Hunting Washington Forum

Big Game Hunting => Deer Hunting => Topic started by: jrebel on October 31, 2012, 04:00:16 PM

Title: Would you shoot opening day?
Post by: jrebel on October 31, 2012, 04:00:16 PM: Assuming you have the late muzzy tag for the mission unit (Nov 25-30) would you shoot this buck opening day?

How wide is he?
What is an estimated score?

I know...who cares about numbers, but I don't get to hunt big bucks a lot and am just doing my homework before the hunt. I am studying bucks and estimating width and scores.

Thanks

Johnny
Title: Re: Would you shoot opening day?
Post by: h20hunter on October 31, 2012, 04:01:55 PM: In a heartbeat......no thinking twice....BOOM!
Title: Re: Would you shoot opening day?
Post by: cleem-j3(BBD!!!) on October 31, 2012, 04:03:24 PM: I'd shoot :mgun: but thats just me im not a trophy hunter though. So i dont know
Title: Re: Would you shoot opening day?
Post by: HighCountryHunter88 on October 31, 2012, 04:03:38 PM: thats a 1 in.... uh... a very big number buck right there shoot him!!!!
Title: Re: Would you shoot opening day?
Post by: Special T on October 31, 2012, 04:04:33 PM: Boom! Oh ya... i'd shoot him! :chuckle:
Title: Re: Would you shoot opening day?
Post by: Holg3107 on October 31, 2012, 04:06:13 PM: I would say 23" wide and around a 165" buck. Nice solid buck overall and it depends on what you consider trophy quality. You cant shoot a 180" deer if you dont pass up 160" deer :twocents:
Title: Re: Would you shoot opening day?
Post by: h2ofowlr on October 31, 2012, 04:06:36 PM: Nah, I'm sure you can find a bigger one when everyone is out stomping around. :chuckle:
Title: Re: Would you shoot opening day?
Post by: 270Flat on October 31, 2012, 04:07:24 PM: Done deal right there. BOOM!!
Title: Re: Would you shoot opening day?
Post by: MtnMuley on October 31, 2012, 04:07:36 PM: Be a tough call. I love dark horns and mass. Put him right near 162" No doubt, a dandy.
Title: Would you shoot opening day?
Post by: Ridgerunner on October 31, 2012, 04:10:59 PM: Pretty nice buck and a good example of what you probably don't want to see opening day, if you like to go big or go home then pass, but I would say he is better than most guys will kill on that tag, tough decision though.
Title: Re: Would you shoot opening day?
Post by: doyourtime89 on October 31, 2012, 04:11:52 PM: Any day!!!
Title: Re: Would you shoot opening day?
Post by: Buckmark on October 31, 2012, 04:13:15 PM: I like the dark horns, nice typical pretty buck. I'd notch the tag due to the antler color..
Title: Re: Would you shoot opening day?
Post by: Kola16 on October 31, 2012, 04:14:51 PM: 165-170 I would say (no expert) Yes lead would be flying. I love those dark horns :drool:
Title: Re: Would you shoot opening day?
Post by: 724wd on October 31, 2012, 04:20:33 PM: opening day, second day, last day.... any open day! :mgun2:
Title: Re: Would you shoot opening day?
Post by: huntandjeep on October 31, 2012, 04:25:45 PM: :yeah:
Title: Re: Would you shoot opening day?
Post by: brokenvet on October 31, 2012, 04:30:09 PM: Only idiots on TV who would not shot that buck.
Title: Re: Would you shoot opening day?
Post by: Austrian Hunter on October 31, 2012, 04:39:42 PM: I would say pending on your unit, did you see better bucks in there? This buck looks mighty fine to me :dunno:
Title: Re: Would you shoot opening day?
Post by: ing on October 31, 2012, 04:46:24 PM: Yep
Title: Would you shoot opening day?
Post by: jackelope on October 31, 2012, 04:48:28 PM: I think he's 160 and I would probably shoot. I know some would probably pass. He looks to be about the same frame size as the buck in my avatar with much better fronts.
Title: Re: Would you shoot opening day?
Post by: Woodchuck on October 31, 2012, 04:52:16 PM: Yup, no question, no hesitation.
Title: Re: Would you shoot opening day?
Post by: teanawayslayer on October 31, 2012, 05:01:14 PM: 24 and yes definitely a shooter no doubt
Title: Re: Would you shoot opening day?
Post by: Huntbear on October 31, 2012, 05:13:28 PM: If it is legal it dies.
Title: Re: Would you shoot opening day?
Post by: bobcat on October 31, 2012, 05:19:01 PM: That's a heck of a nice buck. I'd have a real hard time passing it up, especially considering you're hunting with a muzzleloader, and also you only have a short, 6 day season.

The only way I'd pass on that buck, is if I had done some pre-season scouting and had located one, or more, bigger bucks.
Title: Re: Would you shoot opening day?
Post by: spin05 on October 31, 2012, 05:20:36 PM: No....I would hold out for a smaller one...
Title: Re: Would you shoot opening day?
Post by: D-Rock425 on October 31, 2012, 05:24:05 PM: I only kilk slick heads.
Title: Re: Would you shoot opening day?
Post by: cmiller85 on October 31, 2012, 05:37:39 PM: Quote from: jrebel on October 31, 2012, 04:00:16 PM
I know...who cares about numbers

Lots of people...Otherwise special permits would be easier to draw.

From my experience, tip to tip on an adult mule deer is about 22". Based on that, I'd say he is 24-25" wide.

His back left fork looks weak and because of that I'd guess him to net somewhere around 155". I can't really tell if his front tine is making the back fork look shallower than it really is tho.

I probably wouldn't shoot him on opening day (on a special permit tag) unless I had done a lot of scouting and things weren't looking too hot.
Title: Re: Would you shoot opening day?
Post by: Jingles on October 31, 2012, 05:44:46 PM: I'd hold off on shooting him right away but as soon as he stood up and gave me a clean shot he fall back down with lead poisoning.
Title: Re: Would you shoot opening day?
Post by: bobcat on October 31, 2012, 05:47:49 PM: Quote from: Jingles on October 31, 2012, 05:44:46 PM
I'd hold off on shooting him right away but as soon as he stood up and gave me a clean shot he fall back down with lead poisoning.

:chuckle:
Title: Re: Would you shoot opening day?
Post by: jrebel on October 31, 2012, 05:48:38 PM: This all great information. I do have the tag in mention and am looking for a bruiser. I have already started my scouting and this buck in on private property. Not sure if he will be there in three weeks, but if so I have permission to hunt. The real scouting will take place on the 20th....I have 5 days before the season and all 6 days of the season off. Fortuneately I live real close, unfortunately I know what caliber of deer I could see. I have literally been judgeing deer all year and I don't want to pass on something that I will regret later....but I have set my goal of 160 class or bigger. Now I just need to get good at judgeing bucks.
Title: Re: Would you shoot opening day?
Post by: Rainier10 on October 31, 2012, 05:49:33 PM: Around 160 and I love the dark antlers so I would shoot in a heartbeat unless I knew there was a bigger one just around the corner. Even then it would be tough to let that one walk not knowing that the one around the corner was still there. If you have never shot anything above 145 I would shoot this guy.
Title: Re: Would you shoot opening day?
Post by: littlemac on October 31, 2012, 05:51:30 PM: Not having shot anything near that size I would most likely shoot.

My first elk hunt I considered not shooting a 6 X 6 three hours into a five day hunt. After a short decision period I shot my first elk (3 minutes). There were four guys in camp and I saw the only shooter bull that first morning, scouted the next four days and never saw another shooter bull.

I had a moose hanging on the wall and wanted something nicer on a 10 day hunt, passed many "nice" bulls waiting and came home empty. No disappointment though as I had a plan and saw 26 shooters by the end of ten days. Maybe the best hunt I have taken.

Shoot that buck, heck yeah!
Title: Re: Would you shoot opening day?
Post by: chad s. on October 31, 2012, 05:51:53 PM: I've never seen one that big in the mission unit! I'd say he's 25", tall, dark horns, and girth. I wouldn't hesitate to shoot that buck in that unit.
Title: Re: Would you shoot opening day?
Post by: bobcat on October 31, 2012, 05:54:09 PM: Again, I think that's a great buck. No, it may not score as high as some, but who cares.

I'm not a real fan of the really wide bucks. I'd rather have the height, and this buck has that. Plus he's real symmetrical, and as others have said, nice dark antlers.

That's for sure an opening day buck for me. It's even better with a muzzleloader.
Title: Re: Would you shoot opening day?
Post by: jrebel on October 31, 2012, 05:56:02 PM: Totally a guess....but I think my biggest buck is probably closer to 125-135. Basket rack 4x4 20 inches wide with small to medium forks.

My dads blacktail grossed 120ish and netted 106 and it is a hog for a blacktail.

This is why the question was posted....in washington I don't get chances like I should have this year. I don't want to waste it, but also don't want to shoot a buck that I should have passed.

My thoughts...

See what scouting produces.
Pinpoint a few big boys and hunt them for the first 4 days.
Day 5 and 6 any 4x4 that has any or all charectristics....wide, tall, goofy, charecter....etc.
Day 6 12th hour....anything with horns dies. I like jerky to much to eat paper.
Title: Re: Would you shoot opening day?
Post by: csaaphill on October 31, 2012, 05:57:45 PM: Yes without a doubt.
Um dont score well so can't comment on that but Ya I'd shoot.
Title: Re: Would you shoot opening day?
Post by: deleted BGS on October 31, 2012, 05:59:35 PM: 23" wide, not a 160 buck. but a shooter even on the first day, too big to pass on during a 5 day hunt.
Title: Would you shoot opening day?
Post by: sirmissalot on October 31, 2012, 06:07:32 PM: I'd say he's 22-24 wide and a definite shooter. Wouldn't say he's over 160 but a nice looking buck for sure.
Title: Re: Would you shoot opening day?
Post by: mkcj on October 31, 2012, 06:14:49 PM: This is a buck I shot in 09' in 218 (late tag) I scored it at 163 I think it's close? he's 27 1/2" wide. I never thought twice about not shooting it he's all the buck I ever wanted. Some said I didn't do the tag justice but like I said he's the buck of my dreams so if that will make you happy notch your tag! Good luck by the way.
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi445.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fqq177%2Fmkcj%2FHunting%252009%2FP1040764.jpg&hash=942e8309457757f59e859849df21c63fd53f577b)
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi445.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fqq177%2Fmkcj%2FHunting%252009%2FP1030905.jpg&hash=098edb871eb11bc49f14666b08bf2400086db9f8)
Title: Re: Would you shoot opening day?
Post by: Jingles on October 31, 2012, 06:17:12 PM: Figure 22 to 23 ear tip to ear tip + 2 inches each side beyond ear tips figure 25 to 27
I came up with the 22 to 23 ear tip to ear tip because his ears are about in the same position as the one I have hanging on my wall
Title: Re: Would you shoot opening day?
Post by: throttlejocky20 on October 31, 2012, 07:03:32 PM: :bfg:
Title: Re: Would you shoot opening day?
Post by: deleted BGS on October 31, 2012, 07:08:50 PM: Quote from: mkcj on October 31, 2012, 06:14:49 PM
This is a buck I shot in 09' in 218 (late tag) I scored it at 163 I think it's close? he's 27 1/2" wide. I never thought twice about not shooting it he's all the buck I ever wanted. Some said I didn't do the tag justice but like I said he's the buck of my dreams so if that will make you happy notch your tag! Good luck by the way.
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi445.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fqq177%2Fmkcj%2FHunting%252009%2FP1040764.jpg&hash=942e8309457757f59e859849df21c63fd53f577b)
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi445.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fqq177%2Fmkcj%2FHunting%252009%2FP1030905.jpg&hash=098edb871eb11bc49f14666b08bf2400086db9f8)

I think your buck is quite a bit bigger! This one has small forks and looks to have less mass and width. Others are thinking like me, 22-25" and definitely not 160 but a shooter for sure.

Your buck does not put that tag to shame, thats a great buck
Title: Re: Would you shoot opening day?
Post by: Dan-o on October 31, 2012, 07:10:10 PM: I'm having a hard time believing ANYBODY would pass up a buck like that, ever.

But that's just me.
Title: Re: Would you shoot opening day?
Post by: jackelope on October 31, 2012, 07:38:06 PM: This buck is 149 and change. 25" wide. I think 22" inside if I remember correctly. The buck in question is bigger than mine.
Title: Re: Would you shoot opening day?
Post by: fishngamereaper on October 31, 2012, 07:56:59 PM: Would you shoot it on the last day............

If you said yes than you should shoot it on the first day. Dandy buck in my book.
Title: Would you shoot opening day?
Post by: mp.hunter on October 31, 2012, 08:04:52 PM: Good topic! I have the same tag and the same questions. I would shoot that deer for sure!
Title: Re: Would you shoot opening day?
Post by: Rainier10 on October 31, 2012, 08:08:15 PM: Quote from: jrebel on October 31, 2012, 05:56:02 PM
Totally a guess....but I think my biggest buck is probably closer to 125-135. Basket rack 4x4 20 inches wide with small to medium forks.

My dads blacktail grossed 120ish and netted 106 and it is a hog for a blacktail.

This is why the question was posted....in washington I don't get chances like I should have this year. I don't want to waste it, but also don't want to shoot a buck that I should have passed.

My thoughts...

See what scouting produces.
Pinpoint a few big boys and hunt them for the first 4 days.
Day 5 and 6 any 4x4 that has any or all charectristics....wide, tall, goofy, charecter....etc.
Day 6 12th hour....anything with horns dies. I like jerky to much to eat paper.
I think you are on the right track, and I still say shoot that one.
Title: Would you shoot opening day?
Post by: Ridgerunner on October 31, 2012, 08:24:40 PM: I think you have a good plan, the only problem is when the rut kicks in those bucks can really travel and where they will be day to day can be a big unknown, he may be close or five miles away.
Title: Re: Would you shoot opening day?
Post by: Mudman on October 31, 2012, 08:27:50 PM: What you crazy? SHOOT him!
Title: Re: Would you shoot opening day?
Post by: jrebel on October 31, 2012, 08:30:54 PM: Quote from: Ridgerunner on October 31, 2012, 08:24:40 PM
I think you have a good plan, the only problem is when the rut kicks in those bucks can really travel and where they will be day to day can be a big unknown, he may be close or five miles away.

Totally agree and understand that. That is why the 5 days of scouting before the season is the most important. Also it is important for me to know if I pass...I may not ever get another chance at any one deer. That is kinda what makes this so exciting. I am so darn excited, I could almost piss my pants. And mind you I have been hunting for 25+ years.
Title: Re: Would you shoot opening day?
Post by: Skyvalhunter on October 31, 2012, 08:32:37 PM: Nope wouldnt shoot him he is out of the Mission unit :chuckle:
Title: Would you shoot opening day?
Post by: stickbuck on October 31, 2012, 08:43:27 PM: Would never pass that buck! Shooter for sure! Good luck with your tag jrebel.
Title: Re: Would you shoot opening day?
Post by: BENCHLEG on October 31, 2012, 09:35:53 PM: i say pass him that way you can either see some other lucky hunter take a picture with him. or antlerking will find his sheds. :chuckle: :chuckle: i would kill that sucker good luck. :twocents: :twocents:
Title: Re: Would you shoot opening day?
Post by: RifleRidge on October 31, 2012, 09:39:26 PM: If I would shot it on the last day.. I would shot it on the first day!.... Meat on table.. :twocents: :twocents: :twocents:
Title: Re: Would you shoot opening day?
Post by: bullfisher on October 31, 2012, 10:13:46 PM: Not trying to offend anyone here but this was a stupid question.
Title: Re: Would you shoot opening day?
Post by: RifleRidge on October 31, 2012, 10:15:59 PM: Quote from: bullfisher on October 31, 2012, 10:13:46 PM
Not trying to offend anyone here but this was a stupid question.

:yeah: :yeah:
Title: Re: Would you shoot opening day?
Post by: B.G.hunter on October 31, 2012, 10:20:11 PM: [img]This is my buck from Idaho last year. It grossed 163 with a 26" spread and that buck looks similar in size. I would shoot him on any day of your season.
Title: Re: Would you shoot opening day?
Post by: CamoDup on October 31, 2012, 10:21:49 PM: no question i would shoot it! i have hunted that unit for the past 4 years and thats the nicest buck i have seen in there.
Title: Re: Would you shoot opening day?
Post by: jackelope on October 31, 2012, 10:21:57 PM: Quote from: bullfisher on October 31, 2012, 10:13:46 PM
Not trying to offend anyone here but this was a stupid question.

Naahh. Lots of folks would pass that buck with a late season/migration unit/deer in the rut permit. Especially those who have killed bigger, and especially on the 1st day.
Title: Re: Would you shoot opening day?
Post by: uplandhunter870 on October 31, 2012, 10:25:33 PM: what were you saying? im sorry i had a hard time hearing you over the sound of my gun going off. :chuckle:

heck yeah, any day of that tag that bad boy would be getting an all expenses paid trip to my wall and freezer
Title: Re: Would you shoot opening day?
Post by: cem3434 on October 31, 2012, 10:36:14 PM: I would shoot that deer any day of the week and twice on Sunday on this state. That is a respectable buck for any gmu in this state.
Title: Re: Would you shoot opening day?
Post by: RifleRidge on October 31, 2012, 10:56:57 PM: Quote from: jackelope on October 31, 2012, 10:21:57 PM
Quote from: bullfisher on October 31, 2012, 10:13:46 PM
Not trying to offend anyone here but this was a stupid question.

Naahh. Lots of folks would pass that buck with a late season/migration unit/deer in the rut permit. Especially those who have killed bigger, and especially on the 1st day.

Really? :twocents: :yike:
Title: Re: Would you shoot opening day?
Post by: Pathfinder101 on November 01, 2012, 09:39:12 AM: In my book that's a dead buck, any time, any unit... :tup:
Title: Re: Would you shoot opening day?
Post by: Boss .300 winmag on November 01, 2012, 09:53:03 AM: I dont know thats gonna be some tough eating, cant you find a barly leagal 3PT around there! :chuckle: :chuckle: Boom goes the GUN!
Title: Re: Would you shoot opening day?
Post by: Kc_Kracker on November 01, 2012, 10:09:42 AM: Quote from: jrebel on October 31, 2012, 04:00:16 PM
Assuming you have the late muzzy tag for the mission unit (Nov 25-30) would you shoot this buck opening day?

How wide is he?
What is an estimated score?

I know...who cares about numbers, but I don't get to hunt big bucks a lot and am just doing my homework before the hunt. I am studying bucks and estimating width and scores.

Thanks

Johnny

Johnny id shoot that boy any day, any hour, hell id chase him with a rock if my gun jammed :chuckle:
Title: Re: Would you shoot opening day?
Post by: Elkrunner on November 01, 2012, 10:18:22 AM: If they are legal, I don't hesitate. Not in this state
Title: Re: Would you shoot opening day?
Post by: Elkpiss on November 01, 2012, 10:19:26 AM: Quote from: MtnMuley on October 31, 2012, 04:07:36 PM
Be a tough call. I love dark horns and mass. Put him right near 162" No doubt, a dandy.
I love dark horns and mass too, and if you havent hunted alot of rut mule deer hunts have fun on trying to Pass on a buck like that unless you have someone there with you saying no No no No Dont shoot that thing would be a opening day dead buck.. that is a stud IMO... I will tell you this, it is hard so hard passing big buck after big buck on those special tags.. Unless you have killed several big muley's that is...
Title: Re: Would you shoot opening day?
Post by: jrebel on November 01, 2012, 12:03:59 PM: Quote from: Elkpiss on November 01, 2012, 10:19:26 AM
Quote from: MtnMuley on October 31, 2012, 04:07:36 PM
Be a tough call. I love dark horns and mass. Put him right near 162" No doubt, a dandy.
I love dark horns and mass too, and if you havent hunted alot of rut mule deer hunts have fun on trying to Pass on a buck like that unless you have someone there with you saying no No no No Dont shoot that thing would be a opening day dead buck.. that is a stud IMO... I will tell you this, it is hard so hard passing big buck after big buck on those special tags.. Unless you have killed several big muley's that is...

I couldn't agree more. I am going to have a hard time not shooting a lot of bucks I will see, but I am determined to give it hell and go after a big one. I assume I will not be able to hunt the rut with a muzzy again for atleast 5-10 years in this state, so I am determined not to shoot a buck I could shoot durring the regular season. a lot of factors play into this however....like can I get close enough, weather, scouting info, etc.

Bullfisher

You did not offend me. I personally have seen bigger deer in this and neighboring GMU's. They are few and far between so it is always a gamble. I am not the best at judging so I thought I would get fellow hunters opinions on how big this buck really is. I have set a personal goal of 160 class deer. Not that the number is everything but you have to have start somewhere.
Title: Re: Would you shoot opening day?
Post by: woodywsu on November 01, 2012, 12:12:42 PM: That buck should get close to meeting your personal goal jrebel. He's right at 160 and would be damn hard to pass on. Smoke em.
Title: Re: Would you shoot opening day?
Post by: pianoman9701 on November 01, 2012, 12:15:55 PM: No way! Is this his mother's milk dripping off those lips? :chuckle: :chuckle:

I would shoot that buck any day of the season and in my dreams, all year long!
Title: Re: Would you shoot opening day?
Post by: Seabass on November 01, 2012, 12:33:08 PM: I think the decision to pull the trigger or loose an arrow is a personl one. Therefore my opinion is irrelevant. Each person has there own rationale for what they are doing and as long as they are obeying the law it should remain that way.
Title: Re: Would you shoot opening day?
Post by: Pathfinder101 on November 01, 2012, 12:55:13 PM: I had time to read all the way through this thread at lunch.
I think he's 160". The buck in my avatar came in right at 160" (green) with a 22" spread. This buck has more mass than mine, but smaller backs. I would think that would even out. I know this is a great year for antler growth with the wet spring, but I don't know that I would hold out for one bigger than that on ANY year here in Washington.

It is true that there are some people on this site that would pass on that buck, but as has been mentioned earlier they already have bigger bucks on the wall and (...and this is key) they would be willing to eat the tag. I do not, and I would not. Dead buck if it was me... :tup:
Title: Re: Would you shoot opening day?
Post by: Kowsrule30 on November 01, 2012, 01:04:32 PM: I wouldn't want to eat that tag.... To me the buck looks to be in the 160 class.... If that's your goal go after him the first day... I would personally shoot that deer or anything close to it on day one.... But my biggest muley is in the 140's....
Title: Re: Would you shoot opening day?
Post by: bear hunter on November 01, 2012, 01:09:34 PM: Quote from: jrebel on October 31, 2012, 04:00:16 PM
Assuming you have the late muzzy tag for the mission unit (Nov 25-30) would you shoot this buck opening day?

How wide is he?
What is an estimated score?

I know...who cares about numbers, but I don't get to hunt big bucks a lot and am just doing my homework before the hunt. I am studying bucks and estimating width and scores.

Thanks

Johnny
If you don't shoot I will. BOOM :sry: You waited to long LOL
Title: Re: Would you shoot opening day?
Post by: Rainier10 on November 01, 2012, 01:13:45 PM: I keep coming back to this thread because I love the dark antlers on this guy. I was having a tough time with the back left side like cmiller in his post. The more I look at that photo the more I think it is just the angle making that back fork look small, the picture is just to grainy to tell.

No matter what that back fork is I say shoot unless you already have a couple of 150-160s on the wall, then maybe hold out but be willing to eat the tag. I think you said you have nice buck but not over 140 so I would say shoot this one at first light opening day. And like Seabass said it is the guy behind the trigger who has to ultimately decide so if it looks good to you shoot.

Good luck, I hope you connect on the buck of your lifetime.
Title: Re: Would you shoot opening day?
Post by: elkoholic1 on November 01, 2012, 04:02:42 PM: DURRRRR!!!!!!!!!!! :mgun:
Title: Re: Would you shoot opening day?
Post by: Chesapeake on November 01, 2012, 04:39:02 PM: Thats a darn good buck for muzzy anywhere. The biggest problem with muzzy is that just because you decide to take the animal, doesnt mean you'll get to. Alot depends on if they are in a position you can move on and get in range ect...... Its not like a high power rifle where you can shoot 500 yards.

You may very well have blown stalks, maybe several, and moving deer you cant get in on before they wander off.
Plus there is 15 other tag holders that may take that deer if you pass making it one less good one for later in the hunt.
For me, thats for sure a deer I'd try a stalk on opening morning. If I got in range and set up for the shot, I'd make the call then.
Alot will be decided based on what you see with your scouting the days before the opener. After that you'll know what you've got a chance at, and may have your mind set on a target.

That boy would be a wall hanger in my house. I could always shoot a bigger one next year.
Title: Re: Would you shoot opening day?
Post by: WonkyWapiti on November 01, 2012, 05:27:29 PM: I agree with Chesapeke. I switched to muzzy four seasons ago for deer and there is definitely alot that can go wrong trying to shoot a deer. If I was in your shoes and I was presented with that shot my thinking would be something like this. Is this animal bigger than anything I've taken before? Have I regularly seen larger animals during my scouting? How many days do I have left to hunt? How many other hunters are working this area? I would probably be hard pressed to pass that up unless I knew there was a monster that I was trying to target. Even then, I love venison too much that I would probably shoot. :)
Title: Re: Would you shoot opening day?
Post by: Jonathan_S on November 01, 2012, 07:54:07 PM: I would shoot that buck. I think if you're confident about a 160 buck you should put him down. I'd rather put down a 160 than chase a possible 175 and have to eat the tag for the 5-10 years
Title: Re: Would you shoot opening day?
Post by: dvolmer on November 01, 2012, 09:25:23 PM: This buck is a little bit bigger than you think. He has good mass all the way through. He is somewhere around 24 to 26 inches wide. It is hard to judge a buck with just one picture. The weak part is the back forks if the picture is correct. They might be deeper than what they appear. If you had a couple of pictures and at different angles it would be easier to judge. He is a good 155 to 170 depending on his fork depth that is hard to tell on a straight on picture. The two things you can tell (mass and width) are what you are looking for. I have a 168, 183, and a 186 gross all shot in Washington State in the mancave in the basement and if I had a muzzleloader tag with a shot opportunity in the State of Washington I would definitely take it. With a rifle tag and a lot of good scouting with a knowledge of a few bigger bucks in the area I might pass but I have muzzloaded for over 10 years now and shot opportunity and selection is a lot different than a rifle. I passed on two nice bucks in the muzzleloader season this year and on three others during rifle season (multi-season permit) and the ranch that I hunt on that has produced some big boys. I wouldn't pass on this buck. Especially with a muzzle tag.

good luck on your hunt! and remember that a trophy is in the eye of the beholder. Well I better get back to cutting and wrapping the two cow elk my daughters shot yesterday. Cant leave meat hanging in 60 degree weather.
Title: Re: Would you shoot opening day?
Post by: autodink13 on November 02, 2012, 09:11:12 AM: I would suggest stalking that guy. There's a good chance you might find bigger but it's hard to go from seeing a big buck to big buck down(muzzy). :twocents:
Title: Re: Would you shoot opening day?
Post by: Hi-Liter on November 02, 2012, 02:38:15 PM: Boom!
Title: Re: Would you shoot opening day?
Post by: boneaddict on November 02, 2012, 02:42:00 PM: and the smoke clears and there he lies. Next step, NOTCHING THE TAG.....
Title: Re: Would you shoot opening day?
Post by: wsucowboy on November 02, 2012, 02:46:38 PM: I'd have no problem shooting that buck! :twocents: