Would you shoot this on public or let him grow?

[TNBrent]

Ahh the pitfalls of public land hunting: Young deer with great potential, but I'm worried about his chances on public this season. If someone is going to take him this year I would like it to be me, but I'd like him even more in 2025 or 6... I also have a mature 8 in the area that is my primary target this year. I would love to let this younger deer walk but don't want to hear a shot 5 minutes after I let him pass.... If he came under your stand on public would you let him grow or take him?

 

[Apostolic Outdoors]

I'd put him in the truck.

That being said, I have 3 quota hunts this year that I really want to go on so my main focus is does. I wouldn't be "hunting" him, but if he happened by it would be real hard to pass him up.

 

[cbhunter]

Man that deer has some amazing potential. If I'm being honest, I'd prob shoot in the heat of the moment. But definitely the perfect example of one that needs to get to full maturity

 

[EastTNHunter]

I'd shoot him in a heartbeat and not apologize about it. Almost all that I have to hunt is public so I can't be too picky. But those split tines are also super cool and I prefer unique to big any day

 

[Hymie3]

Yep on public. Shoot

 

[backyardtndeer]

Your decision, granted you see him. Those forked 2's and the forked 3 on the left are very cool. He could be something really special in a year, but then how likely are his chances, is it heavily hunted public?

 

[PickettSFHunter]

You do you. Wouldn't blame anyone for shooting that.

 

[DayDay]

A person can pass up on a deer on private land and it get shot 5 minutes later as well. I have passed up a couple of small deer on public land. I would not pass up a shot on one like this. I've never hunted public land where I was allowed to leave a camera out (never asked permission on WMA) so I never had a specific deer to worry about unless I laid eyes on him.

I don't care about big antlers. I've shot a couple of nice deer and did not have them mounted; I'm not interested in having any deer mounted. I prefer something with enough meat to make it worthwhile including a large doe. This deer has enough meat on its bones for me. You may not feel the same since you are asking about this deer.

If you are really interested in getting that 8-point, then pass this one up. Maybe you'll get the eight and maybe not but no big deal if that fits your objective for hunting. Next season, this deer and the eight may still be out there.

 

[Iglow]

Bang.

 

[Savage]

I would probably shoot him on my first tag but not my second…

Would love to see him survive though.

 

[Andy S.]

Generally speaking, my age/antler standards that I impose on myself do not change, regardless of public/private. I'd MUCH RATHER someone else kill him and be ecstatic with him, than you or I kill him just because we're worried someone else might. If you're happy with him, blast away. Good luck this season!

 

[huntntrap]

Wouldn't think twice

 

[Chiflyguy]

Depends on how far I have to haul him.
Then again, I shoot spikes.
I'm a meat hunter.

 

[JCDEERMAN]

Man that deer has some amazing potential. If I'm being honest, I'd prob shoot in the heat of the moment. But definitely the perfect example of one that needs to get to full maturity

Same thoughts exactly

 

[TDW05]

Shoot

 

[MickThompson]

Shoot the deer that makes you happy and don't worry about the rest. Pretty good chance he range shifts any day now

 

[tn24]

He looks young but I'm old. He's gonna be dead unless I miss.

 

[swampbadger]

I would unload my quiver or my magazine or all my ML speed loaders until that deer was DRT. (Dead right there).

I don't get all wrapped up in the one shot one kill thing. Shooting is fun and I'm not dressed up and spending my time in the woods to be nice to nice bucks.

 

[nate17]

Public or private shouldn't be a factor imo. If you would be happy with punching your tag on him, you should do exactly that. With that being said, I can't tell you how many public land bucks that I have first hand experience with that make it year after year in heavily pressured areas.

 

[Crappieaddict]

Yes