I wouldn't value the opinion of anyone who said to pass that deer.

Agreed. Solid 5.5 year old buck IMO. He wouldn't take two steps in front of me before I drop the hammer. No doubt. Good luck and look forward to the after pics.

I would have to consider the fact that he has passed on his genes for probably at least 4 years this season. With that in mind, I think I would have to shoot him the first chance I got. You are to be admired for thinking about letting him go through another breeding season, but how hard will you be kicking yourself if one of your neighbors ends up with him on their wall? There are also predators, cars, poachers, fences, etc. to worry about. That is a beautiful deer.

Agree that he is older. This may be his best year, rack-wise. I wouldn't hesitate to take him.

I see that deer as fully mature and wouldn't let him walk on any property much less a 500 acre low fence... unless I had pictures of something better. And I might still shoot him if he presented himself first... a bird in the hand..

That deer's genes were the same when he was 1.5 year old as they are today. His genes have been spread and if they haven't he is a limp hoofed deer if you know what im sayin.

Killing or keeping one buck in the scheme of a management plan is not really that important. What I view as important is that the gene pool produced this buck is there and still there. His brothers, sisters, sons, daughters, nieces, nephews or possibly his father or mother are still or could be around. The genetics were good enough to produce him so the future looks bright. I also think the neighbors are on board with management also since he got to this age. Bucks really do not breed that many does or sire that many offspring that survive in their lifetime of breeding in the scheme of a management plan. One buck will not effect your plan much IMO.

beautiful buck, good luck in november buddy

If this me and it was the best deer I would have taken in 25 years, I would take him. You owe it to yourself. Good luck!

I'm with STX I would have already been to the sporting goods store and back with a crossbow. I am actually considering getting one myself to start my season early.

Old enough, BANG!

Has there been anyone in that camp yet?

Nope - everyone agrees that he's ready to go (into my freezer & up on the wall)!

He's passed on his genes for several years now so i would take him if I had the chance.

It was suggested and is absurd.

Good luck Boss i hope you Getummm

I'd say that's a healthy 6.5 year old deer. Could be 5.5, but no way that's a 4.5 year old.

Haas!

Really? What makes you say that?

He's 5 or 6. STX said it best.

Take him before he possibly starts breaking those tines. He's fully mature and beautiful. Good luck.

I guess they count them different north of the Red. I see a main frame 5x6 with an extra in-line on each side between the 2 and 3. Wouldn't that make him a 6x7?

Absurd? The only thing i've read on this thread that is "absurd" is your original statment. Do you have any other info about this ranch other than the Op's original statement?? To suggest your opinion holds a greater value than someone else's is ludicrous. (synonym to Absurd- look it up).. Get off your high horse matt.

To the OP.. I hope you get a shot at this deer especially if its your biggest to date. Good luck to you and please post pics.

Good looking deer!!! Good luck

If he would be the biggest you have gotten in 25 years i cant believe you would hesitate. What are you waiting for? A world record?? Shoot that sucker and put him above the fireplace!