Pretty soon, some of my fellow AR restriction county hunters may find ourselves in a bit of a conundrum. Let's say a nice, mature 8pt. presents itself during archery season, "what do you do"? You enjoy getting out in archery season early with your crossbow or compound but you even enjoy rifle season and especially hunting the rut even more. Do you punch your one county mature buck tag on the 8pt or do you just watch him saunter off and wait for a true wall hanger knowing rifle season and rut kick up in a month or so. What say the THF?

Never pass a buck you’d shoot on a Sunday. I’ve learned that lesson time and time again.

I used to agree but I've passed on the Sunday animal a few times and was fortunate enough to get one you parade around town on Saturday nite

Guess it all depends on your definition of a Sunday animal. I know you’ve killed some good ones, but I’ve passed too many that outweigh a positive outcome. If they’re on the list, it’s go time no matter if it’s opening day or last day. If it’s an unknown buck that’s mature and gets me even the slightest excited, he’s in trouble too.

A bird in the hand. Tag it. Then go hunt ducks, public, another state etc.

Variety is the spice of life

A buck with a bow always trumps one with a rifle.

I deal with it every year. And every year I let the big guys walk because when I finally get up in my stand I just don't want to shoot yet. That glimmer of hope that the rut will bring out the real big boys and it always does, but it doesn't mean I will get a shot or be successful. I have a big 10 pretty regular right now, I say I am going to take him on opening morning if he shows but I am not sure I really will. Opening morning and every morning sit before they all take off for the next few months which is what they do here, will meet me with a decision to make.

If the animal gets me excited I’m making a move to take him.

If I have to justify it or talk myself into it, it’s best IME to wait.

I also don’t usually run game cams or pick a target buck, because it takes away from part of the thrill and excitement

If it's brown it's down

Totally agree. I keep telling myself I’m turning the cams off before season starts. Good for you.

If I would not shoot a buck on the first day of season I will not on the last day either. I have spent years hunting only one buck and ate the tag, if it wasn't him there would be no buck. I am ok with that but many would not be. I have also killed a good one opening weekend and saw bigger later on and regretted it but that is hunting. If he is big enough and I want him I will shoot one on opening day

I will keep the cameras out here at the home place, interesting to see what is right behind the house. Occasionally see a doe in the back yard. The other place I do not think we will put cameras out on this year

100%.

Since I started with the trad bow I’m super pumped to get a deer period. Still stick to my mature only buck rule but does and culls I’m excited to sling an arrow

Last morning of an out of state hunt, rain moving in and no restrictions on what buck we take.
There was a time I was too big a trophy guy to even stand up in the stand for this guy.
Yeah, I used to be that cool. But he and the doe I shot the evening before sure are gonna be great in my freezer. And stomach!!

Yup sometimes the meat is the trophy and bucks early season eat as good as does to me.