Post by: time2hunt on June 15, 2023, 10:39:33 PM
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Post by: Wingin it on June 15, 2023, 11:04:23 PM
Post by: huntnphool on June 16, 2023, 12:09:37 AM
It’s all about the mass!
Post by: hunter399 on June 16, 2023, 12:13:06 AM
My opinion,I don't hunt other states.
Problem is our herds are managed for dink spike bucks,meat buck,doe harvest.
Washington sometimes you gotta take what is available/legal/ .
Post by: kentrek on June 16, 2023, 01:46:27 AM
Post by: Ridgerunner on June 16, 2023, 07:25:55 AM
My rule of thumb is whatever is a good buck in other states take 20" off for here. So if you think a good buck is 175 in Wyoming, here it'd be about 155.
Post by: muleyslayer#1 on June 16, 2023, 07:28:03 AM
Post by: Rainier10 on June 16, 2023, 07:43:29 AM
Post by: boneaddict on June 16, 2023, 07:54:25 AM
Post by: boneaddict on June 16, 2023, 08:01:12 AM
Post by: buckfvr on June 16, 2023, 08:08:34 AM
Just curious what qualifies as a big buck in this state ? What does a buck need to score 150 , 160 , 170 or the magical 180 plus ?
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Focusing on score will lead mostly to disappointment. Learn to identify "mature" deer. Body, mass, and behavior are keys. Mules, deep forks, whites, long mains and brows, both specie, along with mass, lots of mass.
Not all bucks have the genetics to go high and wide. Being familiar with the bucks in your hunting areas is how you focus on hunting specific bucks that youve had an opportunity to judge realistically. If you are not hunting specific bucks then most likely you shoot what ever legal animal presents itself.
As far as whitetail go, across their range, 130 - 135 is the upper end of average and is actually bigger than the vast majority of the harvest. I have looked at many bucks friends have killed over the years and the ones they call 145 - 150, their big bucks, generally tape out at mid 130s. 2 of my biggest body wt bucks were huge bodied fat, tall and mature. One was 8.5 and the other 6.5 years old and both were low 130s. One had mass and caricature, the other had long mains and width to get there.
There are still some stud bucks out there, just fewer of them, harder to find and hunt. :twocents:
Post by: C-Money on June 16, 2023, 08:12:00 AM
Post by: hunter399 on June 16, 2023, 08:20:19 AM
I guess how big will he be.
It harder to judge than you may think.
Now keep in mind ,bigger buck this time of year will be branching.
Eye guards will be bigger,on a big buck for this time of year.
This guy is kinda small,but still decent.
Probably 3 year old ,maybe.
Post by: hunter399 on June 16, 2023, 08:38:44 AM
Those are my dirty little secret.
Where I'm going is ........
In Washington if you want a big one ,big big one.
You better be running 10-20 trail cam in a huge circle of your hunting spot.
You gotta hunt where the big ones live.
Tracks,sightings,trail cams,anything to put a big one in that hoove print.
Post by: Mtnwalker on June 16, 2023, 08:43:49 AM
Usually age class. Sometimes has nothing to do with antler score
:yeah: Here's a buck my wife killed a while back, I consider this a big buck. I see plenty of bucks that would score higher on out of state hunts that don't do nearly as much for me as this buck does. He was ancient old and just an absolute horse, I love looking at him on the wall even though he's only a 160's type buck. And yes, I realize the weapon safety is lacking in this photo :chuckle:
Post by: vandeman17 on June 16, 2023, 08:44:37 AM
Post by: zwickeyman on June 16, 2023, 08:59:44 AM
150-170 nice
170-185 big
185-195 toad
195 + giant
But like alot if folks say. Score is only 1 factor
Post by: time2hunt on June 16, 2023, 09:26:19 AM
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Post by: buckfvr on June 16, 2023, 09:46:23 AM
Usually age class. Sometimes has nothing to do with antler score
:yeah: Here's a buck my wife killed a while back, I consider this a big buck. I see plenty of bucks that would score higher on out of state hunts that don't do nearly as much for me as this buck does. He was ancient old and just an absolute horse, I love looking at him on the wall even though he's only a 160's type buck. And yes, I realize the weapon safety is lacking in this photo :chuckle:
Day one shooter.
Post by: kodiak06 on June 16, 2023, 09:53:41 AM
How big is this WT.
I guess how big will he be.
It harder to judge than you may think.
Now keep in mind ,bigger buck this time of year will be branching.
Eye guards will be bigger,on a big buck for this time of year.
This guy is kinda small,but still decent.
Probably 3 year old ,maybe.
That deer's young, his body tells that, looks 2.5
Post by: buckfvr on June 16, 2023, 10:00:57 AM
How big is this WT.
I guess how big will he be.
It harder to judge than you may think.
Now keep in mind ,bigger buck this time of year will be branching.
Eye guards will be bigger,on a big buck for this time of year.
This guy is kinda small,but still decent.
Probably 3 year old ,maybe.
That deer's young, his body tells that, looks 2.5
MIGHT be 2, or younger with decent genetics, but also NOT a shooter, not even close.
Post by: boneaddict on June 16, 2023, 10:36:40 AM
I'll go out on a limb and say most respectable 170 bucks get called 200 inchers by the average bloke.
It doesnt matter how you hold the cellphone to make that buck bigger. It still isnt 200
Post by: Karl Blanchard on June 16, 2023, 10:48:23 AM
score wise.....I just know there are alot of 200 inch bucks in Washington (roll eyes) where really most wouldnt know a 200 inch buck if it smacked em in the head. Sorta like 400 inch bulls or 400 pound black bears.truer words have never been spoken :chuckle:
I'll go out on a limb and say most respectable 170 bucks get called 200 inchers by the average bloke.
It doesnt matter how you hold the cellphone to make that buck bigger. It still isnt 200
Post by: muleyslayer#1 on June 16, 2023, 10:56:22 AM
score wise.....I just know there are alot of 200 inch bucks in Washington (roll eyes) where really most wouldnt know a 200 inch buck if it smacked em in the head. Sorta like 400 inch bulls or 400 pound black bears.Every 4x4 frame mule deer is a 200” in Washington. We all know that.
I'll go out on a limb and say most respectable 170 bucks get called 200 inchers by the average bloke.
It doesnt matter how you hold the cellphone to make that buck bigger. It still isnt 200
Post by: fishngamereaper on June 16, 2023, 11:00:01 AM
Big for me...mass. Regardless of score mass just makes them look bigger..
And if where talking expectations in WA. 160 is a good deer for any of the quality mule deer hunts. A 120 blacktail and a 140 whitetail respectively...
Post by: time2hunt on June 16, 2023, 11:16:36 AM
that is what I was getting at with this topic. Yes we have a few big bucks left in this state. But very far and few between. Field judging deer is a hard thing to due. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post by: phildobaggins on June 16, 2023, 11:39:48 AM
Scored it to the best of my ability at 163" haha
Post by: vandeman17 on June 16, 2023, 11:43:03 AM
Post by: kentrek on June 16, 2023, 11:45:15 AM
Field judging deer is a hard thing to due.
When you've sized up bucks on the hoof and then later was able to put your hands on them what has been your most misjudged feature?
@boneaddict
@Karl Blanchard
@time2hunt
Post by: hunter399 on June 16, 2023, 11:52:50 AM
Can't eat the antlers,young ones eat good.
Shoot em all big or small. :chuckle:
Post by: hunter399 on June 16, 2023, 12:00:00 PM
Still packing last year antler.
Unicorn baby. :chuckle:
Sometimes it's not the size,but the trash on the side.
Post by: time2hunt on June 16, 2023, 12:19:56 PM
Mass is a must!!! then you need that main frame/beam then it’s tine lengths g2-g4 and those need to be 10 inches plus to get you anywhere close to 170. As for me it’s usually tine length that the hardest to judge. At 300 yard 7 inch and 10 inches is hard to tell but but is a huge deal when you 2-3 inches off on 6 measurements. Those magical 180 buck drop to 165 real quick.Field judging deer is a hard thing to due.
When you've sized up bucks on the hoof and then later was able to put your hands on them what has been your most misjudged feature?
@boneaddict
@Karl Blanchard
@time2hunt
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Post by: jjhunter on June 16, 2023, 12:28:24 PM
Post by: boneaddict on June 16, 2023, 12:39:39 PM
Field judging deer is a hard thing to due.
When you've sized up bucks on the hoof and then later was able to put your hands on them what has been your most misjudged feature?
@boneaddict
@Karl Blanchard
@time2hunt
I suspect main beam is the hardest and mistakes add up or deduct quickly. It’s also tied with spread credit so need to pay attention.
Somebody mentioned crabs. Need to pay attention to the weak forks. Score is only as good as it’s weakest spot
Post by: hunter399 on June 16, 2023, 12:55:30 PM
What about the buck in my avatar .Field judging deer is a hard thing to due.
When you've sized up bucks on the hoof and then later was able to put your hands on them what has been your most misjudged feature?
@boneaddict
@Karl Blanchard
@time2hunt
I suspect main beam is the hardest and mistakes add up or deduct quickly. It’s also tied with spread credit so need to pay attention.
Somebody mentioned crabs. Need to pay attention to the weak forks. Score is only as good as it’s weakest spot
What does he score?
What say you.
Post by: kentrek on June 16, 2023, 12:57:05 PM
Mass is a must!!! then you need that main frame/beam then it’s tine lengths g2-g4 and those need to be 10 inches plus to get you anywhere close to 170. As for me it’s usually tine length that the hardest to judge. At 300 yard 7 inch and 10 inches is hard to tell but but is a huge deal when you 2-3 inches off on 6 measurements. Those magical 180 buck drop to 165 real quick.Field judging deer is a hard thing to due.
When you've sized up bucks on the hoof and then later was able to put your hands on them what has been your most misjudged feature?
@boneaddict
@Karl Blanchard
@time2hunt
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
For me it's the mass that tosses off the time length judgement and then the body size will mess with the mass judgement...i struggle at official field judging and have been 10% off pretty consistent lol in a snap i stick to age, junky bases, having the weaknesses and strengths cancele each other out...hard to have much weak when over 190s but if it does it needs to be balanced out by somthing exceptional...if the goal is somthing big I find the weaknesses 1st...if it the goal is somthing decent I look for the strengths 1st
Post by: boneaddict on June 16, 2023, 12:57:19 PM
Post by: hunter399 on June 16, 2023, 12:58:13 PM
Until I get a better look, I'd say 140sThat's spot on I think.
Just an average 4x4.
Bone ,what does the buck in your avatar score out. Alot of trash on that guy.
Post by: hunter399 on June 16, 2023, 01:05:36 PM
I think when a deer gets a 180” frame is when they look/are big.What does that buck score in your avatar.
If you don't mind me asking.
I've never had a buck scored,or scored a buck,
Just pictures and sports shows and stores where it shows the score.
I also want to say it's bigger than it looks,cause your sitting next to it.
And not two arm length behind it. :chuckle:
Post by: boneaddict on June 16, 2023, 01:05:57 PM
When you run out of fingers and toes to count points, its probably a shooter. LOL
That one would probably take a panel of judges
Post by: Karl Blanchard on June 16, 2023, 01:07:14 PM
Field judging deer is a hard thing to due.
When you've sized up bucks on the hoof and then later was able to put your hands on them what has been your most misjudged feature?
@boneaddict
@Karl Blanchard
@time2hunt
I suspect main beam is the hardest and mistakes add up or deduct quickly. It’s also tied with spread credit so need to pay attention.
Somebody mentioned crabs. Need to pay attention to the weak forks. Score is only as good as it’s weakest spot
I'd eco this as well. I fancy myself as having a pretty good eyecrometer at this point in my life. I've been fortunate enough to measure many heads, probably 150 or more and almost always guys over judge on main beams and a close second is mass, though mass makes up far less of a deers score than length (even though mass is one of the coolest characteristics of a big deer). I'd say the vast majority of 150-170 deer I've measured have had 20-23" main beams.
The difference between an average deer and a heavy deer is literally like 2" per side, but short mains can have a catastrophic effect on total score. We took a buck in CO a few years back that was an absolutely perfect typical 4x4 but he only had 18" main beams and no eye guards. Grossed 182 missing all those attributes. If he had even moderate mains and eye guards he would have surely booked.
The stuff that trips me up is the crazy long stuff. The stuff that makes you think "no way can that be that long". Like 22" G2's etc. I ALWAYS judge conservatively though so it's usually a surprise for the better.
Field judging isn't rocket science, it's just math. Most guys seem to shoot from the hip when it comes to Field judging. "He looks 170 all day". Well he may look it but do the math. 5 length measurements, 4 mass measurements, and a spread credit (not to exceed the longest main beam). Simple as that. Error on the conservative side. I don't even try and guess main beam length anymore I just give em 22" on a mature buck when Field judging and you'll never be disappointed.
I think when a deer gets a 180” frame is when they look/are big.So true. They just don't even look like a real animal when they get that big. No brainer shooter.
Post by: boneaddict on June 16, 2023, 01:09:27 PM
Exactly. Thats a great point about mass. and toss in, its always measured at the smallest spot
Post by: Karl Blanchard on June 16, 2023, 01:18:28 PM
Post by: boneaddict on June 16, 2023, 01:31:05 PM
Post by: hunter399 on June 16, 2023, 01:38:24 PM
That buck in your avatar is 130 hunter399I shoot 130 bucks all day. :chuckle: :chuckle:
Big is different for everyone. :chuckle:
Post by: time2hunt on June 16, 2023, 01:39:54 PM
Start with 22-24 main beam and 15-18 inch mass a side . Punch the number and see what it takes to make 180.
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Post by: phildobaggins on June 16, 2023, 01:41:34 PM
THe newest trick besides long arming is the angle with a cellphone camera. They do great about enhancing "depth perception and size" I'll be very vague as to not upset anybody, but there was a nice buck that showed up on here this year and everyone was through the roof on size. I dont think they paid much attention to ear length, etc. I'd still love to see that buck in person or the scoresheet because eventhough I thought it was a nice deer, I think it got blown out of the park in score. Curiosity wasnt worth raining on someone's parade even though the question was legit. So beware of the cell phone pic.
I can think of a couple :chuckle:
Post by: Karl Blanchard on June 16, 2023, 01:48:59 PM
wasn't insinuating he was small or big, simply answering your question of what he will score.That buck in your avatar is 130 hunter399I shoot 130 bucks all day. :chuckle: :chuckle:
Big is different for everyone. :chuckle:
Post by: Jimmy33 on June 16, 2023, 01:56:20 PM
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Post by: Ricochet on June 16, 2023, 02:52:40 PM
THe newest trick besides long arming is the angle with a cellphone camera. They do great about enhancing "depth perception and size" I'll be very vague as to not upset anybody, but there was a nice buck that showed up on here this year and everyone was through the roof on size. I dont think they paid much attention to ear length, etc. I'd still love to see that buck in person or the scoresheet because eventhough I thought it was a nice deer, I think it got blown out of the park in score. Curiosity wasnt worth raining on someone's parade even though the question was legit. So beware of the cell phone pic.
Isn't it the male prerogative to overestimate size? :chuckle: It's always educational to post pics of bucks or bulls with a known official score and see how close people can guess.
Post by: greenhead_killer on June 16, 2023, 03:09:37 PM
Post by: huntnnw on June 16, 2023, 03:31:10 PM
How big is this WT.
I guess how big will he be.
It harder to judge than you may think.
Now keep in mind ,bigger buck this time of year will be branching.
Eye guards will be bigger,on a big buck for this time of year.
This guy is kinda small,but still decent.
Probably 3 year old ,maybe.
That deer is 1 or a very little 2 yr old. A whitetail buck that scores over 150” when he’s done will be branching at G3’s by early June . I’ve gotten to watch a ton of big bucks grow over the last 30 years. Here is example of a big buck.. June 4.. this bucked grossed in 170’s
Post by: huntnnw on June 16, 2023, 03:37:56 PM
How big is this WT.
I guess how big will he be.
It harder to judge than you may think.
Now keep in mind ,bigger buck this time of year will be branching.
Eye guards will be bigger,on a big buck for this time of year.
This guy is kinda small,but still decent.
Probably 3 year old ,maybe.
That deer is 1 or a very little 2 yr old. A whitetail buck that scores over 150” when he’s done will be branching at G3’s by early June . I’ve gotten to watch a ton of big bucks grow over the last 30 years. Here is example of a big buck.. June 4.. this bucked grossed in 170’s. Your genetically blessed deer get shot usually well before being mature , because people get caught up in inches. I’ve seen 2 yr old whitetails that were very decent 5x5’s and those bucks were on their way to being huge bucks at 5 plus
Post by: hunter399 on June 16, 2023, 05:11:55 PM
Not every habitat+genics is gonna be same as your spot.How big is this WT.
I guess how big will he be.
It harder to judge than you may think.
Now keep in mind ,bigger buck this time of year will be branching.
Eye guards will be bigger,on a big buck for this time of year.
This guy is kinda small,but still decent.
Probably 3 year old ,maybe.
That deer is 1 or a very little 2 yr old. A whitetail buck that scores over 150” when he’s done will be branching at G3’s by early June . I’ve gotten to watch a ton of big bucks grow over the last 30 years. Here is example of a big buck.. June 4.. this bucked grossed in 170’s. Your genetically blessed deer get shot usually well before being mature , because people get caught up in inches. I’ve seen 2 yr old whitetails that were very decent 5x5’s and those bucks were on their way to being huge bucks at 5 plus
Just saying.
Post by: Ironhead on June 16, 2023, 05:14:06 PM
I personally looked at well over 1400 bucks in Washington last year on some pretty good winter range and never saw one that even sniffed that score. I was also in the Wyoming summer range last year and saw one mid 190"s the first morning I was there. Just depends on the area, some have everything they need to grow giant bucks others have what it takes to grow nice bucks.
Post by: buckfvr on June 16, 2023, 05:40:15 PM
Not every habitat+genics is gonna be same as your spot.How big is this WT.
I guess how big will he be.
It harder to judge than you may think.
Now keep in mind ,bigger buck this time of year will be branching.
Eye guards will be bigger,on a big buck for this time of year.
This guy is kinda small,but still decent.
Probably 3 year old ,maybe.
That deer is 1 or a very little 2 yr old. A whitetail buck that scores over 150” when he’s done will be branching at G3’s by early June . I’ve gotten to watch a ton of big bucks grow over the last 30 years. Here is example of a big buck.. June 4.. this bucked grossed in 170’s. Your genetically blessed deer get shot usually well before being mature , because people get caught up in inches. I’ve seen 2 yr old whitetails that were very decent 5x5’s and those bucks were on their way to being huge bucks at 5 plus
Just saying.
Genetic traits wont be obvious in such a young deer (which that is), and as far as my experiences go, I have found stud bucks in virtually every nook and cranny in n.e. wa., to include every 100 unit. The habitat is there, in most instances its age class thats the missing link. Hard to find, yes, without a bunch of effort.
Post by: jrebel on June 16, 2023, 08:25:43 PM
This buck was killed on a special draw muzzy hunt and to be totally honest.....looking for that "big" buck kind of took the fun out of that hunt. I passed a lot of very nice, heavy, goofy horned bucks because I had it in my head I wanted one that scores well. Never ever will I make that mistake again. The internet and hunting channels have really changed the sport for the worse in my opinion. I'm not against trophy hunters at all.....it's just not what most hunters get in the game for. Find the "one" that just makes you happy and drop the hammer.....who cares what it scores. :twocents: :twocents:
Post by: BKMFR on June 16, 2023, 09:03:22 PM
Draw tags, general season, different weapons all play a big role in defining a Big Buck to me....
Post by: MADMAX on June 16, 2023, 09:26:53 PM
For me thats a big buck
Ive only ever had one deer scored
Taxi taped it at 161
Montana tall boy
I’ve always been a meat hunter
If its legal usually Im shooting
Especially general season Wa deer
I like venison 😜
Post by: huntnnw on June 16, 2023, 09:43:39 PM
Not every habitat+genics is gonna be same as your spot.How big is this WT.
I guess how big will he be.
It harder to judge than you may think.
Now keep in mind ,bigger buck this time of year will be branching.
Eye guards will be bigger,on a big buck for this time of year.
This guy is kinda small,but still decent.
Probably 3 year old ,maybe.
That deer is 1 or a very little 2 yr old. A whitetail buck that scores over 150” when he’s done will be branching at G3’s by early June . I’ve gotten to watch a ton of big bucks grow over the last 30 years. Here is example of a big buck.. June 4.. this bucked grossed in 170’s. Your genetically blessed deer get shot usually well before being mature , because people get caught up in inches. I’ve seen 2 yr old whitetails that were very decent 5x5’s and those bucks were on their way to being huge bucks at 5 plus
Just saying.
Still doesn’t change that the pic you posted is a 1yr old buck. I don’t have a “spot” I’ve hunted all over NE WA and N ID. Big whitetails are going to have alot antler in early June regardless of where they live. They arent going to be split at g2 in early June and magically start growing 4” a day and 150 plus
Post by: huntnphool on June 16, 2023, 10:12:11 PM
I think when a deer gets a 180” frame is when they look/are big.
Bingo, and FRAME doesn’t necessarily mean high score! :twocents:
For example, how many would pass on this Washington buck that has two short points?
Post by: huntnphool on June 16, 2023, 10:27:03 PM
Only 169”, but the 40”+ of mass and frame make it a giant…even with a 3” and 5” point! Had it matched the other sides, it would have been well over the 180 mark…but according to some on here, not a “big buck” :chuckle:
I have several bucks over 180 in this state, topped the 200” mark last season, and have never looked at “score” while sizing up a buck. Again for me, it’s all about mass!
Find a buck with mass and you have found a “mature” buck…which is all my family looks for. :twocents:
Post by: hunter399 on June 17, 2023, 12:23:06 AM
I'm getting a little frustrated with you and buck fever telling me how old deer are.Not every habitat+genics is gonna be same as your spot.How big is this WT.
I guess how big will he be.
It harder to judge than you may think.
Now keep in mind ,bigger buck this time of year will be branching.
Eye guards will be bigger,on a big buck for this time of year.
This guy is kinda small,but still decent.
Probably 3 year old ,maybe.
That deer is 1 or a very little 2 yr old. A whitetail buck that scores over 150” when he’s done will be branching at G3’s by early June . I’ve gotten to watch a ton of big bucks grow over the last 30 years. Here is example of a big buck.. June 4.. this bucked grossed in 170’s. Your genetically blessed deer get shot usually well before being mature , because people get caught up in inches. I’ve seen 2 yr old whitetails that were very decent 5x5’s and those bucks were on their way to being huge bucks at 5 plus
Just saying.
Still doesn’t change that the pic you posted is a 1yr old buck. I don’t have a “spot” I’ve hunted all over NE WA and N ID. Big whitetails are going to have alot antler in early June regardless of where they live. They arent going to be split at g2 in early June and magically start growing 4” a day and 150 plus
Not sure how big you think WT come out of the womb.
But here is a 1 yr old ,still with its mom.
YEARLING BUCK.
It's not a fawn,it doesn't have spots.
So if your so smart on deer age ,I guess this one is a month old.
I'm really starting to question your deer aging ability.
Post by: hunter399 on June 17, 2023, 12:38:04 AM
One of a 3 year old
One of a yearling buck
Time stamp included,not crop picture.
Might be good for you to see a pic of a yearling .
I also have another buck on the same cam that looks like a two year old.
Do I need to post that too.
Or are you too gonna get off my back.
Or better yet post your own pics,cause I'm not any more.
Post by: borntoslay on June 17, 2023, 12:39:19 AM
That buck has a 3” and 5” point and doesn’t meet some of your “big buck” criteria because it only scores 169”!Let's see that 200" !!
Only 169”, but the 40”+ of mass and frame make it a giant…even with a 3” and 5” point! Had it matched the other sides, it would have been well over the 180 mark…but according to some on here, not a “big buck” :chuckle:
I have several bucks over 180 in this state, topped the 200” mark last season, and have never looked at “score” while sizing up a buck. Again for me, it’s all about mass!
Find a buck with mass and you have found a “mature” buck…which is all my family looks for. :twocents:
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Post by: huntnnw on June 17, 2023, 03:22:54 AM
I'm getting a little frustrated with you and buck fever telling me how old deer are.Not every habitat+genics is gonna be same as your spot.How big is this WT.
I guess how big will he be.
It harder to judge than you may think.
Now keep in mind ,bigger buck this time of year will be branching.
Eye guards will be bigger,on a big buck for this time of year.
This guy is kinda small,but still decent.
Probably 3 year old ,maybe.
That deer is 1 or a very little 2 yr old. A whitetail buck that scores over 150” when he’s done will be branching at G3’s by early June . I’ve gotten to watch a ton of big bucks grow over the last 30 years. Here is example of a big buck.. June 4.. this bucked grossed in 170’s. Your genetically blessed deer get shot usually well before being mature , because people get caught up in inches. I’ve seen 2 yr old whitetails that were very decent 5x5’s and those bucks were on their way to being huge bucks at 5 plus
Just saying.
Still doesn’t change that the pic you posted is a 1yr old buck. I don’t have a “spot” I’ve hunted all over NE WA and N ID. Big whitetails are going to have alot antler in early June regardless of where they live. They arent going to be split at g2 in early June and magically start growing 4” a day and 150 plus
Not sure how big you think WT come out of the womb.
But here is a 1 yr old ,still with its mom.
YEARLING BUCK.
It's not a fawn,it doesn't have spots.
So if your so smart on deer age ,I guess this one is a month old.
I'm really starting to question your deer aging ability.
You do you.. I’ve done this allot more seriously than you for allot longer. That buck you posted like I said is 1 years old! Meaning it was born last spring. His first year with antlers. There is no way that buck is 3! I also stated it’s a small 2 yr old possibly. I’m not looking at antlers. Looking at body composition
This buck is 3 and I know this cause I’ve watched him
Post by: muleyslayer#1 on June 17, 2023, 04:50:26 AM
That buck has a 3” and 5” point and doesn’t meet some of your “big buck” criteria because it only scores 169”!The amount of people that say they saw a 200” buck when in reality it was probably a 170-180 always blows my mind. Biggest buck I’ve seen in WA was probably 180-190. I’ve only seen real absolute giants in either MT or ID while hunting but they were on private land we didn’t have access too.
Only 169”, but the 40”+ of mass and frame make it a giant…even with a 3” and 5” point! Had it matched the other sides, it would have been well over the 180 mark…but according to some on here, not a “big buck” :chuckle:
I have several bucks over 180 in this state, topped the 200” mark last season, and have never looked at “score” while sizing up a buck. Again for me, it’s all about mass!
Find a buck with mass and you have found a “mature” buck…which is all my family looks for. :twocents:
Post by: Mtnwalker on June 17, 2023, 06:47:02 AM
That buck has a 3” and 5” point and doesn’t meet some of your “big buck” criteria because it only scores 169”!Let's see that 200" !!
Only 169”, but the 40”+ of mass and frame make it a giant…even with a 3” and 5” point! Had it matched the other sides, it would have been well over the 180 mark…but according to some on here, not a “big buck” :chuckle:
I have several bucks over 180 in this state, topped the 200” mark last season, and have never looked at “score” while sizing up a buck. Again for me, it’s all about mass!
Find a buck with mass and you have found a “mature” buck…which is all my family looks for. :twocents:
Sent from my SM-G990U using Tapatalk
:yeah:
Post by: Karl Blanchard on June 17, 2023, 08:50:34 AM
:yeah:x3 :drool:That buck has a 3” and 5” point and doesn’t meet some of your “big buck” criteria because it only scores 169”!Let's see that 200" !!
Only 169”, but the 40”+ of mass and frame make it a giant…even with a 3” and 5” point! Had it matched the other sides, it would have been well over the 180 mark…but according to some on here, not a “big buck” :chuckle:
I have several bucks over 180 in this state, topped the 200” mark last season, and have never looked at “score” while sizing up a buck. Again for me, it’s all about mass!
Find a buck with mass and you have found a “mature” buck…which is all my family looks for. :twocents:
Sent from my SM-G990U using Tapatalk
:yeah:
Post by: Ironhead on June 17, 2023, 09:39:39 AM
I have several bucks over 180 in this state, topped the 200” mark last season, and have never looked at “score” while sizing up a buck. Again for me, it’s all about mass!
[/quote]
I saw a picture of your buck from last year. He is true WA giant.
Post by: dilleytech on June 17, 2023, 09:47:21 AM
Post by: hunter399 on June 17, 2023, 10:08:16 AM
Exactly and I believe you.I'm getting a little frustrated with you and buck fever telling me how old deer are.Not every habitat+genics is gonna be same as your spot.How big is this WT.
I guess how big will he be.
It harder to judge than you may think.
Now keep in mind ,bigger buck this time of year will be branching.
Eye guards will be bigger,on a big buck for this time of year.
This guy is kinda small,but still decent.
Probably 3 year old ,maybe.
That deer is 1 or a very little 2 yr old. A whitetail buck that scores over 150” when he’s done will be branching at G3’s by early June . I’ve gotten to watch a ton of big bucks grow over the last 30 years. Here is example of a big buck.. June 4.. this bucked grossed in 170’s. Your genetically blessed deer get shot usually well before being mature , because people get caught up in inches. I’ve seen 2 yr old whitetails that were very decent 5x5’s and those bucks were on their way to being huge bucks at 5 plus
Just saying.
Still doesn’t change that the pic you posted is a 1yr old buck. I don’t have a “spot” I’ve hunted all over NE WA and N ID. Big whitetails are going to have alot antler in early June regardless of where they live. They arent going to be split at g2 in early June and magically start growing 4” a day and 150 plus
Not sure how big you think WT come out of the womb.
But here is a 1 yr old ,still with its mom.
YEARLING BUCK.
It's not a fawn,it doesn't have spots.
So if your so smart on deer age ,I guess this one is a month old.
I'm really starting to question your deer aging ability.
You do you.. I’ve done this allot more seriously than you for allot longer. That buck you posted like I said is 1 years old! Meaning it was born last spring. His first year with antlers. There is no way that buck is 3! I also stated it’s a small 2 yr old possibly. I’m not looking at antlers. Looking at body composition
This buck is 3 and I know this cause I’ve watched him
But if I post a pic ,you won't believe me.
The only reason I used these pics from this cam is because there is a bunch of dinky bucks on it.
It's not a honey hole.
YEARLING buck story time.
That yearling buck will stay with its mom till fall.
It will grow spikes 4-6 in long.
Fall a bigger buck will bump him away from its mom.
He will lag behind its mom and the bigger buck.
A hunter will jump them,mom and big boy will run off to the next county.
Yearling buck will still be lagging behind and stand there like stupid in front of the hunter.
BOOM
Your in NE Washington. Tag notched.
Habitat and genics story time.
I agree that habitat is great in the NE.
But genics for big bucks is not always the case.
That cam is on public that is hunted very hard.
In these areas genics for big boys can be gone.
Because these bucks never have a chance to reach mature status.
All the big boys with good genics are gone,genics have been shot out by hunters.
In areas that border private land or areas that are not hunted at all ,there is a mature buck holed up there. He then is able to pass his genics on to the next fawns.
Without being shot. The area will have better genics for BIG BUCKS.
As you said habitat is great here,that's also why I only use the iodine salt block.
Cause I don't care about there antler. I'm trying to help the deer/elk/moose get the nutritional stuff from there habitat. But at the same time not harm them in any way,through drought,and other weather conditions.
JUST AN FYI
I've lived in the NE my whole life.
I run 10-20 cams a year probably in a 50 mile circle of my hunting spots.
Not every spot is same,you would know this if you where doing the same.
You most likely are better at ageing mature bucks then me.
That doesn't mean your better every time.
Because I've lived here my whole life,I have a pretty good idea where your cams are at.
I won't be posting any honey hole pics this year.
You could just agree with me from time to time.
Post by: kentrek on June 17, 2023, 10:57:44 AM
:yeah:x3 :drool:That buck has a 3” and 5” point and doesn’t meet some of your “big buck” criteria because it only scores 169”!Let's see that 200" !!
Only 169”, but the 40”+ of mass and frame make it a giant…even with a 3” and 5” point! Had it matched the other sides, it would have been well over the 180 mark…but according to some on here, not a “big buck” :chuckle:
I have several bucks over 180 in this state, topped the 200” mark last season, and have never looked at “score” while sizing up a buck. Again for me, it’s all about mass!
Find a buck with mass and you have found a “mature” buck…which is all my family looks for. :twocents:
Sent from my SM-G990U using Tapatalk
:yeah:
:yeah:
I can't agree more on the frame and mass, two years ago a tag holder was after the 200" number and passed on a perfect typical 190...he shot a much smaller frame deer with trash that put him right at 200. We then killed a high 170s typical later on and that 200 seemed like it could fit inside it
What each individual considers big or cool is pretty personal and il support them all !
Post by: borntoslay on June 17, 2023, 11:15:54 AM
Thanks 399. Don't let people get to you like that. I think most guys here are just trying to hash things out in a logical, respectful way for the most part. Unless it's that one guy that has always has something to say about whatever bigmacc says.Exactly and I believe you.I'm getting a little frustrated with you and buck fever telling me how old deer are.Not every habitat+genics is gonna be same as your spot.How big is this WT.
I guess how big will he be.
It harder to judge than you may think.
Now keep in mind ,bigger buck this time of year will be branching.
Eye guards will be bigger,on a big buck for this time of year.
This guy is kinda small,but still decent.
Probably 3 year old ,maybe.
That deer is 1 or a very little 2 yr old. A whitetail buck that scores over 150” when he’s done will be branching at G3’s by early June . I’ve gotten to watch a ton of big bucks grow over the last 30 years. Here is example of a big buck.. June 4.. this bucked grossed in 170’s. Your genetically blessed deer get shot usually well before being mature , because people get caught up in inches. I’ve seen 2 yr old whitetails that were very decent 5x5’s and those bucks were on their way to being huge bucks at 5 plus
Just saying.
Still doesn’t change that the pic you posted is a 1yr old buck. I don’t have a “spot” I’ve hunted all over NE WA and N ID. Big whitetails are going to have alot antler in early June regardless of where they live. They arent going to be split at g2 in early June and magically start growing 4” a day and 150 plus
Not sure how big you think WT come out of the womb.
But here is a 1 yr old ,still with its mom.
YEARLING BUCK.
It's not a fawn,it doesn't have spots.
So if your so smart on deer age ,I guess this one is a month old.
I'm really starting to question your deer aging ability.
You do you.. I’ve done this allot more seriously than you for allot longer. That buck you posted like I said is 1 years old! Meaning it was born last spring. His first year with antlers. There is no way that buck is 3! I also stated it’s a small 2 yr old possibly. I’m not looking at antlers. Looking at body composition
This buck is 3 and I know this cause I’ve watched him
But if I post a pic ,you won't believe me.
The only reason I used these pics from this cam is because there is a bunch of dinky bucks on it.
It's not a honey hole.
YEARLING buck story time.
That yearling buck will stay with its mom till fall.
It will grow spikes 4-6 in long.
Fall a bigger buck will bump him away from its mom.
He will lag behind its mom and the bigger buck.
A hunter will jump them,mom and big boy will run off to the next county.
Yearling buck will still be lagging behind and stand there like stupid in front of the hunter.
BOOM
Your in NE Washington. Tag notched.
Habitat and genics story time.
I agree that habitat is great in the NE.
But genics for big bucks is not always the case.
That cam is on public that is hunted very hard.
In these areas genics for big boys can be gone.
Because these bucks never have a chance to reach mature status.
All the big boys with good genics are gone,genics have been shot out by hunters.
In areas that border private land or areas that are not hunted at all ,there is a mature buck holed up there. He then is able to pass his genics on to the next fawns.
Without being shot. The area will have better genics for BIG BUCKS.
As you said habitat is great here,that's also why I only use the iodine salt block.
Cause I don't care about there antler. I'm trying to help the deer/elk/moose get the nutritional stuff from there habitat. But at the same time not harm them in any way,through drought,and other weather conditions.
JUST AN FYI
I've lived in the NE my whole life.
I run 10-20 cams a year probably in a 50 mile circle of my hunting spots.
Not every spot is same,you would know this if you where doing the same.
You most likely are better at ageing mature bucks then me.
That doesn't mean your better every time.
Because I've lived here my whole life,I have a pretty good idea where your cams are at.
I won't be posting any honey hole pics this year.
You could just agree with me from time to time.
Just because someone disagrees, it doesn't mean they're attacking you. All those little bucks are a year or two old. Who cares?! Let's just look at them. Hope you don't stop sharing picsSent from my SM-G990U using Tapatalk
Post by: boneaddict on June 17, 2023, 11:41:39 AM
(https://hosting.photobucket.com/albums/v47/boneaddict/bucks2/.highres/heart_zps3b794d45.jpg)
Post by: hunter399 on June 17, 2023, 12:17:47 PM
The nice thing about most 200 inch bucks is that you don’t have to worry about field judging them, and if you do, you better be up on your math skills.BOL.
(https://hosting.photobucket.com/albums/v47/boneaddict/bucks2/.highres/heart_zps3b794d45.jpg)
Buck of lifetime right there.
Post by: muleyslayer#1 on June 17, 2023, 12:19:27 PM
Post by: boneaddict on June 17, 2023, 01:01:21 PM
(https://hosting.photobucket.com/albums/v47/boneaddict/bonesbucks/.highres/oldwar_zpsmfafyibl.jpg)
Post by: MeepDog on June 17, 2023, 01:04:44 PM
This is what I consider one of the rarest trophies in this state. An old recessed super buck. He has survived the elements, roadkill, poaching, non stop predator, technology, bounties on his head or what we call gov tags. Unbelievable hunting pressure from about August 1st to shedding, and even shed hunting pressure. Heck, he survived huntwa. He has eluded it all!I've only seen 1 old white face like that! It's a benchleg we get on camera every once in awhile that has regressed to dink antlers with split up ears from years of fighting. Those deer are far more interesting than some genetically blessed 3.5yo in my opinion.
(https://hosting.photobucket.com/albums/v47/boneaddict/bonesbucks/.highres/oldwar_zpsmfafyibl.jpg)
Post by: muleyslayer#1 on June 17, 2023, 01:16:02 PM
This is what I consider one of the rarest trophies in this state. An old recessed super buck. He has survived the elements, roadkill, poaching, non stop predator, technology, bounties on his head or what we call gov tags. Unbelievable hunting pressure from about August 1st to shedding, and even shed hunting pressure. Heck, he survived huntwa. He has eluded it all!That is an awesome buck Doug!
(https://hosting.photobucket.com/albums/v47/boneaddict/bonesbucks/.highres/oldwar_zpsmfafyibl.jpg)
Post by: dvolmer on June 17, 2023, 02:49:05 PM
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Post by: dvolmer on June 17, 2023, 03:50:06 PM
Post by: Dan-o on June 17, 2023, 03:57:41 PM
The nice thing about most 200 inch bucks is that you don’t have to worry about field judging them, and if you do, you better be up on your math skills.
(https://hosting.photobucket.com/albums/v47/boneaddict/bucks2/.highres/heart_zps3b794d45.jpg)
Oh geez.... :drool: :drool:
Post by: Dan-o on June 17, 2023, 04:03:05 PM
That buck has a 3” and 5” point and doesn’t meet some of your “big buck” criteria because it only scores 169”!
Only 169”, but the 40”+ of mass and frame make it a giant…even with a 3” and 5” point! Had it matched the other sides, it would have been well over the 180 mark…but according to some on here, not a “big buck” :chuckle:
I have several bucks over 180 in this state, topped the 200” mark last season, and have never looked at “score” while sizing up a buck. Again for me, it’s all about mass!
Find a buck with mass and you have found a “mature” buck…which is all my family looks for. :twocents:
You got a 200" buck last season?
No way!
Pics or it didn't happen!
(Disclaimer: I've seen the rack and even took some pics. It's a great buck.) :chuckle: :chuckle:
Post by: Dan-o on June 17, 2023, 04:07:43 PM
I think you and some others are right.
It is DEFINITELY not all about inches on a tape.
Post by: time2hunt on June 17, 2023, 04:35:16 PM
Great Washington bucks
. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post by: borntoslay on June 17, 2023, 05:08:02 PM
Let's see it!! It's too bad a lot of guys dont put up pictures on here anymore. I wanna see all the picturesThat buck has a 3” and 5” point and doesn’t meet some of your “big buck” criteria because it only scores 169”!
Only 169”, but the 40”+ of mass and frame make it a giant…even with a 3” and 5” point! Had it matched the other sides, it would have been well over the 180 mark…but according to some on here, not a “big buck” :chuckle:
I have several bucks over 180 in this state, topped the 200” mark last season, and have never looked at “score” while sizing up a buck. Again for me, it’s all about mass!
Find a buck with mass and you have found a “mature” buck…which is all my family looks for. :twocents:
You got a 200" buck last season?
No way!
Pics or it didn't happen!
(Disclaimer: I've seen the rack and even took some pics. It's a great buck.) :chuckle: :chuckle:
Sent from my SM-G990U using Tapatalk
Post by: borntoslay on June 17, 2023, 05:08:29 PM
DvolmerAgreed, thanks Dvolmer
Great Washington bucks
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Sent from my SM-G990U using Tapatalk
Post by: M_ray on June 17, 2023, 09:11:54 PM
Let's see it!! It's too bad a lot of guys dont put up pictures on here anymore. I wanna see all the picturesThat buck has a 3” and 5” point and doesn’t meet some of your “big buck” criteria because it only scores 169”!
Only 169”, but the 40”+ of mass and frame make it a giant…even with a 3” and 5” point! Had it matched the other sides, it would have been well over the 180 mark…but according to some on here, not a “big buck” :chuckle:
I have several bucks over 180 in this state, topped the 200” mark last season, and have never looked at “score” while sizing up a buck. Again for me, it’s all about mass!
Find a buck with mass and you have found a “mature” buck…which is all my family looks for. :twocents:
You got a 200" buck last season?
No way!
Pics or it didn't happen!
(Disclaimer: I've seen the rack and even took some pics. It's a great buck.) :chuckle: :chuckle:
Sent from my SM-G990U using Tapatalk
He’s a true giant! Good news is that I watched him breed two different doe’s 13 times so the gene is still around. Also I thought he’d go 200 when I laid eyes on him and phool is being very modest cause he ended up closer to 210 than 200.
What makes a big buck? I don’t know I’m still looking for one! :dunno: :chuckle:
In all seriousness many have already made good points about what to look for but one thing I might add without repeating much of what has already been said. An official scorer told me one thing that makes a huge difference in determining deep forks is where the fork starts. Of coarse this wouldn’t matter unless your looking for a high scoring buck but in other words I now look for the fork to start closer to the main beam. You can be fooled by a large frame that appears deep and then loose 10-15 inch cause the forks are half way up from the main beam. It’s actually really quick to see once your looking for it!
Post by: boneaddict on June 18, 2023, 06:51:21 AM
I'm trying to find one of those 200 inch 4 points. They are just safer to pack out than one of those with points going in every direction, a guy could lose an eye packing one of those beasts out, especially in two feet of snow. :chuckle:
Post by: boneaddict on June 18, 2023, 08:17:00 AM
Post by: M_ray on June 18, 2023, 09:16:54 AM
Post by: jjhunter on June 19, 2023, 05:12:45 PM
I think when a deer gets a 180” frame is when they look/are big.What does that buck score in your avatar.
If you don't mind me asking.
I've never had a buck scored,or scored a buck,
Just pictures and sports shows and stores where it shows the score.
I also want to say it's bigger than it looks,cause your sitting next to it.
And not two arm length behind it. :chuckle:
I taped him at 185/186”. He’s a little weak in the back end, but pretty good everywhere else and 4.5” brows help for sure. 27” wide.
Post by: hunter399 on June 19, 2023, 05:22:38 PM
He is a giant.I think when a deer gets a 180” frame is when they look/are big.What does that buck score in your avatar.
If you don't mind me asking.
I've never had a buck scored,or scored a buck,
Just pictures and sports shows and stores where it shows the score.
I also want to say it's bigger than it looks,cause your sitting next to it.
And not two arm length behind it. :chuckle:
I taped him at 185/186”. He’s a little weak in the back end, but pretty good everywhere else and 4.5” brows help for sure. 27” wide.
Sweet looking deer.
Stud deer.
Post by: huntnphool on June 19, 2023, 11:07:28 PM
I think when a deer gets a 180” frame is when they look/are big.What does that buck score in your avatar.
If you don't mind me asking.
I've never had a buck scored,or scored a buck,
Just pictures and sports shows and stores where it shows the score.
I also want to say it's bigger than it looks,cause your sitting next to it.
And not two arm length behind it. :chuckle:
I taped him at 185/186”. He’s a little weak in the back end, but pretty good everywhere else and 4.5” brows help for sure. 27” wide.
“Big Buck” and stud for sure! :tup:
Post by: huntnphool on June 19, 2023, 11:10:26 PM
That buck has a 3” and 5” point and doesn’t meet some of your “big buck” criteria because it only scores 169”!The amount of people that say they saw a 200” buck when in reality it was probably a 170-180 always blows my mind. Biggest buck I’ve seen in WA was probably 180-190. I’ve only seen real absolute giants in either MT or ID while hunting but they were on private land we didn’t have access too.
Only 169”, but the 40”+ of mass and frame make it a giant…even with a 3” and 5” point! Had it matched the other sides, it would have been well over the 180 mark…but according to some on here, not a “big buck” :chuckle:
I have several bucks over 180 in this state, topped the 200” mark last season, and have never looked at “score” while sizing up a buck. Again for me, it’s all about mass!
Find a buck with mass and you have found a “mature” buck…which is all my family looks for. :twocents:
Agreed!
Post by: jjhunter on June 21, 2023, 08:35:22 PM
I usually pay attention to mass and the back forks on a mule deer. I always say mass trumps width. But that’s just my opinion.
Or mass on the back forks?
Post by: boneaddict on June 21, 2023, 08:36:21 PM
Post by: kentrek on June 21, 2023, 08:56:59 PM