How often are mule deer eye guards greater than 1"?

[UW_Nerd]

I am fairly new to deer hunting in Washington and have found this site's wealth of knowledge invaluable! While scouting GMU's with 3 point restrictions, I have come across a few 2x2 mulies with eye guards. I know that the law says "Antler points must be at least one inch long measured from the longest side, including eye guards" but how confident can one really be that an eye guard is greater than an inch from 100+ yards away? Are they typically "legal", do people guess the length and make an on the spot decision, or do you simply pass on these? I was considering the latter but would like to get your thoughts.
Thanks,
Nerd

[Kazekurt]

I've yet to shoot a buck with eye guards less than 1" but it is possible.  Wardens will break out the tape measure if it's close so bare that in mind.

[boneaddict]

Where is that popcorn eating smiley?

most Muley eye guards if they have them are under two inches.  Many are way smaller.   Shoot at your own risk.

[UW_Nerd]

Thanks Kazekurt and boneaddict. So do you pass on 2x2's with eye guards or make an on the spot decision?

[vandeman17]

I see more mulies without eye guards than with in general but doesn't mean a lot don't have them. If you can see them from over 100 yards away I would THINK that they are at least an inch long. With that said, when in doubt, don't shoot. It's just not worth it. 

[dmoua]

I have seen few muley bucks with eye guards that are over the 1" mark but many that are under 1". If I have any doubt at all then I just don't shoot. Not worth it or in other words not big enough. Good binoculars come in handy during these situations.

[Henrydog]

Bone is correct we need the popcorn eating guy.  This could get good.  And it is only about Mule deer points, wait until it digresses to benchleg points

[WAcoueshunter]

Thanks Kazekurt and boneaddict. So do you pass on 2x2's with eye guards or make an on the spot decision?

Pretty sure Kazekurt and Bone don't shoot many two points.   

But yes, I think the point is you need to make an on the spot decision, but know that 95% (or more) of two points either don't have an eye guard at all, or have one that wouldn't make the 1" cut.  I can think of very very few two points that I've seen where the eye guard makes it legal.

[Buckmark]

Personaly i have never taken a mulie based on the eye guards, all have been branched but of the ones that i have taken that did have eye guards some were clearly over an inch after walking up and seeing it and some would be real close or under. 1 inch is not very long but i would not risk it, if in doubt let it walk, if you have to squint through the nocks to see it, let it walk.

I let walk a 3x2 (not eye guards) one evening that i was not sure on the the 3x side being legal,  only to see him the next evening and another hunter took him, i walked up and noticed that he was legal after all but about 1/2 inch, still to close for me....

[UW_Nerd]

Thanks everyone! Your advice and willingness to share knowledge are much appreciated. I like Buckmarks "if in doubt let it walk".
Have a good opener,
Nerd

[PastorJoel]

My 3x3 mule from last year with 3 eye guards.  All 2+ inches (eye-ball measurement).  I ALMOST got the whole deer the in the pot.

*** I got bored and measured them.  2 1/4", 2 1/4", 3"  ***

[Henrydog]

Pastor Joel, you did not really boil that skull in the kitchen did you? My wife would have hung and skinned me.  If so, you sir are a stud. 

[huntnphool]

Where is that popcorn eating smiley?

most Muley eye guards if they have them are under two inches.  Many are way smaller.   Shoot at your own risk.

+1

[dmoua]

Longest eye-guard on a muley I have seen. My cousin's 2015 buck.

[PastorJoel]

Pastor Joel, you did not really boil that skull in the kitchen did you? My wife would have hung and skinned me.  If so, you sir are a stud.

   No, I boiled it outside on my deck.  I heated the water up on the stove first before going outside.  Put the skull in to check fit or something.  I don't recall, but I do know I used the back deck.