How big is he?

raydaughety · Post by **raydaughety** » Tue Jun 23, 2009 8:53 am

In preparation for our upcoming Texas hunt, I realized that there is one very important item that I need to take care of and that is learning how to judge bucks in the field. Can anyone recommend a good video or book that would be of help? I would really appreciate it

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DaGriz · Post by **DaGriz** » Tue Jun 23, 2009 11:51 am

Ray
Don't know of any books or videos but here's a couple of methods I use.
I look to see how much air space between the outer edge of the ear and the inside of his antlers. I also look to see how high above the ears the antler are. Of course the number of points counts. I also look at the distance between the tips of the top antler points and try to visualize if I can get a basket ball in between the antlers. Looking at the antler base to see how big the circumferance is also tells a lot

If you can visit a Cabelas or BassPro shop and study the mountes they have you will see what I am talking about

Hope this helps!

crazyfarmer · Post by **crazyfarmer** » Tue Jun 23, 2009 12:19 pm

Ray, you are use to the 100-120 inch bucks here.. they have a 140inch shooter min which is gross score also. Bottom line, if you get the OH MY GOD look, he's over 140

good mass and spread help, but a good mass narrow rack buck can score up points quicker

if you question the shot, its not a shooter

most 5x5's will go 140 with atleast 10inch rear tines

for a 4x4 to hit 140 he's got to have good mass, spread, mainbeam length, or tall 12inch tines. More than likely, someone will show you pics of bucks in the area you are hunting so you will have a good idea what to shoot.

btw, your arrows go out today if can get home from court or tomorrow latest:)

raydaughety · Post by **raydaughety** » Tue Jun 23, 2009 12:48 pm

Thanks Guys, Cf I'll keep an eye out for my arrows

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texan · Post by **texan** » Tue Jun 23, 2009 5:06 pm

If you have to think about it. Dont shoot. 140s is pretty good for the Brazos area. Are you hunting with crossbow?

Texan

raydaughety · Post by **raydaughety** » Tue Jun 23, 2009 7:06 pm

It's going to be a rifle hunt this time. My uncle has never shot a bow in his life and Tyler has yet to kill one with his compound so we're taking the big guns

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Woody Williams · Post by **Woody Williams** » Wed Jun 24, 2009 8:51 am

crazyfarmer wrote:..........

if you question the shot, its not a shooter

BINGO!!! Follow that advice and you'll never be disappointed..

Huntz · Post by **Huntz** » Thu Jun 25, 2009 12:03 pm

Bucks down there can decieve you.Some have a relatively small body size which makes their rack look huge.Notice I said (some).I would for sure try to equate body size as part of the whole picture.Take your time and look them over good.You should see lots of Deer,have fun!!!!

crazyfarmer · Post by **crazyfarmer** » Thu Jun 25, 2009 12:57 pm

Huntz wrote:Bucks down there can decieve you.Some have a relatively small body size which makes their rack look huge.Notice I said (some).I would for sure try to equate body size as part of the whole picture.Take your time and look them over good.You should see lots of Deer,have fun!!!!

Ill agree with that also;) I watch alot of hunts on TV where 250pound bucks are common and a 160buck only seems like a 130 to me since his body is huge.

But the body size of the deer down in Texas should be about the same as those in NC. Probably a mature buck would be 150-180, which is the same in Va

Ray, when you start drooling, click off the safety!!! Remember to focus also since if a 140 walks up then things happen pretty quickly. Are you going to have a guide also? If so, they will ask you if you like that buck or not and if he's a shooter

raydaughety · Post by **raydaughety** » Thu Jun 25, 2009 2:12 pm

The outfitter likes to let his hunters do their own thing but when I voiced my concern regarding shooting the "wrong deer" several times, he agreed to have himself and his partner available to sit with us and help us judge the deer. He has asked us to arrive as early as possible on the day before our hunt so that we can look at some of the deer that he has. I'm sure that I'm worrying about nothing

, but the advice is very much appreciated

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texan · Post by **texan** » Thu Jun 25, 2009 5:00 pm

Whats the price for A oops? I hunted Giles island couple years a go with 140 min. $ 2000.00 for any thing under. Makes you look real hard for 150 or better.

Texan

crazyfarmer · Post by **crazyfarmer** » Thu Jun 25, 2009 5:26 pm

texan wrote:Whats the price for A oops? I hunted Giles island couple years a go with 140 min. $ 2000.00 for any thing under. Makes you look real hard for 150 or better.

Texan

most have a 500 up to 2000 extra fee... you have to read the fine lines

raydaughety · Post by **raydaughety** » Thu Jun 25, 2009 6:08 pm

He has no minimum but asks you to try and not shoot anything under 130". He told me that if a buck walks out that just takes your breath away and is one that you want on your wall, then take him. I really think that with a little time looking at some deer on the eve of opening day, we will be prepared on what to look for

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youngbuck1 · Post by **youngbuck1** » Thu Jun 25, 2009 7:02 pm

chek your local library or somthin or you tub or google