I have two fairly frequent visitors, a straight mainframe 12 pt. and a 8 pt. with two kickers making him a NT 10pt. Yet to see either of these guys in broad daylight shooting hours but my question is this, "Do I shoot the first one that shows assuming they are both mature, 5yo deer as I believe them to be?" or "Do I wait for one or the other"? I score estimate the 12pt. at around 150" and the 10pt. around 140". Appreciate the input guys...

Is it a two buck non AR county? If so and they are both mature i'd probably shoot them both given the opportunity.

If I could pick 1 id go for the 12 cause that's what I like.

On the other hand, I have hunted and dreamed about a buck we had pictures of all season long only to find out later that he was shot opening morning lol

One buck, AR county. Believe both to be alive as recent cam pics but you never know when their time may come...

The season is young. Hold out for the 12.

In most years I set my sights on one animal. Probably would be the oldest of the 2.

I've passed on a mature buck before (waiting on a better one) and never seen it or another mature buck (in range) again that season.

If I see a mature buck, nowadays, it goes down. I fill the freezer first with a doe or two. Then wait for the mature ones, IF they show.

I'd say take the first one that shows up. But I could understand wanting to wait for the 12. Bird in the hand, though...


*I am not in a one buck, AR county.....so my previous experience/advice doesn't necessarily apply to your situation.

If this would be me... I would hope for the 12 but would be happy with the 10 with kickers
Hunt the other buck the next season if he makes it.

I shot an older than dirt spike Saturday and was excited and shaking! I would take the first one that came out and be super happy with either. Meat in the freezer and horns for the wall or dog chew toys!! If one of them walks out and you have that heart pounding can't hold the gun still feeling, I say chootem!

12 or bust.

I'd have to see pics to answer that question.

Shoot whichever one you like best or whichever one gives you the best shot if you like them equally. Too many people get too obcessed with a few inches on exposed bone. In the end, antlers just aren't that important and in the end most antlers off deer that have been shot just end up gathering dust.

Pics of the two candidates

If you do not need the meat and or have plenty of does, I would hold out for the 12

wait for the 12

this was my first thought

Shot the 8, let the 12 have another year. 12 has most potential to explode next year