Should I take the first deer or wait for a potential Buck

[swilliams921]

This is my first year bow hunting and this late season is going to be my only chance to hunt in Washington. I’m Navy and I’m scheduled to deploy next fall possibly September and not coming back after I leave. I have permission to hunt a 20 acre property on Whidbey Island where I have found multiple scrapes along with several old rubs with one fresh rub that was done recently. So obviously there is a buck that is claiming that territory. I was always thinking that I should just take the first good shot I can to take my first deer with a bow but the thought of there being an Alpha male in here is making me want to wait. I haven’t hunted in years and even then didn’t know much about playing the winds. This area typically has favorable winds for my stand location but I have seen it swirl. The woods around this open spot is really thick and I have found a bedding area close so I do run the possibility of scaring them out of there by hunting the area too much.

Should I just go for the first deer and hope this buck is it or should I wait? If the winds are right and some does come around to feed I will hold off to wait either way but I won’t be leaving the tree stand with deer hanging out as I doubt I will be able to get out of there without spooking them anyway.


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[jrebel]

Only you can answer that.   

[Magnum_Willys]

A bird in the hand......

We all want to wait for that "oh geez thats it" moment but tag soup if it never happens.  But doing the prep, enjoying the time spent outdoors, time with friends and harvesting quality table fare can make even the smallest buck or doe a trophy worth smiling about. 

[fishngamereaper]

Depends how much time you have..If you have two weeks then enjoy the time in the woods and be picky..If you just want meat take an ethical shot and be happy.

[Ridgeratt]

Ask your self this simple question:

If there was no one to ask if it's big enough or just how much would it score to get social acceptance/approval. If you shot it would you be happy with it?

I know the argument if you shoot a little one you will never shoot a big one. Alas if you hold out dinner is going to be instead of venison perhaps  Top Ramen!!   

[cem3434]

Do you have meat in the freezer? That should answer your question. I passed up 4 smaller bucks this year, but I have about 300 lbs of game meat in the freezer and could afford to eat my tag.

[Sitka_Blacktail]

If getting meat is a priority, then take what you can be sure of getting. It definitely won't hurt the herd to take a doe on Whidbey.  If you want to enjoy hunting as long as possible and try for a big boy, hold off.  An extra bonus from waiting is you'll see more deer and observe how they act in the area. Sort of an extended scouting trip for info if you ever hunt there again. (although you've indicated you won't be coming back)

In the end, it's your decision.

[JDHasty]

We have a 2017 elk and a deer in the freezer, the question is easy for me.  But I do know a couple people who need meat and if time runs out I may take a doe.  Don't want to take out a fork buck I might want in three years.

In your situation I would probably take the first legal deer though.  Nothing like taking a deer with a bow to build confidence.   

[swilliams921]

You guys have a good point. I don’t have meat in my freezer so I’m gonna have to take the first one and maybe just keep going back to get pictures of whatever is marking all that territory.


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[Boss .300 winmag]

Whidbey is full of deer, give a few days.

Spray some doe sent on your boots, or drag a rag on the way to your stand. 

[WapitiTalk1]

Shoot "a" deer, call it a day. Thanks for your service mister.

[Pnwrider]

The famous “don’t pass on a deer the first day, that you would take on your last” comes to mind.


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[solomtnhunter]

A bird in the hand......

2yrs without meat in the freezer so