4.5 is a generally accepted value. Antler size data suggests the majority of bucks peak at 4-5.
This is a good example of an old buck that isn't big. And I'd happily shoot him on most hunts. The 2 yr old 3x4 (not pictured) in the same group looks like a puppy next to him.
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A couple points to draw out from this thread and referenced information from podcasts/biologists:
When referencing the low survival rate of 1.5 yr old bucks, it's always (appropriately) expressed as a percentage or ratio. To conclude from that data that it's best to kill a bunch of them...
This is a really neat project, though it's a bit of a tragedy that it stands out from other options. Why is a properly assembled and functioning rifle with useful calibers, twist rates, and barrel lengths an anomaly in the market?
These rifles will sell at some volume but the price point lands...
There's loads of violations on YT. Apparently none of them get charged.
I believe it was possible for residents if they got one off a leftover sale.
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The difference is that horses require skill and hard work over a span of years to use successfully on a wilderness hunt. It's a 365 day per year commitment. Any moron can finance a SxS and drive it up the mountain (as demonstrated in this thread.)
It's axiomatic that wilderness hunting isn't for...
There used to be plenty of last second OTC type hunts to go around...then a bunch of attention hungry idiots ran their mouths on the internet. Now demand outstrips supply. That's why nobody wants to give you anything for free.
The hunts you're looking for are all located from the Midwest...
At this point, I won't shoot a deer under 4. For a while it was tempting, now it isn't. The challenge of finding and hunting mature deer is what keeps me going. Just killing any buck isn't much more interesting than shooting a squirrel or a rabbit.
Elk on the other hand...
Usually not. They're typically water district property or local city/county. The only one I'm aware of that allows hunting requires a separate draw to hunt the property.
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Buck pronghorn shot straight on in the chest at around 100 yards. Impact speed not much below 3400 fps. Bullet was a DTAC NR deep cut. It appears to have taken a bit of a turn after entering, leaving the below softball-sized hole out the ribcage and into the right shoulder. Shoulder was...
I agree with others who have advised scouting. Do it during season if it's after October 1, go in early August for an early hunt.
My strategy is not to apply with intent to draw unless I have experience previously to determine what the hunt will be like. Prior to that I'm just collecting points...
There was a guy on IG that had one, I think he has an account here too. @buchslayer is his IG. Might be able to reach out and get some info.
My guess that the UM case is right on the edge of diminishing returns. There's probably not a ton to gain going to the WSM case, but you should definitely...
If you've never seen a black bear up close before, they're very lightly built. Thin skinned and light boned. On top of that, the ideal shot placement is basically mid body where there's little bone mass to initiate expansion. A fast expanding/fragmenting bullet is ideal.
The 140 ELD M is my...
The switch probably had a lot to do with labor...Assembling a CF frame made out of house is way easier than sewing their previous design together. They moved away from their skilled labor base in Denver and design changes were probably necessary as a result.
Composites are always evolving...
If their antlers are about the size of their ears and they're running around with the does in early season, they're not mature. Mature two points look like the buck below:
Long term, BH 209 is corrosive. If left in the barrel for long periods of time it will pit the bore. My cleaning process is similar to others above. Windex or #9 to remove fouling, alcohol or brake cleaner to remove residue, oil to prevent corrosion. When getting it ready to hunt/shoot...