TexasDeerHunter

Definately know the feeling, my biggest buck went to the taxidermist last Jan and still is not ready. Taking it in late put it on the bottom of the list, I think he had 150 in front of mine.

Van Dykes antler stain works great, get a lighter color than you want because it tends to be darker than expected. They also have antler wax for use on antlers that are not bleached out .

Look at some of the studies by Al Brothers. IMO the best times to catch big bucks vary widely by region. My best came in Jan of 2007 around 8am and I don't recall moon phase. One thing I do know is that the "RUT" is onset by photoperiods and not cold weather or neccessarily the moon phase. Although the moon is somewhat linked with photoperiods. I know there are alot of theories out there, but there also are alot of variables that have to be input to make the playing field level. Management, Food, Pressure, Location, and yes the Rut.......all of these contribute to a hunters success at bagging a big mature deer and I am not certain that there is a magic time that works everywhere. Just my thoughts, glad to see I am not the only one who has whitetail on the brain 24-7 and sits around looking at data like this.

Me and my best huntin buddy Gracie

I second that!

I have read information stating that only 10% of deer hunters have killed a buck over 140 inches. Taking that into account I would say that anything 140 or better would be a monster, but it really dependes on each hunter and where he hunts to decide IMO.

I am not a magnum shooter, but I do agree with what some of you are saying. IMO Chuck is referring to hunters with little or no shooting experience who want to spend their money on big magnums in hopes of compensating for their lack of skill and bad shot placement. I have gotten rid of my .300 RUM and .264 WinMag and went back to the venerable 30-06. It's not that I have a fear or dislike of the mags, just have no need for one.

I would boil it in sodium carbonate, some say baking soda works too. Then use either a peroxide and powder whitener from Van Dykes, or the hair bleach some have mentioned.

Usually I carry a Benchmade Mini Stryker, if im going on a hunt I carry my Case Trapper.

Finally! After hours of boiling and bleaching, my 2007 deer are done. Now I just need to find some wall space to hang them. Will post some better pics when I get them on the wall.

500 miles

A little olive oil and vinegar......It also helps as a preventative, just apply some in the ear with a dropper before and after swimming.

Here is a Texas 10 point killed with a FA .454 Casull.

I think it is very important that we remember that we are all on the same team here. IMO it is up to each person to decide what he or she thinks is an acceptable way to hunt as long as it is legal. If your goal is book animals then you must adhere to the rules, if making book does not mean a thing then you definately have more flexability in how you choose to hunt. There is no definate line to draw when it comes to technology, I think each of us has to be the judge for our ownselves. If you are like me , then you will find yourself getting more and more back to the basics each hunting season. As we grow as hunters I think our veiw points and hunting strategy and techniques change.

Very Nice Washi!

Just read the results so far, Jack O'Connor would be proud.

Primarily I use a .223, and secondly a 30-06 up North. My back-up that see's little use is a .260.

Dosse, ya need to get that buck entered.

There are quite a few up that way, I have no personal experience with any of them. What do you need mounted and what is your budget?

I would say dealing with a rotten head or hide would be the biggest barf factor. The time it takes to boil and clean a skull for a euro mount would be the most difficult and time consuming.

Corn and grain work well for wintering deer, but to help boost antler growth they will need protein starting early spring thru fall. Corn and other grains do pretty much nothing for the deer other that act as a filler and carb. Mineral and protein sources boost the antlers alond with age and genetics. I would reccomend using food plots high in protein or supplenment from a bag. Be careful and do not pay high prices for bagged protein that claims a high protein level. Studies show that deer can really only effectively breakdown and process about 10 - 12% of the available protein from supplements. Don't pay for bagged goods that cost more and advertise 14% or more protein. All studies show that Age, Nutrition, and Genetics are the three factors that make big bucks, but everyone does not agree on the order. My personal experience says Nutrition, Age, and then Genetics. Also, tests have shown that the previous years nutrition contributes to the current years antler size more than the current nutrition does. What they had last spring and summer will affect next years antlers more than what they have now. It takes about three years to start seeing results ao hang in there and don't get discouraged. Good Luck.

Right on Dosse, about puttin the fun back in it. It's so easy to get wrapped up in trophy hunting and loose sight of why we really hunt. Once again , great job on a great buck.

Good job dosse, I don't think your other buck ever got entered. This should put us in 1st place for now.

I think that if it is legal and your happy then all is well. I will say that from a trophy management veiwpoint you should harvest older mature does ( larger ones ) . The best way to improve genetic frequency in the herd is to take the inferior bucks and older doe, this allows the genetically superior bucks to sire the younger doe which are most likely the offspring of your better bucks. This takes about 3 years to see noticable results. However, if you are not managing or if you are trying to thin out the population then there is no problem. No matter the case, it is still your call. I have eaten alot of deer and will agree the younger the more tender, but I have found ways to make the older ones better to eat more tender. Let the meat age a week or two in a cooler before processing. Just like prime beef aged 28 days.

I personally reguard it as a tradition and/or passion . To me it is much more than a sport. I think certain types of hunting for some folks may be considered a sport, but the hunting I do and the reason I do it definately does not represent a sport to me.