First time out this season and I saw this one. (PIC.)

[Straitshot]

It has been so hot here lately I haven't cared about going out yet. I much prefer cooler weather but since Monday is a holiday for me I thought I would spend some quality time this week-end out on the ranch where I am priviledged to hunt. I went out this morning for the first time and saw this one. Pretty nice deer for the first morning. If this is a sample of things to come this year my excitement just escillated. Was wishing he was about two years older.

 

 

 

[vermonster13]

He probably won't be quite the model poser then. Where I hunt, I'd take him. Heck, I'm excited for you just seeing the pics!

[mmgrode]

Bigger!!......Bigger!!!   That's a fine dandy deer there.  I think that is a trophy in anyone's book. I'll tell you what, I'd be chuckin' arrows at it.  I'd love to see the deer you're after! What a beast!     :eek:   Cheers, Matt

[Vig]

If I hunted there I'm afriad I wouldn't give it a chance to get 2 years older!  Ahh, the willpower to pass up a great buck remains unlearned for me...

Good luck!

-Vig

[Robhood23]

DANDY!!!! I would love to see something like that around here!!

[knife river]

Excellent photos!  You counted coup with the camera.    

[Rico]

Very nice deer, very nice photos they look to good for a trail cam what cam did you use.
  I would have to be in the shoot him now camp I wouldn't expert him to make it threw this year never mind 2 more.

[thp]

Wow!  What fantastic pictures.  Very pretty buck.

[Izzy]

Niiiice!! Good luck in 2 years.

[James Wrenn]

He would never get any older if he walked by me. :)A deer like that will get you a pat on the back around here.    Let then get too old and they are tough anyway.  

[TexMex]

Very Nice

[Straitshot]

If this deer were on public land then I too might have attempted a shot as many of you. However, when priviledged to hunt on private land you have to follow the rules, and one of the rules is the deer you take must be mature bucks and this deer is about two years short of what the land owner considers mature. The quickest way to never get to hunt on private property again is to not follow the rules.

We have really had an unusual wet season this year with an abundance of food for them during the growing season. This coupled with a pretty good season two years ago equates to what I believe is going to be a terrific season for horn growth in this part of the country.

Any way, seeing this guy really boosts my hopes and anticipation.

[JL]

Nice looking youngin there. I too would have a warm fuzzy feeling if he was the first deer. Looks like you landed some nice property. Nice pic's! I would like to know your set up also. Keep us updated as your season goes along.

JL

[geno]

Very nice deer. Great genetics.You know there is some monsters on that place. Where is his grandaddy ??

[SOS]

Looks like a belly on that last picture, 3 1/2 year old at least?  Do you have to wait for 5 1/2?

[kennym]

Dang rules anyways!    If he makes it two more he will be a whopper!!

[Straitshot]

This is a young deer, 2 1/2 maybe 3. Slinder neck and long slinder narrow nose. Straight back with no evidence of any sway. Bulging belly is from plenty of food. There is no sagging in his belly at all. At least that's the way I see it and I'm afraid the person that makes the rules would see it that way also. Any way it isn't worth putting my privilege to hunt at risk. I am hoping there will be others as good or perhaps even better.  

[vermonster13]

With that info I understand completely. I'd put him at 2.5 too.

[Wulomac]

Great shots! Thanks for sharing.

[Straitshot]

I realize aging deer on the hoof can often be guess work, and even aging them by their teeth can be iffy at times. I suppose the only way of knowing for certain is if they are pets and you know them from birth.

Any way when rules have been established by those in authority it's either follow the rules or pack up your gear and go to the house.

I have seen folks loose their privilege to hunt for a lot less than killing what the land owner would consider an imature buck. As stated previously , it just isn't worth the risk. There will be other opportunities.