Hunting Washington Forum

Big Game Hunting => Deer Hunting => Topic started by: Pathfinder101 on November 07, 2009, 09:42:52 AM

Title: Hunting East MT, how big should I hold out for?
Post by: Pathfinder101 on November 07, 2009, 09:42:52 AM: OK, here's the situation;

I drew a Montana Deer A combo tag (no elk, just deer). I want to shoot a "good" mule deer. Here are the factors:

1. I have never hunted Montana before. No access to private land, this will be a BLM, state and Block Management land hunt only
2. After a lot of research, I have decided to hunt Eastern MT
3. Have hunted open country mule deer in SE Wa for 9 years, am comfortable with spot and stalk hunting mule deer.
4. Have killed a few "decent" muley bucks here in WA, mostly tall, light-horned, young deer. Nothing over 18" wide.
5. I have a solid week to hunt, leaving here on NOV 13th after work, returning on the 22nd (so I don't get divorced)
6. I am shooting a Rem 700 in .270 Win, 130 grain Noslers, comfortable out to 400 yards if I don't have a crosswind
7. I have decent (not spectacular) optics; Leupold 4X12 scope, Leupold 10X Binos, Alpen 36X Spotter.
8. Will be hunting with a buddy that just moved to MT a couple of years ago, but doesn't know Eastern MT any better than I do.

My question, for anyone with experience on that side of the state is, if you were me, how big a buck would you hold out for?
Title: Re: Hunting East MT, how big should I hold out for?
Post by: huntnphool on November 07, 2009, 09:55:40 AM: Can you be a little more specific as to where you are heading?
Title: Re: Hunting East MT, how big should I hold out for?
Post by: nwhunter on November 07, 2009, 09:56:07 AM: It probably depends where you are going. We are headed out on Wed for east Mt also planning to hunt south of malta on the resevoir. Have never been there so we are not sure what we are in for either but hope to see lots of 20 -22" bucks and maybe a few 24+. Have heard from guys who hunt there that is a realistic expectation if a guy will hike. Do you have the BMA map and info, that is very helpful. Good luck. nwhunter
Title: Re: Hunting East MT, how big should I hold out for?
Post by: boneaddict on November 07, 2009, 10:02:22 AM: The basic answer would be shoot whatever satisfies YOU.
Title: Re: Hunting East MT, how big should I hold out for?
Post by: mossback91 on November 07, 2009, 10:12:17 AM: Quote from: boneaddict on November 07, 2009, 10:02:22 AM
The basic answer would be shoot whatever satisfies YOU.

:yeah:
Title: Re: Hunting East MT, how big should I hold out for?
Post by: BLKBEARKLR on November 07, 2009, 10:13:54 AM: :yeah:

Could not agree more
Title: Re: Hunting East MT, how big should I hold out for?
Post by: Hooter on November 07, 2009, 10:21:05 AM: Eastern Montana is BIG country! But for what it's worth I think 22-25" four point is common. May not be too old a buck, but a decent animal. I guided North Central Montana and about 25" was normal, nice critter. Would see some good bucks each year in the 150-160 inch class, but they would find the tight, nasty coulees and let you go by, then out the back door! You will have fun and curse yourself for not having an Antelope tag! Around the Musselshell you can have both Whitetails & Mulies if you want a choice, not sure about the regs, its been a while.
Title: Re: Hunting East MT, how big should I hold out for?
Post by: huntnphool on November 07, 2009, 10:23:20 AM: Season ends tomorrow for pronghorn.
Title: Re: Hunting East MT, how big should I hold out for?
Post by: Basket Rack on November 07, 2009, 10:37:32 AM: Like others have posted, depends on what area you are headed, but a nice low to mid 20's buck should be achievable if you put your time in. Headed to MT myself next weekend and it can not get here soon enough. Good luck.
Title: Re: Hunting East MT, how big should I hold out for?
Post by: huntnphool on November 07, 2009, 10:39:44 AM: Sounds like a lot of us will be heading over next weekend
Title: Re: Hunting East MT, how big should I hold out for?
Post by: fishunt247 on November 07, 2009, 12:41:03 PM: Me included. I'm headed to the Milk River country. Holding out for mid 140's or better. I've never shot a buck over...maybe 120, maybe...and haven't hunted Montana before. I think my goal is realistic, probably low compared to most of you, but I'm young. I'd be way pickier with a permit tag in this state.
Title: Re: Hunting East MT, how big should I hold out for?
Post by: huntnphool on November 07, 2009, 01:06:55 PM: Do you shoot or pass?
Title: Re: Hunting East MT, how big should I hold out for?
Post by: Austrian Hunter on November 07, 2009, 01:35:58 PM: I shoot, :dunno:
Title: Re: Hunting East MT, how big should I hold out for?
Post by: mulehunter on November 07, 2009, 01:39:32 PM: Passed several just like this pic. Trying to find one I want. BUT Only if its the LAST DAY OF HUNTING, I probablly will take it. :chuckle:

Mulehunter ;)
Title: Re: Hunting East MT, how big should I hold out for?
Post by: fishunt247 on November 07, 2009, 01:45:09 PM: I'd shoot in a heartbeat, and be SUPER happy with it all the way back to WA. What...22" inside, even forks, eyeguards...upper 140's gross?
Title: Re: Hunting East MT, how big should I hold out for?
Post by: huntnphool on November 07, 2009, 01:47:21 PM: He probably makes the 150 range fishunt247
Title: Re: Hunting East MT, how big should I hold out for?
Post by: fishunt247 on November 07, 2009, 02:43:06 PM: I added the dimensions quickly after that post, and got exactly 150. We'd all rather be low then high, right. I'd be happy with him for sure. I hope to see him in a week.
Title: Re: Hunting East MT, how big should I hold out for?
Post by: Jackjr on November 07, 2009, 03:12:39 PM: Heading to E Mt on thursday too. First time over there. The clock cant move any slower :bash:.
Title: Re: Hunting East MT, how big should I hold out for?
Post by: bowtech721 on November 07, 2009, 03:17:29 PM: Quote from: fishunt247 on November 07, 2009, 02:43:06 PM
I added the dimensions quickly after that post, and got exactly 150. We'd all rather be low then high, right. I'd be happy with him for sure. I hope to see him in a week.
Id shoot in a heartbeat too but i was just wondering how you guys get the dimensions like that from a pic or in the field... i see that all the time on the site. I can see estimating fairly close but i see people say like that bucks 147 or 158 or this and that and i just want to know if im missing something.
Title: Re: Hunting East MT, how big should I hold out for?
Post by: fishunt247 on November 07, 2009, 03:55:32 PM: It's a guess man. And it was a rough guess. (I was happy to see that I was kinda close to phool's guess, actually a little under). And its from looking over a lot of deer. My figures: 22 inside, 20" mains, 14" G2, 6" G3, 9" G4, 2" eyeguards, first two masses a little over 4", other 2 a little over 3". Those are just really really rough figures, I was just guessing. I'm as annoyed with scores as anybody, its a shame we have to post measurements all the time, but that's how we quantify them so often, so it's accepted.
Title: Re: Hunting East MT, how big should I hold out for?
Post by: bowtech721 on November 07, 2009, 04:12:00 PM: thats what i thought but you guys are just a lot better than me :)
Title: Re: Hunting East MT, how big should I hold out for?
Post by: huntnphool on November 07, 2009, 04:24:55 PM: For those of you that have not hunted it before this is a sample of what you will likely see. Better bring good optics and be prepared to glass one spot for an extended period of time. The deer get in the finger draws and feed slowly. If leave too soon you may be missing your wall hanger. This buck is a good example of what we find a lot of. Decent buck, heavy body, good frame but short g3's. Loads of deer over there but finding one that "has it all" takes a lot of glassing.
Title: Re: Hunting East MT, how big should I hold out for?
Post by: lemondog on November 07, 2009, 04:53:10 PM: Last year the best bucks I saw (150-170 class) were all 2+ miles from the nearest road. We hunted Block Management. 4 guys hunting away from the road 1 to 3 miles for 6 days hard and we all saw better bucks than we shot after we shot them.....one 160 class buck was seen and one 170 class buck and and really good whitetail. I just had a really nice time hunting,seeing bucks and getting good long range stalks.Food for thought, do you want to hunt or just want a buck? The best one I saw was 2 hours into the first day! A heavy 4X5 around 165.....I ended up with a much smaller buck 5 days later and would not change a thing. You get to choose.....
Title: Re: Hunting East MT, how big should I hold out for?
Post by: huntnphool on November 07, 2009, 05:06:51 PM: :yike: Holy Crap, Lemondog lives!!!! I was wondering if all this Montana muley hunting would stir you out of hiding :chuckle:

Those are good points, M-Ray was ready to tag out 5 minutes into the hunt, being so used to hunting over here. You had better ask yourself those questions Lemondog is suggesting, and be ready for it.

Would you shoot that last buck? How about this one?
Title: Re: Hunting East MT, how big should I hold out for?
Post by: antlerbolic_bearoids on November 07, 2009, 05:30:03 PM: Morning of day 3 they both kick in the dirt, and I would be this guy ----> :IBCOOL: I'm leaving Tuesday after class, and I've got my standard in mind, but that might go out the window first thing. I'm 22 years old and I've been very fortunate to shoot some very nice deer, but have never held standards. Honestly, I was just as happy with the smallest buck I've ever shot as I was when I killed the deer I'm looking at on my wall. I figure I've got the rest of my life to kill my dream buck, and if I never do then so be it. I know no matter what, whatever ends up biting the dirt in Big Sky Country, he's going to make me happy, and you guys are going to have pictures and a story to share with me. That's what it's all about for me. :hello:
Title: Re: Hunting East MT, how big should I hold out for?
Post by: jstamp on November 07, 2009, 05:31:45 PM: phool keep posting pics and asking shoot or don't shoot. i am getting pumped up for MT and can't wait to get there. i would like to come home with a 170 but, being the first year in MT i'm going to hunt hard and spend lots of time behind the glass (not the windshield). I set a goal of 30 inch anything, or 170. as the season goes on i may have to drop my standards. the plan is to try to stay over the whole 10 days, and figure some things out for next year.
Title: Re: Hunting East MT, how big should I hold out for?
Post by: huntnphool on November 07, 2009, 05:43:13 PM: This guy is different but has a lot of character and long tines, shoot or pass?
Title: Re: Hunting East MT, how big should I hold out for?
Post by: huntnphool on November 07, 2009, 05:44:27 PM: Shoot or pass?
Title: Re: Hunting East MT, how big should I hold out for?
Post by: Pathfinder101 on November 07, 2009, 05:58:51 PM: Quote from: huntnphool on November 07, 2009, 09:55:40 AM
Can you be a little more specific as to where you are heading?

Well, my buddy from MT has been directed by a biologist buddy of his to the Northeast corner, just south of Canada. I have all the maps for the Southeast corner, around Ekalaka, so I guess that will be "Plan B".

I would be thrilled with a 24" - 25" buck. I just don't want to eat tag soup because I spent the week passing 22"-ers...
Title: Re: Hunting East MT, how big should I hold out for?
Post by: Pathfinder101 on November 07, 2009, 06:01:46 PM: Quote from: huntnphool on November 07, 2009, 05:44:27 PM
Shoot or pass?

THat's a dead deer for me Phool. First 5 minutes of the week, or the last 5 minutes...
Title: Re: Hunting East MT, how big should I hold out for?
Post by: huntnphool on November 07, 2009, 06:03:16 PM: I have as much fun finding them and getting pics as I do shooting them so holding out until the end is a little easier.
Title: Re: Hunting East MT, how big should I hold out for?
Post by: Pathfinder101 on November 07, 2009, 06:30:35 PM: Quote from: huntnphool on November 07, 2009, 04:24:55 PM
For those of you that have not hunted it before this is a sample of what you will likely see. Better bring good optics and be prepared to glass one spot for an extended period of time. The deer get in the finger draws and feed slowly. If leave too soon you may be missing your wall hanger. This buck is a good example of what we find a lot of. Decent buck, heavy body, good frame but short g3's. Loads of deer over there but finding one that "has it all" takes a lot of glassing.

That is a dead deer for me also. A little light-horned, but I'd be happy.
Quote from: huntnphool on November 07, 2009, 05:06:51 PM
:yike: Holy Crap, Lemondog lives!!!! I was wondering if all this Montana muley hunting would stir you out of hiding :chuckle:

How about this one?

I can't see his spread from that angle, but from what I can see, no. I have shot Washington deer that big.
Title: Re: Hunting East MT, how big should I hold out for?
Post by: huntnphool on November 07, 2009, 08:11:42 PM: Looking for width do you shoot a wide 2 or pass?
Title: Re: Hunting East MT, how big should I hold out for?
Post by: Jackjr on November 07, 2009, 08:18:36 PM: I would shoot :mgun: That is something you dont see everyday
Title: Re: Hunting East MT, how big should I hold out for?
Post by: huntnphool on November 07, 2009, 08:19:17 PM: Hung up on width?, does it really have to be as wide as its ears..... Really? ;)
Title: Re: Hunting East MT, how big should I hold out for?
Post by: Jackjr on November 07, 2009, 08:20:58 PM: You sure make life diffucult sometimes :chuckle:
Title: Re: Hunting East MT, how big should I hold out for?
Post by: huntnphool on November 07, 2009, 08:26:30 PM: Quote from: Jackjr on November 07, 2009, 08:20:58 PM
You sure make life diffucult sometimes :chuckle:

Anything to help Jr. Now you know why M-Ray's head was spinning last year :chuckle:
Title: Re: Hunting East MT, how big should I hold out for?
Post by: nwhunter on November 07, 2009, 09:15:18 PM: Great pics huntnphool thanks for sharing. Sounds like lots of us huntwa guys are headed east next week. Good luck to all. nwhunter
Title: Re: Hunting East MT, how big should I hold out for?
Post by: jstamp on November 07, 2009, 09:28:00 PM: i love super forky's! i would shoot in a heartbeat. gross score isn't everything. i hope i see that buck over there. just not the first day. :chuckle:
Title: Re: Hunting East MT, how big should I hold out for?
Post by: WildfireArcher on November 07, 2009, 09:35:56 PM: Good luck everyone! just got back from east montana and saw lots of good bucks. It'll be a great experience all right :bfg:

-Wildfire
Title: Re: Hunting East MT, how big should I hold out for?
Post by: markts on November 07, 2009, 09:40:23 PM: I would shoot any of those bucks after hunting here all my life, and whistle all the way home :IBCOOL: Mark
Title: Re: Hunting East MT, how big should I hold out for?
Post by: WAcoueshunter on November 07, 2009, 09:51:02 PM: I'd shoot the big forky in a heartbeat! I'd rather him than your average 20" 4x4 any day. The buck after him would be my first choice out of the bunch, the forky second.

Thanks for posting the pics Phool - it's always fun to see live buck pics from during the season. They're just a bit more "real" than summer bucks, bucks on the winter range, park bucks, etc.

Did you pass on the "nowidth" buck? I'd have a hard time passing an 8x6 anywhere.
Title: Re: Hunting East MT, how big should I hold out for?
Post by: huntnphool on November 07, 2009, 10:00:24 PM: all those are still out there, as far as I know
Title: Re: Hunting East MT, how big should I hold out for?
Post by: fishunt247 on November 07, 2009, 10:09:44 PM: I wouldn't shoot the first one, or the three point, or the big 2. Any of those other I'd shoot. I'm with the steroid kid, as I've never been much for standards in this state. We are both young, and hopefully have a lot of time left. I'm super excited for this hunt, and for reading the stories once we all get back.
Title: Re: Hunting East MT, how big should I hold out for?
Post by: blackveltbowhunter on November 07, 2009, 11:21:45 PM: All these pics are AWESOME!! Onething that has worked for me, ( im no expert or big time trophy hunter), is i try to give myself time. I love to HUNT so if I identify a certain caliber of deer common to a given area and have time, I will hold out looking for a better buck until TIME puts a squeeze on and I subsquently sqweeeze the trigger. If your crunched for time figure out what your gonna be happy with on the last day of the hunt and shoot it on the first day. These pics should help alot just remember area vary from year to year and what was there last year may not be a clear representation of bucks that are available. Being relativley new to the out of state game, I stumbled on a good spot in eastern oregon 3 seasons back and passed several small 3s having seen some dandys and shot a good 19" 3 pt my first mulie, on the last day of a ten day hunt. I had alot of time and saw good deer right out of the gate so holding out was easier while i figured out how to hunt these deer. Went back a year later and got a 22" 4 w/eyeguards which was about what I figured to be top o the heap for the area 7hrs into opening day. Im all excited to go back the past september thinking I have got it figured out. Yea right!! Saw a ton of does and some small bucks but the gooduns were gone. A week of hard hunting and I shot a spike late on the last day. Had a blast hunting was happy with the buck. GOOD LUCK!!
Title: Re: Hunting East MT, how big should I hold out for?
Post by: antlerbolic_bearoids on November 08, 2009, 10:38:45 AM: Great pictures! I would shoot that last buck in the first minute of legal shooting light on the first morning. I love tall narrow deer, especially with that much character. My dad shot my dream buck right in front of me, hell of a shot too. I'll try to get a picture of it up in another post. Have anymore Montana pictures? I'm counting down the minutes until I leave, and these pictures are getting me PUMPED! :drool:
Title: Re: Hunting East MT, how big should I hold out for?
Post by: huntnphool on November 08, 2009, 10:51:03 AM: Shoot or pass? I'm trying to post up bucks that are not no brainers for most.
Title: Re: Hunting East MT, how big should I hold out for?
Post by: huntnphool on November 08, 2009, 10:52:36 AM: Does it have to be a 4 point or would a 3 point work?
Title: Re: Hunting East MT, how big should I hold out for?
Post by: fishunt247 on November 08, 2009, 11:08:15 AM: I'd rather shoot that smaller 4 than the giant 3, just because I haven't shot a good 4pt yet. You're giving all of us that are going to Montana...shoot there isn't a smiley guys with a *censored*.
Title: Re: Hunting East MT, how big should I hold out for?
Post by: passing-thru on November 08, 2009, 11:12:32 AM: Any of the bucks post by huntnphool would be kicking in dirt i I had the shot :drool: . The wide two would only one I would give second thought to. :archery_smiley:
Title: Re: Hunting East MT, how big should I hold out for?
Post by: Pathfinder101 on November 08, 2009, 02:08:18 PM: Can't judge the spread on the last 4 point, but he looks less than 20", so I'll say "pass" on him (if he's 22" or better though, he's dead).
That last 3 point is a dead buck, first minute, first day. Same with that small-framed 8X9.
I would have to see that super forky from another angle. First instinct says "shoot", but they always look wider walking away like that. WHat do you think the spread on him was Phool?
Title: Re: Hunting East MT, how big should I hold out for?
Post by: sagerat on November 08, 2009, 02:29:26 PM: Pass on all of them except that non-typical. Way too much character on that buck, would love to run into him in a couple of years though! That last 3x has potential too, need a better look. The rest are decent, last couple days of the hunt type bucks. Nice photos though. Hey Phool, post a pic of the deer you killed on that trip?
Title: Re: Hunting East MT, how big should I hold out for?
Post by: Bigshooter on November 08, 2009, 02:32:34 PM: I agree with sagerat. Those are all last day or two kind of bucks.
Title: Re: Hunting East MT, how big should I hold out for?
Post by: huntnphool on November 08, 2009, 03:36:10 PM: Quote
Hey Phool, post a pic of the deer you killed on that trip?

The pics posted were taken the last couple trips, these are what I ended up with.
Title: Re: Hunting East MT, how big should I hold out for?
Post by: sagerat on November 08, 2009, 03:46:02 PM: Now those are some good Montana bucks. I'm heading over there the 19th, if I see one like those he dies the first day. Nice work phool.
Title: Re: Hunting East MT, how big should I hold out for?
Post by: WildfireArcher on November 08, 2009, 03:50:39 PM: Quote from: sagerat on November 08, 2009, 03:46:02 PM
Now those are some good Montana bucks. I'm heading over there the 19th, if I see one like those he dies the first day. Nice work phool.

just got back from montana, and we saw bucks like that last little 4 point every day. Should have no problem at least seeing deer of that caliber. :chuckle:

-Wildfire
Title: Re: Hunting East MT, how big should I hold out for?
Post by: huntnphool on November 08, 2009, 03:51:34 PM: Shoot this guy or pass?
Title: Re: Hunting East MT, how big should I hold out for?
Post by: sagerat on November 08, 2009, 04:49:40 PM: If he's got width and 2 eyeguards shoot. There's definitely bigger ones there though...
Title: Re: Hunting East MT, how big should I hold out for?
Post by: jjhunter on November 08, 2009, 05:12:20 PM: Here is a little 160" class buck I killed in the last 15 minutes I had to hunt a couple years ago. This is from SE Montana. I hunted there for three years and saw bucks this big or better every day I hunted. I was fortunate to see, not kill, two really nice 180" plus bucks. One was about 28" and the other around 32". Sat down to shoot the 28" buck and sat right in a cactus. Had to dig cactus spines out of my arse for two days. If you are out all day and you glass, glass, glass, you should kill a buck like this or bigger every year.
Title: Re: Hunting East MT, how big should I hold out for?
Post by: Basket Rack on November 08, 2009, 05:45:11 PM: Phool, the pic of you and your buck at sunset is awesome.
Title: Re: Hunting East MT, how big should I hold out for?
Post by: lemondog on November 08, 2009, 05:54:17 PM: Shoot what you like....It is all good!
Title: Re: Hunting East MT, how big should I hold out for?
Post by: Skyvalhunter on November 08, 2009, 05:57:43 PM: 2 point
Title: Re: Hunting East MT, how big should I hold out for?
Post by: huntnphool on November 08, 2009, 06:02:02 PM: Quote from: Skyvalhunter on November 08, 2009, 05:57:43 PM
2 point

I'm looking for him this year Sky :bfg:
Title: Re: Hunting East MT, how big should I hold out for?
Post by: Skyvalhunter on November 08, 2009, 06:03:36 PM: Phool I know you are going to get the big one this year!! I am thinking 170-180 buck.
Title: Re: Hunting East MT, how big should I hold out for?
Post by: huntnphool on November 08, 2009, 06:21:03 PM: For those that passed on the last pic, does this change your mind at all?
Title: Re: Hunting East MT, how big should I hold out for?
Post by: nwhunter on November 08, 2009, 06:48:45 PM: I'd shoot that big 2 and 3 point before a mediocre 4 point to get them out of the gene pool besides I kind of have a likeing for monster two points. The buck with the trash would get me thinking hard though. Great pics thanks for sharing and hope we can share some when we get back with some good bucks on the ground.nwhunter
Title: Re: Hunting East MT, how big should I hold out for?
Post by: carpsniperg2 on November 08, 2009, 06:52:03 PM: i would say take a animal that you would be proud of and be happy
Title: Re: Hunting East MT, how big should I hold out for?
Post by: antlerbolic_bearoids on November 08, 2009, 07:08:06 PM: I would shoot him, and that big 3. I might pass on the first day.....i dunno though we will see :dunno:
Title: Re: Hunting East MT, how big should I hold out for?
Post by: Pathfinder101 on November 09, 2009, 06:49:20 AM: Quote from: huntnphool on November 08, 2009, 03:51:34 PM
Shoot this guy or pass?

Shoot. No hesitation there. Dead deer.
Title: Re: Hunting East MT, how big should I hold out for?
Post by: Gobble on November 09, 2009, 07:21:48 AM: I'd have to say "Bang" on that last one Phool ;)
Title: Re: Hunting East MT, how big should I hold out for?
Post by: buckmaster_wa on November 12, 2009, 09:06:01 AM: Like everyone is saying. There are a ton of 20-22 inch four points running around over there. If you put in some time and effort you should be able to find a 150+ buck. I shot my buck the first day I was there and I was happy with him. Even after we tagged out (In the first day and a half) we still saw a ton of decent bucks, and we weren't hunting to hard since we were just hunting for does.
Title: Re: Hunting East MT, how big should I hold out for?
Post by: Pathfinder101 on November 12, 2009, 09:43:23 PM: Leavin' tomorrow...

THanks for all the input on this thread. Right now, based on all the input, I am going to try to hold out for a 24" buck until the last couple of days. I looked on weather.com and it looks like it's gonna be in the 40's with no snow where we are going all week :bash:
Title: Re: Hunting East MT, how big should I hold out for?
Post by: carpsniperg2 on November 12, 2009, 09:44:47 PM: gl to you
Title: Re: Hunting East MT, how big should I hold out for?
Post by: Bob33 on November 12, 2009, 09:57:44 PM: Don't pass up in the first 30 minutes what you'd shoot in the last 30 minutes.
Title: Re: Hunting East MT, how big should I hold out for?
Post by: Pathfinder101 on November 12, 2009, 10:05:40 PM: Quote from: Bob33 on November 12, 2009, 09:57:44 PM
Don't pass up in the first 30 minutes what you'd shoot in the last 30 minutes.

Should I have that printed on the inside of my scope? :chuckle:
Title: Re: Hunting East MT, how big should I hold out for?
Post by: cascademountainhunter on November 12, 2009, 10:06:57 PM: i just got back from there with a 22" 4x4. i prolly woulnt shoot any smaller than that. saw a nice prolly 25-26" but i was tagless and it was to far to count points.
Title: Re: Hunting East MT, how big should I hold out for?
Post by: Pathfinder101 on November 12, 2009, 10:16:05 PM: Got ay pics?
Title: Re: Hunting East MT, how big should I hold out for?
Post by: WAcoueshunter on November 12, 2009, 10:16:19 PM: Quote from: Bob33 on November 12, 2009, 09:57:44 PM
Don't pass up in the first 30 minutes what you'd shoot in the last 30 minutes.

I think most hunters subscribe to that, but I have a different philosophy. I'd happily pass on mediocre bucks early and shoot a small one late if it means I get to keep hunting for a few more days. Days in the field are precious. If it's not big or interesting for some other reason, it doesn't make a difference to me if it's average or below average. My three priorities are (1) big bucks, (2) meat in the freezer, and (3) days in the field. If you can't satisfy priority 1, average or small still satisfies number 2, so might as well max number 3, since it's more fun and increases your odds of meeting priority 1. Of course, this all assumes I have the time and there are plenty of bucks around. Otherwise, I'm not messing around.
Title: Re: Hunting East MT, how big should I hold out for?
Post by: cascademountainhunter on November 12, 2009, 10:21:02 PM: (https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi953.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fae15%2FCascade4Byer%2FCIMG3900.jpg&hash=54a87ae39483201d68d90bc4f4392b4921ac4bdf)

heres a pic of mine hopefully the pic works
Title: Re: Hunting East MT, how big should I hold out for?
Post by: Pathfinder101 on November 12, 2009, 10:25:25 PM: Quote from: cascademountainhunter on November 12, 2009, 10:21:02 PM
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi953.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fae15%2FCascade4Byer%2FCIMG3900.jpg&hash=54a87ae39483201d68d90bc4f4392b4921ac4bdf)

heres a pic of mine hopefully the pic works

THat's a beautiful buck. Looks bigger than 22". If I shot that deer I would consider my hunt successful. Bigest muley I have shot here in WA was 18" wide but tall. I have shot 3 bucks like that here, tall but no width. Hoping for a older age-class deer too. All my bucks have been young. I hope I have the self-control to hold back the itchy trigger finger... :chuckle:
Title: Re: Hunting East MT, how big should I hold out for?
Post by: Kent Hunter on November 13, 2009, 01:21:24 AM: The "Trash" buck and the heavy three would have the Lazzeroni spittin pills at em.
Title: Re: Hunting East MT, how big should I hold out for?
Post by: huntnphool on November 13, 2009, 01:32:34 PM: Quote from: Bob33 on November 12, 2009, 09:57:44 PM
Don't pass up in the first 30 minutes what you'd shoot in the last 30 minutes.

If you really want a trophy mule deer you need to pass the average last day shooter. Last year for instance, M-Ray passed on several bucks early that ended up being larger than the one he brought home. A few days into the hunt he had an opportunity at a 190" class buck but it just didn't work out. Had he shot one of the early deer he would have come home with a larger buck but would not have had the shot at the trophy.

I guess each of us have to ask ourselves where we draw the line, I hold out to the last day unless its a no brainer. :dunno:
Title: Re: Hunting East MT, how big should I hold out for?
Post by: M_ray on November 13, 2009, 01:43:16 PM: Quote from: huntnphool on November 13, 2009, 01:32:34 PM
Quote from: Bob33 on November 12, 2009, 09:57:44 PM
Don't pass up in the first 30 minutes what you'd shoot in the last 30 minutes.

If you really want a trophy mule deer you need to pass the average last day shooter. Last year for instance, M-Ray passed on several bucks early that ended up being larger than the one he brought home. A few days into the hunt he had an opportunity at a 190" class buck but it just didn't work out. Had he shot one of the early deer he would have come home with a larger buck but would not have had the shot at the trophy.

I guess each of us have to ask ourselves where we draw the line, I hold out to the last day unless its a no brainer. :dunno:

I'll be doin gthe same thing as we leave tomorrow, I'll be holding out for that 190 again and if it gets late in the week without that oportunity I'll be llooking for the best thing I can find! It's the only way you are going to put a 180+ buck on the wall ... Now earlier hunting days I would shoot the first buck I saw but I have killed enough of them now to try and upgrade on every trip if possiable. I know many have see it before but here is last years settle for buck, I shot him the last afternoon before leavign with about 2 hours of light left!
Title: Re: Hunting East MT, how big should I hold out for?
Post by: Pathfinder101 on November 23, 2009, 10:46:54 AM: Thanks for all the advice guys. I'll post a pic of the deer we wound up with so everyone that chimed in can see the results. I wound up tagging out earlier than I had planned because I misjudged the deer and thought he was bigger than he actually was (a common mistake, I know..). Combination of the angle when we first spotted him, the distance, and the fact that he was running with 2 other 4 points that were much smaller made him look (to both of us) like he was a lot bigger than he actually was. Tom did a better job of holding out till the last day, but harvested a buck about the same size.
We only saw one big deer the whole week. We guessed him at about 27" wide and very, very tall. Spotted him 30 minutes before dark and ran out of light stalking him. Never got closer than 700 yds. Went back and hunted the area several more times and never saw him again.