How do you know when to shoot?

I was looking at some postings of hunter's deer pictures, and came across a thought. How do you know when a spread is legal? I know that 13 inches is the legal spread and, I know this is a noob (novice/rookie) question, but if your not good with precise measurements, what do you do? I've looked at the TPWD youtube videos but it's still kind of blank on how you would know. There are so many pictures of nice bucks with good racks, but when you are face to face with that "legal spread" situation during an opportunity to take a shot, what tips or experience do you use to know? please share if you are willing.

If your hunting on your own property or a place you have leased. Put a few 13 1/2 inch strips of wood in different place in your area so you have something to compare to

And if your leasing be sure to ask permission from the landowner before you put a nail into a tree!

Have a buddy that uses PVC so he can see it better.

IMO, it is tough for new hunters to try to judge a spread. Once you have killed a few, you start to get a better idea. Basically, if it is close, don't shoot.

Running trail cams will help with judging and getting opinions from people that are familiar with deer in your area and from folks with more experience.

Good luck

If you're not sure, don't pull the trigger. If it looks close, it's probably not 13".

lol.. That is a very good tip. I am planning on leasing from a guy I know. The property is in Olney there are not many trees around but I know what you mean by hanging the wood up. Maybe if I carry one around with me I'll get the hang of it as well, or even around my house. My wife my not like but she'll get used to it.

Well that is my one question about the spread. The lease I am planning on getting, the owner, only wants a spread of 4 inches on down to be shot and I think 7 inches on up to be shot. I recollect that's what I was told. I will get further clarification and update this post but from what I remember that's what he said. I just don't wanna upset him or lose out on shooting a buck because I'm doing a math quiz in my head on if it's okay or not.

Never try to determine spread if the deer is facing away from you, they always look bigger from the back. Like said above use a stick, attach one to the feeder would not hurt.

I have predetermined spread estimates.

Do you think I would benefit from using a board and putting measurement marks on it?

Yes I did something similar 24 yrs ago now with white duct tape and black tape to make a ruler on the side of a feeder. When a buck would stand looking at the camera under it you could measure his spread and tine length.

I will try that then. Thanks for the advice!

Good question and great tips.

I shoot when the crosshairs are just behind the front leg and centered between his back and his belly.

spread <4 and >7??? ... just don't shoot 4-7 inch spreads?

Oh man, just hope a good ol wide one comes out, like my ol huntin buddy used to say.

I am not good at eyeing measurements PMK. That's why I was asking, but I get the logic of what you are saying.

You'll know when a buck is well outside his ears. Just have to get a good frontal view. Don't mind the AR myself. A quick grunt or whistle will get his ear alert for a quick look. If fortunate ate enough to have multiple,pics of the buck, you will recognize him in the field for a better decision. If in doubt just pass. You'll be fine when you take a bit of time to evaluate on hoof.

I NEVER hunt without my binocs. They should be standard equipment.

If you don't know when to shoot, then you probably don't need to shoot.

Actually a good idea, so glad I don't have to do that ...be tough on my eyes

The rule of thumb we use on our lease is that when you look at the rack and say, "Mmmm, looks like it's legal", then pass. If you look and think, "Holy Cow! Look at that!", then fire away.

I like that rule.

It could go either way. Holy cow look at that! he needs to go...or holy cow!!! Look at that! Hes awesome!

That's how I thought you were supposed to judge a "RAM" on a high fence "HUNT."

And a big hammer

It's all in the ears. TPWD has some guidence on this if I'm not mistaken.
I think if the outside spread is equal or greater than the spread of the ears at rest
which is when they ar about 20 degrees up from being straight out then it's close.
I hunt an antler restricted area now. But I'm old and not as mad at em as I was once was.
If I do squeeze off on one, I won't be worried whether it's 13" or not.