really big racked (10 point or better with mass) whitetails are not exactly an everyday occurance, unless you got some great habitat. since I started looking for them in 75 I've seen maybe 6. 3 at night while driving and the rest while hunting after shooting a smaller buck or doe. so imo the old saying, you don't get big bucks by shooting small ones holds true. but to me they are all good, it just depends what you want. the only one I got mounted was a small basket 6 pt just because he had tremendous spirit and no quit in him. I've certainly shot bigger racked ones and just keep horns for rattling or to put on a decoy. tried using a tine for a striker for turkey but haven't found the right base to scratch it on. if you really got a massive wallhanger in front of you and he is a bud, a high shoulder shot, below the backstrap and above the shoulder will drop it in it's tracks and not leave the body cavity a mess or ruin much meat.
This whole topic really becomes focused on what makes you feel "accomplished." To some it's meat, to some it's the memories with hunting partners/family, to some it's the trophy, or a combination of the three. I know I would never shoot a spike because I wouldn't feel accomplished but I would be the first to congratulate someone who did becuase I know it must have meant a great deal to them. Just my 2 cents.
GO GATORS!
I have to agree with you on that. To me the hunt is memorable Filling my freezer is a bonus.
What is it with some people. I don't understand my bud.
He wants me to save him capes. I said there usually no good when i get one. I generally head shoot them all well 8 out of the last 10. He spouts off and says you not going to shoot that big buck in the head. So i told him i don't have any use for racks any more but knife handles and Chandeliers so yes i will. I really hate body shoots they just make a mess out the meat. I am not going to sacrifice my ribs for a dam cape.I guess my point is why are so many hooked of big racked deer. Don't get me wrong i love big deer because they make big steaks.
He is rack crazy.
I have to ask,,, how many "MATURE" bucks have you killed??? How many that scored over 130"??? 140"?? Whats the biggest??? Any with a bow???
Score not so high your typical public land deer. As age wise 7.5 all the way down usually end up with one 5.5 or 4.5 every year. I would take more doe's but law doesn't allow that. If the racks to small or to big or for the Chandler i use for knife handles or feed it to the squirrels. They take for ever i gave them a 6 point two years ago and it still here.
I really don't have the urge for racks. If i did i go see my relatives in Wisconsin Main or Tennessee. I do love hog hunting sneaking up on with a bow. When you stick a 250 lb bore at 20 yards be ready that's when they get mad. I can say taking a deer with a bow stalking still eludes me shots yes harvest no.
