Looking for opinions on this split brow buck, I think he's a 2.5yr old and not quite a 13in inside. Debating on letting him walk but as these are my two largest bucks so far and the wife claimed the fella in the back I'm looking for input from the group.

Great potential, needs some age!!

If he's not 13" then that answers your question. He gets a pass on my place. Too young.

Yep if under 13 and in an AR county you are out of luck either way. Sad thing is some idiot who has no care for the law will prob shoot him if he gets a chance. If he does make it another year I'll be he will be very impressive.

SapperTitan, That's my concern, I have several hunters on nearby properties that will probably take him. I am thinking one more year would make him a stud hopefully he'll make it.

a dead deer adds zero inches - even with the risk I would let him get some age on him - lots of potential

At that age let him walk, Possibly talk to neighbors about letting him walk and pray somone doesnt get trigger happy. Thats my opinion. Maybe you can talk some of them into letting him breed his genetics into the herd for another year or two

let him walk and shoot the one at the feeder!!!

yes.

If I was a betting man, which I'm not, I would bet that deer is older than 2/2.5 year old and is also greater than 13 inches wide. Any other pictures of him?

^^^^^This^^^^^^

Good opportuntity to talk to your neighbor about deer management and the upside of letting younger ones walk.

When in doubt err in favor of the deer and the ranch and let'em walk.

And if you shoot him, then you are the neighbor that shoots the young deer. Don't be that guy.

^^

He looks 3-4, the age bucks do most of their breeding.

Great potential. 2 good reasons to let him get a couple more years on him.

I'd let him pass but I'd invite his buddy for supper.

What county?

Pass on him. Looks bigger in velvet than he actually is. And If he is only 2, he's a long way from mature

Do you have any other pictures of the buck facing the cam? If you have any that would show him broadside, it will help a lot with the aging guesses. Its really hard to tell from that pic facing head on, but I highly doubt he is 2 or even 3.

I would pass on him my self if with a rifle in hand, but if with a bow in hand I sure would have to think twice, but I would of had to seen more pictures of him, (I still have not been able to shoot a buck with my bow that's the only reason I would consider shooting him if I had a chance, his spilt eye guards is a plus)in my county we don't have antler restrictions. For me getting him with a bow and if he was still in velvet with split eye guards would be nice. But bottom line, it is your decision, your the one that paid for the lease, not us, but the guys have made some good points to consider, good luck with your decision and your hunt, if you go after him hope you get him, let us know how it turns out and show us some close up pictures if you get him.

yes

This!

I agree on passing him. The pay off in 2-3 years will be worth it

Pass. Beautiful buck though

Your wife chose wisely. Your buck needs at least another year or two. But he will be a m a z i n g !!!

This