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How do you know when to shoot? #5917441 09/08/15 01:40 AM
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Stickman11b Offline OP
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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.


There is no hunting like the hunting of man, and those who have hunted armed men long enough and liked it, never care for anything else thereafter.

-ERNEST HEMINGWAY
Re: How do you know when to shoot? [Re: Stickman11b] #5917483 09/08/15 01:53 AM
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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



Re: How do you know when to shoot? [Re: Stickman11b] #5917503 09/08/15 02:02 AM
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And if your leasing be sure to ask permission from the landowner before you put a nail into a tree!



Re: How do you know when to shoot? [Re: rickym] #5917508 09/08/15 02:03 AM
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Originally Posted By: rickym
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


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 up


[Linked Image][Linked Image][Linked Image]
Re: How do you know when to shoot? [Re: Stickman11b] #5917509 09/08/15 02:03 AM
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If you're not sure, don't pull the trigger. If it looks close, it's probably not 13".


Originally Posted by unclebubba
Just to make sure that it is done thoroughly, I go both ways.

Re: How do you know when to shoot? [Re: Stickman11b] #5917514 09/08/15 02:06 AM
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Stickman11b Offline OP
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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.

Last edited by Stickman11b; 09/08/15 02:12 AM.

There is no hunting like the hunting of man, and those who have hunted armed men long enough and liked it, never care for anything else thereafter.

-ERNEST HEMINGWAY
Re: How do you know when to shoot? [Re: Stickman11b] #5917532 09/08/15 02:16 AM
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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.


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Re: How do you know when to shoot? [Re: Stickman11b] #5917563 09/08/15 02:24 AM
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I have predetermined spread estimates.

Re: How do you know when to shoot? [Re: Stickman11b] #5917573 09/08/15 02:32 AM
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Do you think I would benefit from using a board and putting measurement marks on it?


There is no hunting like the hunting of man, and those who have hunted armed men long enough and liked it, never care for anything else thereafter.

-ERNEST HEMINGWAY
Re: How do you know when to shoot? [Re: Stickman11b] #5917661 09/08/15 03:14 AM
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Originally Posted By: Stickman11b
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.


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Re: How do you know when to shoot? [Re: Stickman11b] #5917721 09/08/15 04:23 AM
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I will try that then. Thanks for the advice!


There is no hunting like the hunting of man, and those who have hunted armed men long enough and liked it, never care for anything else thereafter.

-ERNEST HEMINGWAY
Re: How do you know when to shoot? [Re: Stickman11b] #5917733 09/08/15 04:45 AM
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Good question and great tips.

Re: How do you know when to shoot? [Re: Stickman11b] #5917922 09/08/15 01:17 PM
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I shoot when the crosshairs are just behind the front leg and centered between his back and his belly.

Re: How do you know when to shoot? [Re: Stickman11b] #5918647 09/08/15 08:51 PM
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Originally Posted By: Stickman11b
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.

spread <4 and >7??? ... just don't shoot 4-7 inch spreads? confused2 popcorn


"everyone that lives dies but not everyone who dies lived..."

~PMK~
Re: How do you know when to shoot? [Re: Stickman11b] #5918657 09/08/15 08:57 PM
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Oh man, just hope a good ol wide one comes out, like my ol huntin buddy used to say. roflmao


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Re: How do you know when to shoot? [Re: Stickman11b] #5919507 09/09/15 06:48 AM
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I am not good at eyeing measurements PMK. That's why I was asking, but I get the logic of what you are saying.


There is no hunting like the hunting of man, and those who have hunted armed men long enough and liked it, never care for anything else thereafter.

-ERNEST HEMINGWAY
Re: How do you know when to shoot? [Re: Stickman11b] #5921231 09/10/15 02:53 AM
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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.


Freedom is a fragile thing ...Those who have known freedom, and then lost it, have never known it again.
-- Ronald Reagan


Re: How do you know when to shoot? [Re: Stickman11b] #5921655 09/10/15 12:31 PM
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I NEVER hunt without my binocs. They should be standard equipment.


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Re: How do you know when to shoot? [Re: Stickman11b] #5921991 09/10/15 04:27 PM
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If you don't know when to shoot, then you probably don't need to shoot.


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Re: How do you know when to shoot? [Re: txshntr] #5922365 09/10/15 08:22 PM
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Originally Posted By: txshntr
Originally Posted By: rickym
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


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 up


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


Re: How do you know when to shoot? [Re: Stickman11b] #5925432 09/12/15 06:52 PM
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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.


Alcohol,Tobacco, and Firearms. Should not be a government bureau. Should be a department store.
Re: How do you know when to shoot? [Re: redfred] #5925586 09/12/15 09:46 PM
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Originally Posted By: redfred
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!

Re: How do you know when to shoot? [Re: Stickman11b] #5925780 09/13/15 01:22 AM
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Let'em grow old
Re: How do you know when to shoot? [Re: rtp] #5925792 09/13/15 01:28 AM
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Originally Posted By: rtp
clap


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"Man is still a hunter, still a simple searcher after meat..." Robert C. Ruark
Re: How do you know when to shoot? [Re: Simple Searcher] #5925832 09/13/15 01:53 AM
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Originally Posted By: Simple Searcher
Originally Posted By: rtp
clap


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

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