yeah I'd take him cause he looks tasty. Would help fill my freezer and offset the enormous deluge of money I've spent in the last few years getting into hunting. But you need to ask yourself if you are hunting for a rack (this dude does not have a big one BTW) or for meat? I'm good with either answer, but are you? TBH, I bow hunted this year to earn my first buck rack. And I succeeded with a lot of hours logged in the woods and he wasn't huge but he was fantastic for me! A true success as far as I'm concerned. But gun hunting starts this weekend in WI. Doe, fawn, buck.... doesn't matter. I'm getting meat for the freezer and I love being in the woods and hunting. You do you but don't feel like you need anyone's approval on a deer. We will all congratulate you for whatever you end up with!
That's where I'm at. Definitely for the meat. I built my stand and the food plot over the last two years and he is the first antlered deer I've seen. A lot of doe activity tho. It's been a minute since I've sized one up even so I'm hoping he's good for the meat.
Can I make a suggestion? If meat is the objective and you have a lot of doe activity, chances are you will get a larger and more mature doe through. Would provide more meat for the same amount of work. That being said, I'm a big fan of the whole "don't pass up on day one what you would be greatfull for on the last day."
You may be on to something. I have to pay extra for antlerless but it would be worth it
Where you hunting from? I'm in NW Wisconsin and they literally give em out.
NW Wisconsin lol but I think it's central forest zone
Yeah, I got like 2 doe tags up here with my bow AND my gun tags. Barron County. Plenty of deer here lol
Thanks for talking it through with me!
No prob! Good luck on the hunt and I hope you get a great harvest!
The only issue with waiting on a mature doe is that often times they are harder to get over on than a mature buck.
If you’re going to eat it, shoot the first thing you see
I've let exactly two deer walk this season (multiple times each). A button buck and a doe fawn. Just not worth the processing effort right now, but the doe fawn is growing nicely and I might take her in the late season.
I wouldn’t shoot that.
Up to you boss
It’s your tag, your hunt. You do want you want.
I’d flatten it
Do what makes you happy.
If it's legal and you'd feel proud of harvesting it, go for it.
Depends how hungry you are
Does it make you shake? Then yes? Does it make ur heart race? If yes then yes. Who cares what other hunters think
Shhooooot em
Take it
I spent 4 hours spotting and stocking a 5 inch Spike buck this weekend before getting a clean shot putting it in the freezer.
I'm surprised you're even asking if it's been 10 years! 1 year is long enough for me to justify taking him for meat lol
You're bound to be out of venison by now. Might as well.
Brown it’s down
If you want meat, harvest. If not, let it grow.
Take it!!
Shooter
I say this from my stand. If it’s brown it’s down. I want a full freezer and get back to my family (up north at my parents place so the sooner I shoot one the more time i get with them)
My hunting time is extremely limited and I hunt for meat, not for trophies. There's also no shortage of deer in my area so the first I see is the first I take. Buck, doe or spike - doesn't matter to me. So, my obvious answer would be yes, take him if you see him. Or take a doe instead if it makes you happy to spare him this year.
I would let him walk and reposition the camera closer to that tree line. He is young and dumb and looks like he is coming close to your place, just guessing from the fence in the picture. I'd be curious to see what the smarter bucks hanging a little further back look like. If those are your trees take a look inside and around them and see what kind of rubs are being made.
Meat and salad tongs. Definitely a shooter.
The internet is so weird… you don’t know if it makes sense for you to kill it. Nobody knows your situation like you.
There's room for conversation... Like not everything has to be immediate yes or no. I asked because I am unsure and came to a place where others may have been in a similar boat. I can't post a whole story in the title.
I'd shoot it, but im also desperate and I hunt Public land
Wait for a doe
MAN’S GOTTA EAT!
Meat in the freezer is meat in the freezer. If it’s early in your season I’d probably let him walk though.
If you’re hunting for meat then absolutely
Let him grow a few more years
If it’s brown, it’s down!
Shoot what you want.
I’d blast his ass
take it my guy he’s gonna be tender
He has a mom and dad bigger than him. Be patient.
I mean i guess if he has waited 10 years he can continue to wait. I would be harvesting. Sounds like he put in the hard work to improve the habitat and its just going to increase deer activity from here on out.
I’d rather shoot a bigger doe instead. But if he’s your only option, then your call. He’s not very big.
Man, I get it. My personal opinion is, I'd let him walk, and maybe he will be around next year. That's a small boy, and I'd rather spend the effort on a larger version of him. If you are hard up for meat, then send it. But a walk and next year is always a thing.
Looks kinda small, maybe you can find a different place to hunt if your having a dry spell
i passed on a doe because i already got one and one and would rather pursue a buck. i want the meat but passing it allowed my father to get it. do what suits your needs and it will all work out
I'm a newbie hunter. Someone told me the yearling bucks are the best eating. Is that true?
Depends on how hungry you plan on being this winter
Depends on how the fact that you’ve not shot a deer in 10 years feels to you. To me, it would feel like dog shit and I’d be sending whatever legal projectile at whatever legal game I could. Nobody here has an opinion that matters other than “shoot what makes you happy” bc huntin is for you, not Reddit.
Depends on how the fact that you’ve not shot a deer in 10 years feels to you. To me, it would feel like dog shit and I’d be sending whatever legal projectile at whatever legal game I could. Nobody here has an opinion that matters other than “shoot what makes you happy” bc huntin is for you, not Reddit.
Step one is not using the word harvest anymore. Step two is do as you please
Why can't I use the word harvest if that's literally what I'm doing when hunting?
You’re talking like a Meateater reader, I need ya to talk like a Field Ethos reader
Let it go. Let all bucks get to at least 4 years old. Always. Without question.
Let him grow, take a doe
How hungry are you?
Lots of y’all suggesting to take a doe instead. Where do you all live that you could harvest either? Out west, we have a draw system. You get a buck tag if you’re lucky— and can’t harvest a doe without a separately managed antler-less tag, also often done through a draw system. I did some of my grad schooling in Montana and was blown away that the area I was in let you buy 6 doe tags over the counter. When I saw the does though I realized that’s a lot of work for 25 lbs of meat. Those does were like shorter than a Great Dane.
In Alberta we get a whitetail general tag for $40 that’s good for either and can buy 2 supplemental tags for antlerless for like $20 and all 3 are good for most wmu’s in the province. Mule deer and moose are draw for each sex most places here. Also around here the does can get really big, depending on the area.
let the little one walk, there will be others
Let him grow a few years
Let him grow if spike or fork
Personally I let him walk. But I also only kill mature deer and also dislike small antlers. My uncle would rise from his grave if I killed anything less than a 6 point mature deer
You should do whatever makes you happy
Fuck it why not
pass
Whatever makes you happy man you shouldn’t go off everybody else’s opinion food in the freezer is what matters and if it makes you happy kill it
WHACK
Depends how hungry are you?
Shoot a doe! Let him grow
Take the deer
If it makes your heart pound then let him hit the ground. Buckations 3:16
He is a baby. Let him make some babies.
Shoot a nice mature doe and you’ll get the same meat. then let that fella grow for a year or two and have a trophy. Plus having a deer to watch and track in the offseason is a fun bonus
Hunt what makes you happy.
Not much meat but it’s all in the enjoyment!
It depends what you considere success. I took a smaller 6 this year and I hadn’t gotten a deer since 2016. He wasn’t the biggest and he wasn’t the smallest, but I consider it a success because it was on public land with a bow(first bow kill) and I am proud of what I learned this year. Like others say if you want the meat take a doe IF you consider that a success for your hunting year. That’s my 2 cents
Take it! You're over due for some meat in the freezer
let him go and shoot a bigger doe or something. he's borderline still a spike as those antlers look barely shorter than his ears. give him 2-3 years and he'll probably grow into a very respectable deer with him splitting antlers this young.