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Recently joined, late photosI harvested a doe and an 11-pointer of the 07 season. The doe in October and the buck on the last day of the 07 season.I passed on several smaller bucks this season waiting for a mature buck. Got lucky.

No right answer of course (opinion only). I selected miss on the poll because the purpose of even taking the shot is to harvest the target (the deer). If the target is shot at or even shot and not harvested then I see it as a "missed" opportunity. The purpose of taking the shot was not accomplished.

You may want to consider the Remmington 300 ultra mag. You can purchase cartridges for it that are powered for animals from deer to Moose (at least that is what Remmington claims). I purchased one years ago, but haven't had the money to use it on a big game hunt yet. Another idea, borrow one for your hunt if money is short.

Even though he didn't have fangs (no teeth) I'd classify as a Monster no doubt. My thoughts on Monster make-up: Horns-40% Weight-25% Age-25% Location-10% Fangs (when present) - superseed everything else (100%)

I've hunted bear over bait (no success), so I can't say anything against anyone who hunts deer over bait. However, it's not legal where I'm from so I don't. I'm more of an advocate for making a clean quick kill (I sure try to anyway). If a legal bait or food plot brings in an animal close and at angle that presents an ethical shot then I have no argument. However, there is no doubt that I have more satisfaction knowing all my harvested deer were taken without bait or food plots.

Does anyone know if turkey hunting near the Lochsa river in Idaho is worth pursuing? I've checked the department of hunting/fishing in Idaho and the maps say there are turkey there, but only right on the river. I'm planning a spring fishing trip and was thinking of grabbing a turkey permit.

I switched to Gold Tip (carbon) arrows this year. I used to use Easton super slam (alum). I switched because carbons are fatser and I can use one pin for 10-30 yards.

Increasing problem It's ashame, but here in Illinois these stories are more and more common. I shot a great buck on the last day of the 07 season at last light. I was unsure of my shot at 30 yards and decided to wait until the next morning to find him. I did find him 150 yards from the spot of the shot. I was worried that when I checked the deer in (via telephone) that I would be charged with a fine or something because i was checking the deer in one day past the legal season. I contacted the chief of conservation law enforcement and was willing to drive my buck to his office many miles away so there was no dobt that the deer was a bow kill and that the deer had been shot the night before (the deer was stiff by this time). He commended me for my efforts and stated it wasn't necessary. He gave me his name and said if I ever had any problems to contact him and he would defend my story. It's too bad when we "hunters" take every effort to be legal and ethically harvest our quary and then people like the guy in the story go around doing stuff like this.

Not sure which is bigger?I took MB1 during the 06 season, MB2 last month. Prior to these 2 I have never shot a monsterbuck. MB1 grossed 161 netted 149 P&Y, still waiting the 60 days for MB2. I unofficially scored him at 170 gross, 156 net. It will be close, which do you all think is better? MB1 weighed 240lbs, MB2 weighed 180lbs.

What is a MonsterBuck? If it has fangs (at least 2 inches), a squared off head with bolts coming out of the neck, or if breathes fire.

My 2 cents Like you I have permission to hunt a great spot. However, it's not that big (150 acres) and there are a couple other hunters that use it. I've managed to take home 2 monsters (161 and 170 P&Y Gross) the past 2 years (the other hunters have not been so fortunate) because of a couple things. I never hunt the same stand 2 days in a row (or a stand another hunter was close to). I always take the wind into consideration prior to selecting a stand. I pattern the deer by going out in the woods 12-24 hours after a fresh snow. This helps me determine how deer movement changes following hunting pressure. I concentrate my hunting efforts on times of low hunting pressure. I actually hunt November less than October and late season because of the hunting pressure. In 06 I arrowed my 161 buck on Oct. 12, and the 07 season I arrowed my 170 buck on the last day of the season (Jan. 17th).

Ratio Where I hunt the does outnumber the bucks (about 5-1) and there is no limit as to the number of does one can harvest (archery only). I used to take a couple doe's early in October lay off for the rut and take a couple more around Christmas. My strategy next season will be a little different. I plan to lay off does on the first day I hunt a location (in October) hoping a buck is trailing. If a doe is shot and a buck is not far behind you just educated that buck and you're likely not to see him until the rut. I always try to take twice as many does as bucks each year until the ratio gets closer to 1 buck for every one-two does.

Gross or Net?I agree with "West V" about the Gross score (nice buck by the way). Prior to actually learning how to score deer I always thought that going the non-typical route corrected for non-symetrical racks. After finally getting a couple P&Y trophies the past 2 years I became familiar with the score sheets and found that the non-typical route still deducts for racks that are not symetrical. This was discouraging. I thought I had a chance to enter my 07 bowkill in B&C, but after the deductions he's just under 160. The green Gross score was just over 170 inches. I wonder about the monsterbuck videos because I think the gross score presented at times, and at other times the net score is provided. If I could see actual score sheets I think my deer judgement would improve.

I got an 11-point on last day I wish you luck. I went on Jan. 17th in IL (last day) and harvested my largest buck to date right at last light. It isn't over till it's over.

Either will do I too use both brands. My experience indicates that there is no difference. I do believe controlling sweat is very important. I like scentlock for warmer weather becuase I sweat less. However, my scent blocker suit is a little heavier which is likely why. I am a strong believer in wearing scentproof boots (or at least using a cover scent) more than anything else. Deer have smellled my tracks 2 hours after I walked in and bolted once they smelled where I had walked in. Snow makes it even worse. I would say wearing a scentlock or blocker suit increases my confidence. Bowhunting is at least half mental preperation.

Some years ago Monsterbucks videos (VIII, Vol. 1 and 2) indicated the Gross score for the deer harvested. Recent videos only indicate the score P&Y, or B&C. Does anyone know if the Gross score is being presented or the Net score? I also think it would be AWSOME! for the Monsterbuck videos to include the official score sheets for each deer (as an extra like they do with behind the scenes). Would anyone else like to see the score sheets added to the videos?