Rethinking my decision to pass on a buck

[Hnthrdr]

Lots of great stories and thoughts.

I'll be the first to admit that I'm not good at judging deer. My focus has been on 4 bucks, one being that 5x4 (which I came close to harvesting with my bow). The season has been fun, but it's been a grind. I've jokingly questioned if it was a blessing or a curse finding those bucks. Like I mentioned, many days not seeing deer and others passing bucks I otherwise would have pursued.

The 3x3 was just not a focus. I only saw him twice previous, and each time was with the biggest buck. I spotted him from 1.5 miles in a great spot. Had I been closer, maybe I would have realized his size more. Still I contemplated doing the deed but wondered if it was just my burnt out mentality talking.

I'm fine not getting a deer. However, after looking at video and comparing him to the other bucks he was with...I have some regrets

I have 3 to 4 more days I'll be out, crossing my fingers lady luck finally shines on me.

Let us know how it turns out for you!

 

[wyosam]

You got to spend more time hunting. I always hated having an opportunity on good deer on opening morning. Leaves too much room for potential regret. I’ve passed deer bigger than I’ve ever shot on opening morning, and don’t regret it a bit.


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[hburggunner]

Same bucket here. Utah early rifle. Had 2-3 target bucks, 2 4’s and another 4x5 with some cheaters. Had a couple run-ins but wasn’t able to capitalize. Once couldn’t get tripod to stabilize at just over 720yds and another where the buck slipped onto boarder of property. Found two nice deep 3’s, one with decent width and cheaters. I couldn’t make myself take the smaller buck even being settled and ready to take shots on them.

It’s a sinking feeling knowing this was my only planned Muley adventure this season. Being back home without a harvest can have some impact ln the way we feel and or think about the experience. Overall I’m happy with the choice I made. I’m planning to go back and chase them again. Only another year of planning and anticipation.

 

[MarkOrtiz]

I had an experience like that a few years ago. We glassed up a bachelor herd at 250 yards and got some pictures of them. I sat behind a tree looking at the pictures to see if this was worth pursuing. I finally decided that one was pretty decent and went to lay my pack out for a shot. By the time I did that, they had vanished. Well they popped up at 87 yards and we had a stare off for a minute before they spooked and took off.
The whole next week I looked at those pictures, trying to figure out how wide he was with the ears up instead of out and kicking myself for not taking the shot sooner when they were bedded at 250.
The 3rd weekend of our hunt I catch two bucks fighting and sneak down and notice that one of them is the buck I saw twice on the first weekend. I made up my mind right there that he wasn't getting away again. They end up walking right towards me and I ended up shooting the buck at 35 yards. I'm sure it was a little buck fever with them being that close, but after walking up to him, I was a little disappointed that I ended up shooting him. He was a smaller 4x4 in a really good area full of big bucks. Between passing on him earlier and him being so close I just went for it, when really I should have been more picky and really looked at him better.
My wife had the same tag and we hunted two more weeks in there. I got to see some great bucks as the season went on. Can't change the past, just make changes for the future. Hopefully you get some other opportunities, but don't worry about that one, only focus on finding one that gets you excited and you will know it is the one.

 

[Kara Brian Frazier]

Not going to get help from me. I love big 2 points and would love a big 3. Send it!

 

[SnakeTits]

I’m a little hesitant to post this but yes I have , many times. I am notorious in our group for passing Deer I shouldn’t, Not because I’m looking for something bigger but I just hate for the hunt to end too soon. I passed this buck last year, spotted him at first light opening day, had him at 350 yards for 30 minutes. After looking at the pictures back at camp I instantly regretted it. I have to add where I hunt. They are not pressured and usually do not get pushed out of the area unless it’s by our group. I found him two more times, but was not able to get harvest him. It was not a total loss I was able to harvest the Buck in my photo.
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Not sure I would've been able to resist with those main beams!

 

[TheHammer]

There’s a reason you passed. Lean on that. Don’t let it eat you up too bad. Otherwise use it for fuel to tip odds for your next opportunity.

I had a similar situation Sunday. Passed a mature deer here that I probably shouldn’t have. Just was a low scoring buck. All week it’s been getting under my skin. Then today I seen a really respectable 150-160s. So now the fuel is in the fire.

Happy thanksgiving to you all&good luck on remaining tags!

 

[Burt_Niel]

Hope the rest of your season was fruitful!

Here's my two cents...

The regret of shooting a buck you aren't 100% happy with will weigh heavier than the regret of letting him walk. You'll know him if you run into him next year, and he'll be one year older.

Cast away any thoughts of regret for not choosing him, for it's not so easily done when you're thinking about the bucks you could be chasing the rest of the season, when your tag is hung.