Wish it was gun season

Let work early on Friday for an evening hunt and early am hunt then head back (nice being 1.25 hours from the lease). Got setteled in on the ground (yes butt on dirt) around 415 and pulled the game card ans started to sift through all of the cow pics. at about 515 i looked to my left and saw a deer moving on the trail to the feeder (about 30 yards in the tree line). he lifted his head and my heart stopped. Finally a good deer and a chance to get my first large animal kill with my bow. Making a long story short after 45 mins, many gurnts, doe bleats, snort wheezes, sitting like a stone so that the 6 point with him that was at 8 steps at one point didnt bust me the big deer was at 30 yards behind a mesquite bush. for 5 mins we are staring at each other just need him to take a single step. He decided he didnt like something and blew out, wind in my face, didnt flag jus was uncomfortable. What a rush, frustrating and heart breaking. Cant wait to do it again.

I counted 13 points on him and the left side in the following pic look a lot weaker than it is. But my concern is hes 3.5 and needs 1 more year, thoughts?

First deer with a bow? Might have to make special considerations on that one.

I was not going to hesitate to shoot him with my bow; but gun season is around the corner and I can control my trigger finger a little better. Just curious as to the thoughts to the age of this one. He has the saggy brisket but not a saggy gut or sway back. I would hate to shoot him at 3.5 and miss the chance if him being 160 or so the next year (I think hes close to 150 this year)

Man that is a nice one

Thank you; this is year 5 on the place and starting to see more and more matureish deer

Times like this I am glad I am too old too worry about next years targets, he would have been ground checked when I saw him.

If he would have taken one more step he would be at the taxidermist. I have shot some younger deer in the past that had a ton of potential and don't want to make the mistake with my gun. I would gladly shoot him with my bow and not think twice

bang

Nice looking young buck.

I have seen the deer you take and really respect your opinion. Am I about right at 3.5? And near 150?

3.5 on the age I think is right, but don’t think he makes it to 150”. Think he might scare 140” though.

He would sure be tempting but if you can have a little discipline just think about how good he will be next year!!

I believe he comes in in the 140s.

Sausage....

I think you are correct on age but a little off on score. I see low 140s.

Good luck with whatever you decide with him.

Thanks for the input