Best time to kill a big buck?

[Cass Via Jr]

When’s the best time to kill a big mature buck? Is it archery season early in the high country or during the rut with a rifle?

Me and my buddy were talking about it so I thought I’d jump on here and see your guys thought on it.


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[K9kodi]

How well do you know the land. Typically when the rut is in.

 

[Pacific_Fork]

When you want to kill a big buck on purpose, archery. Mid august- September 20th in general.

Late season does take skill but not as much. Tracking and knowing where groups of does hang out is 10% of it. The other 90% is luck that the big buck shows up to breed when you are there.

 

[BluMtn]

Anytime I see one in season.

 

[Pistolpete28]

The earliest season in general if scouting efforts were made, and a “big buck” was located. Second best is probably during the rut/migration, the deer are more visible so higher odds of seeing a big buck (numbers game).

 

[K9kodi]

Yea it’s gonna vary depending on geographic location really. Sometimes it varies within the same state

 

[coyotekilla]

With your car right after you raised the deductible...

 

[AHayes111]

The best way to kill a big buck is to find him prior to the season and kill him as soon as the season opens.

If you can not scout or don't have much experience with hunting your best chance is during the rut. The rut is the great equalizer as it shifts the probability of success away from skill and effort and more towards luck. Problem is in OTC rut hunting there are just not many top end bucks living long enough to be truly big. When everyone is getting lucky the chances that you are scoring on something you want bring home to show off to mom is small.