The Reminder Buck

[Deadhunter25]

Absolutely well said. That is the epitome of what hunting is all about for me. The memory not the inches. I have found myself doing exactly what you began to do but kudos to you for realizing and correcting it. Thank you for sharing


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[zeus1gdsm]

It takes a big man or woman to take a good look at themselves and not like what they see. With deer hunting it is easy to fall into the snob trap. We have plenty right on this site. I have been in your exact shoes about 10 years ago with a two year old 10 that i had let walk a bunch of times, only to be shot by a buddy. I kept my mouth shut and put on a happy face, but it truthfully ruined my whole season. At least you came to grips quick. I let it cost me the rest of the season.
In the off season, my buddy called me to come see his mount. He was so proud of that deer and it made me feel like a total ass being mad about him shooting it. It made me turn a new leaf over when it came to deer hunting. No longer do I worry about what people shoot, what they shoot it with, or anything else. It was a great reminder that contrary to a lot of opinions on here, most deer hunters are happy to have a place to hunt, and will gladly shoot the first buck they see, and they will be happy as hell to get it. Throw in a doe or two and their season was an overwhelming success to be talked about all year.
Hunters like us, that let bucks walk all the time,  tend to forget that a lot of hunters have never seen a 16 inch wide 8 point while hunting, and they are for sure going to shoot it thinking it is a monster, and for them it will be. There is absolutely nothing wrong with it, and if they shoot it on your land, you can bet your ass they will never forget it, or the people involved.
I spend my time now mentoring youths and new hunters during rifle season. I still chase the bigger bucks with bow, but it really seems like I have the most fun helping others get their first deer. It is amazing to me the number of young girls that want to hunt and just need someone to help them out.
Thanks for the post Moog. It gets people thinking.

I fall into that category. I have only ever seen a buck 1 time ever in 4 seasons of hunting. Last year. And I took it.

Only had bucks on camera 3 or 4 times.

And just last night got my first ever buck over 2yrs on camera.

I wish I could see bucks to pass on them so to those that do. You are indeed blessed.

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[Five Seasons]

i'm surprised at the body size on that rack though. the genetics on him! think about next year! hahaha

[Nomad]

On November 7, 2017 at 2:31 PM, moog5050 said:

Oh i forgot to mention the recovery.  Shot him hard quartering away and while we thought it was a liver shot, we tracked too soon in a rush and bumped him into the neighboring park where hunting is prohibited.   He went a long ways.  I recovered him this morning lying literally in the lawn in front of the parks maintenance garage,  I had some explaining to do to the Sheriffs called by the park.  When Phade showed them on onyx maps where we hunt, they were cool about it.  Didn't hurt that they were a bit busy arresting a guy caught poaching in the park, like parked on the park road with his deer carrier.   Not exactly the brightest bulb.  All around unexpected season.  Lol

First great story ! 

Second next time if you have to,go into,that park call me , I happen to know a Deputy  who works the park .

[Nomad]

Turns out my buddy was one of the Deputy's , they had zero issues with you guys. The other guy got arrested . 

The thing is guys are always pulling crap in the park, he laughed about your poor timing , 4 Deputys , Dec and you looking for your deer ......

[moog5050]

7 minutes ago, Stay at home Nomad said:

Turns out my buddy was one of the Deputy's , they had zero issues with you guys. The other guy got arrested . 

The thing is guys are always pulling crap in the park, he laughed about your poor timing , 4 Deputys , Dec and you looking for your deer ......

If it was the bald deputy, he was a nice guy.  Even showed us pics of the buck the guy poached.   

[Nomad]

Nope 40 ish dark hair lean, about 5'10 " .

I,left him a voice message last night, and he came to work this morning laughing ( he has two,jobs ) .

[moog5050]

32 minutes ago, Stay at home Nomad said:

Nope 40 ish dark hair lean, about 5'10 " .

I,left him a voice message last night, and he came to work this morning laughing ( he has two,jobs ) .

Must have been the other deputy with the hat on. 

[dbHunterNY]

congrats Moog!  it's hard not to get caught up in the pursuit of it all and not just big antlers, but everything having to do with higher standards or simply more effort.  i just had to hit a mental reset button. maybe i'll post it in another thread.