Buck Harvest Criteria?

[Rhino]

Pat's post made me wonder about the forum member's buck harvest criteria so I have a few questions for you. Just curious.

Part I:

1. Do you hunt managed private land that imposes a minimum buck harvest criteria? Is so, what is it? If more than one place with different criteria please state all of them.

2. What is the penalty if you kill a buck that doesn't meet the criteria?

3. Do you agree or disagree with your hunting property's criteria? Why?

Part II

1. How many deer hunting seasons do you have behind you?

2. Do you have a self imposed buck harvest criteria and what is it?

OK...here's my answers:

Part I:

1. Every place I hunt has a minimum buck harvest criteria. Here in MS this year it will be 15" spread or a 20" main beam. At the private leases I hunt in the midwest the minimums are 140 gross for 8 points, 145 gross for 9 points, 150 gross for 10 points or more. Some of the outfitters I've hunted with in the past have had 120 or 130 gross as their minimums.

2. Our place in MS has a $100/inch fine (rounded of to the next highest inch) for the 1st offense by our club members. It doubles for a 2nd offense. Guest fines are doubled. Our lease in the midwest is $750 fine and you may be kicked out. The outfitters that have imposed fines have all set them at $500.

3. I disagree with our club's criteria in MS for one reason. It does not include an allowance for young hunters. I personally believe youth hunters should be allowed a legal buck of choice. It's not going to have a drastic affect on our ability to grow older class bucks. I agree with the criteria on our midwest lease. All the hunters in it are seasoned bowhunters. We want to maximize the potential of the bucks we have there and there's no shortage of bucks meeting that criteria. As far as outfitters go, I doubt I'd ever book a hunt with an outfitter having less than a 130 gross minimum again.

Part II:

1. I started deer hunting when I was 13...I'm 57 now. Except for a few seasons when I was a diehard waterfowl hunter I've deer hunted about 40 of the past seasons.

2. I've had a personal harvest criteria hunting at home for about 10 years now. I prefer to just kill mature bucks (4.5 or older). Size matters for wall hangers but I'm not opposed to taking an old cull out too. Most years I'll take out one. Last year it was a 6.5 year old 6 point. BTW...this year will be the 1st year that our club's criteria will be set to attempt to protect all bucks under 4.5 years old. When I'm hunting our midwest place, so far I've been passing up bucks under 150. That booner back in 2004 did that to me. I can't say I'll continue to do that but so far I have. I'm not sure how many P&Y class bucks I've passed hunting with outfitters since 2004. It's not uncommon to see P&Y class 3.5 year old bucks in the midwest. I've stuck to my guns of 140 minimum mature bucks hunting with outfitters since 2004.

Edited July 5, 2011 by Rhino

[wtnhunt]

We have a small property Al and not part of any club. We have about 60 acres and have sole rights to the neighboring 35. I set my own goals each year based on what I know is around and my wife and daughter and I do look at the pics together from trail cams, so they also know what is around.

part I

1. We don't have really any set restrictions, my wife and daughter can take any deer they want. That said both will and do pass up 1.5 year olds and both can tell you what they are looking for is something that is past its ears and 4 points or more to a side. It is kind of understood I guess that we all want to try to get better age class deer and all of us are after 3.5 year old or older.

2. Does not really apply. I don't think my wife or daughter have killed any deer younger than 2.5 year olds.

3. How could I not agree. lol.

part II

1. First time for me hunting was in 1992, never really had anyone take me hunting so been somewhat of a self taught learning process.

2. Yep, mentioned it above. Looking for the best deer I know is in the area. Usually will get 2 or 3 bucks on trail cams that will have my attention and I set my goal to take only those deer or something better that comes along. I say that due to the rut bringing the potential for unknowns. Pretty well looking for a 3.5 year old buck, antlers are usually gonna be pretty decent here on a 3.5 year old.

[need2hunt]

Part I:

1. Do you hunt managed private land that imposes a minimum buck harvest criteria? I currently hunt private land but it isn't managed, only rule on the one property is can only take one deer per year off of it. I have hunted several managed properties when hunting with AC.

Is so, what is it? Some places Min of 125, $100 fine for shooting a button, unlimited does. Other places Min of 130 $100 per inch fine, Min of 150 $100 inch fine, $100 fine for shooting buttons. Some places have went by age of buck, wanting 4-year olds and up.

Never had a problem with any of the restrictions on where I've been.

Part II

1. How many deer hunting seasons do you have behind you? I'm a little over 20 seasons for deer.

2. Do you have a self imposed buck harvest criteria and what is it? It depends on the property. My general rule is I'm looking for 140+.

[Dawg]

Here's mine:

Pat's post made me wonder about the forum member's buck harvest criteria so I have a few questions for you. Just curious.

Part I:

1. Do you hunt managed private land that imposes a minimum buck harvest criteria? Is so, what is it? If more than one place with different criteria please state all of them.

I hunt private land without a MBHC of our own but the state has AR's of 13" inside spread or greater.

2. What is the penalty if you kill a buck that doesn't meet the criteria?

Ticket from the friendly neighborhood Game Warden.

3. Do you agree or disagree with your hunting property's criteria? Why?

I'm on the fence about it. Some ways I agree as it will help a lot of younger bucks grow or have the chance to. I disagree with it on the fact that it is for all hunters, youth included.

Part II

1. How many deer hunting seasons do you have behind you?

21

2. Do you have a self imposed buck harvest criteria and what is it?

Not really. All depends on the moment/time of the season and what I feel like doing at that moment.

[toddyboman]

Part I:

1. Do you hunt managed private land that imposes a minimum buck harvest criteria? Is so, what is it? If more than one place with different criteria please state all of them.

2. What is the penalty if you kill a buck that doesn't meet the criteria?

3. Do you agree or disagree with your hunting property's criteria? Why?

Yes I hunt and somewhat manage our family farm. I try and have others to only shoot older class of bucks.(3.5 and older). Younger bucks always get passed. Except for young hunters. Missouri also has a 4 points on one side AR.....

No penalties as I am the main and primary hunter on the farm......A few other guys hunt our farm too but they know the rules and follow.

I guess I have to agree since I am the one that sets them. LOL

Part II

1. How many deer hunting seasons do you have behind you?

2. Do you have a self imposed buck harvest criteria and what is it?

I have hunted for 15 or so years......However several of those years was as a young hunter and some was during college so I wasn't around to hunt much.

My self imposed criteria for buck harvest on my land is 3.5 or older. Score does but isn't the main factor....I really just want and try to shoot older bucks.

If I was to hunt someone else's land I would follow their rules.....However I still can't bring myself to shoot a 1.5 year old buck.....My land, others or even public.....Just no real thrill in that for me.

[Ethan Givan]

Part I:

1. Do you hunt managed private land that imposes a minimum buck harvest criteria? Is so, what is it? If more than one place with different criteria please state all of them.

No, I dont hunt managed land or at a club. I deer hunt two places, behind the house here on our farm and another much larger farm. Here at the house me and my brothers hunt it, and there really isnt any rules on what bucks can be taken. At the other farm there are a couple other guys besides me that hunt it, and there is an understanding among us that little bucks are to be passed but no specific rule on how big a buck should be.

2. What is the penalty if you kill a buck that doesn't meet the criteria?

None

3. Do you agree or disagree with your hunting property's criteria? Why?

I guess so

Part II

1. How many deer hunting seasons do you have behind you?

About 9 seasons I think. Dad was taking me to the deer woods with him when I was 6 years old, but I dont think I was doing the shooting until I was about 12.

2. Do you have a self imposed buck harvest criteria and what is it?

Yes I have for the last 4 years or so. I wont shoot a buck unless I think he will score in the 120s or better. Where I hunt that means the deer will most likely be at least 3.5 or older.

[rhine16]

Part I:

1. Do you hunt managed private land that imposes a minimum buck harvest criteria? Is so, what is it? If more than one place with different criteria please state all of them.

Hunt two different pieces of private land: one 500 acre tract and a 200 acre tract. Me, my dad, uncle, and 9 year old brother with a couple of guest every now and then. We have no rules in writing. Pretty much understood that we're looking for a mature buck.

2. What is the penalty if you kill a buck that doesn't meet the criteria?

None

3. Do you agree or disagree with your hunting property's criteria? Why?

Disagree... I'm all for a one buck limit and must be 130+

Part II

1. How many deer hunting seasons do you have behind you?

12

2. Do you have a self imposed buck harvest criteria and what is it?

Not set in stone, but with a bow I'm looking for something thats atleast in the 110" range

Only criteria for myself with a gun is that I better know he's a stud before i knock that safety off.

[MUDRUNNER]

Part I:

1. Do you hunt managed private land that imposes a minimum buck harvest criteria? Is so, what is it? If more than one place with different criteria please state all of them.

2. What is the penalty if you kill a buck that doesn't meet the criteria?

3. Do you agree or disagree with your hunting property's criteria? Why

I have permission on two pieces of private ground. One is 60 acres and the other 80. Both are shared with other hunters and none of them have ever been managed.

Part II

1. How many deer hunting seasons do you have behind you?

2. Do you have a self imposed buck harvest criteria and what is it?

1. I have 19 hunting season behind me.

2. I generally pass on 1 1/2 old bucks. I've got two boxes of 1 1/2 old racks in the basement, and nowadays it's more about quality than quantity for me. There was a time when I just wanted to fill my tags, but anymore I just enjoy being out there and don't mind letting a tag go to waste. Eventually I imagine I'll get to a point that I'll pass on 2 1/2 year olds, but for the areas I hunt that's still a decent buck.

[Strut10]

Part I:

1. Do you hunt managed private land that imposes a minimum buck harvest criteria? Is so, what is it? If more than one place with different criteria please state all of them.

Yes. But the property is too small to effectively hold bucks from roaming off it. The criteria is 100" or better and meeting PA's antler restriction du jour.

2. What is the penalty if you kill a buck that doesn't meet the criteria?

Not getting asked back to hunt the property.

3. Do you agree or disagree with your hunting property's criteria? Why?

Agree. Why ? Because I set it up.

Part II

1. How many deer hunting seasons do you have behind you?

This coming season will be my 33rd

2. Do you have a self imposed buck harvest criteria and what is it?

Yes. I like to hold out for 115" or better. Doesn't always work that way. But that's my goal.

[hoosierhunter]

Pat's post made me wonder about the forum member's buck harvest criteria so I have a few questions for you. Just curious.

Part I:

1. Do you hunt managed private land that imposes a minimum buck harvest criteria?-Private property with restrictions on some and none on others.

Is so, what is it?-4.5 year old deer or a predeterminted buck on approximately 170 acres.

100 acres is managed for deer but no penalty because all 3 of us are on the same page of trophy deer. We have hunted together for all my life.

100 acres of family ground that my father and I hunt.

2. What is the penalty if you kill a buck that doesn't meet the criteria? 500.00

3. Do you agree or disagree with your hunting property's criteria? Why?-agree

Part II

1. How many deer hunting seasons do you have behind you? this will be my 21st season

2. Do you have a self imposed buck harvest criteria and what is it? Yes-This started in 2008 for me and at that time it was a P&Y buck. In 2010, I had a 4.5 limit with a goal of 160 inches. This current year will be a 4.5 or a specific deer.

[redkneck]

My thoughts in bold.

Pat's post made me wonder about the forum member's buck harvest criteria so I have a few questions for you. Just curious.

Part I:

1. Do you hunt managed private land that imposes a minimum buck harvest criteria? Is so, what is it? If more than one place with different criteria please state all of them.

I mostly hunt a lease that is somewhat loosely managed. The majority of the members are on board to only taking 3.5 y/o deer in the 110" and up range.

2. What is the penalty if you kill a buck that doesn't meet the criteria?

We poke fun at the member for the remainder of the year, lol.

3. Do you agree or disagree with your hunting property's criteria? Why?

Our criteria should be more rigid. If it were up to me I would make harder standards and stiffer penalties. We hunt some poor red clay hills on our property, I realize that a 150" buck is near the top of the potential here, and also realize that not all deer have that potential. I would give free passes to anyone that wanted to cull a deer, simple rules like anything over 170 lbs gets a free pass regardless of headgear (200lb deer on our place would be a GIANT, though they are taken every few years). I think any spike over 130lbs is fair game. Some simple rules like this could help folks that want to do good for the herd and know a good buck that has reached it's potential. We grow some big old 5.5 y/o bucks that are sporting a 4-6pt rack. I think killing a 120lb 2.5 y/o 8pt should be accompanied by a "no hard feelings just put $250 in the camp fund for groceries" fine. Second offense in a season doubled, third kicked out (new hunters and a few exceptions get a pass).

Part II

1. How many deer hunting seasons do you have behind you?

Almost 30.

2. Do you have a self imposed buck harvest criteria and what is it?

I hunt some smaller tracts close to home and will shoot anything legal which of course here is a 2.5y/o

At the lease it's going to be 110" or better as best as I can judge. I have no problems letting young 8's walk.

OK...here's my answers:

Part I:

1. Every place I hunt has a minimum buck harvest criteria. Here in MS this year it will be 15" spread or a 20" main beam. At the private leases I hunt in the midwest the minimums are 140 gross for 8 points, 145 gross for 9 points, 150 gross for 10 points or more. Some of the outfitters I've hunted with in the past have had 120 or 130 gross as their minimums.

2. Our place in MS has a $100/inch fine (rounded of to the next highest inch) for the 1st offense by our club members. It doubles for a 2nd offense. Guest fines are doubled. Our lease in the midwest is $750 fine and you may be kicked out. The outfitters that have imposed fines have all set them at $500.

3. I disagree with our club's criteria in MS for one reason. It does not include an allowance for young hunters. I personally believe youth hunters should be allowed a legal buck of choice. It's not going to have a drastic affect on our ability to grow older class bucks. I agree with the criteria on our midwest lease. All the hunters in it are seasoned bowhunters. We want to maximize the potential of the bucks we have there and there's no shortage of bucks meeting that criteria. As far as outfitters go, I doubt I'd ever book a hunt with an outfitter having less than a 130 gross minimum again.

Part II:

1. I started deer hunting when I was 13...I'm 57 now. Except for a few seasons when I was a diehard waterfowl hunter I've deer hunted about 40 of the past seasons.

2. I've had a personal harvest criteria hunting at home for about 10 years now. I prefer to just kill mature bucks (4.5 or older). Size matters for wall hangers but I'm not opposed to taking an old cull out too. Most years I'll take out one. Last year it was a 6.5 year old 6 point. BTW...this year will be the 1st year that our club's criteria will be set to attempt to protect all bucks under 4.5 years old. When I'm hunting our midwest place, so far I've been passing up bucks under 150. That booner back in 2004 did that to me. I can't say I'll continue to do that but so far I have. I'm not sure how many P&Y class bucks I've passed hunting with outfitters since 2004. It's not uncommon to see P&Y class 3.5 year old bucks in the midwest. I've stuck to my guns of 140 minimum mature bucks hunting with outfitters since 2004.

[dbHunterNY]

Pat's post made me wonder about the forum member's buck harvest criteria so I have a few questions for you. Just curious.

Part I:

1. Do you hunt managed private land that imposes a minimum buck harvest criteria? Is so, what is it? If more than one place with different criteria please state all of them.

Mostly hunt private land that really isn't managed much. On my immediate family farm you're not allowed to shoot a spike buck. It's preferred that you shoot something bigger than a four pointer. On my great grandmother's old farm there isn't any. however, the neighbors for that farm mostly shoot bigger deer and bigger bucks are usually seen there, so people tend to hold out for something bigger (+90").

2. What is the penalty if you kill a buck that doesn't meet the criteria?

None to prevent you from hunting there...you simply get harassed at every family function for years.

3. Do you agree or disagree with your hunting property's criteria? Why?

No.... There's no structure or clear rules in black and white. What restrictions are there aren't the best at reducing the number of younger nicer bucks. Last season a 1.5 yr old decent racked 6 pointer was shot, but it was a 6 pointer making it fair game.

Part II

1. How many deer hunting seasons do you have behind you?

With a weapon in my hand I've got 11 seasons under my belt. I've never missed an opening day to gun season. Haven't hunted with a bow as long.

2. Do you have a self imposed buck harvest criteria and what is it?

Take the largest buck spotted on my parent's farm that hasn't been taken (in order from 1st to 3rd largest but not lower) or completely moved off the property by the time seasons start. History has shown me in most cases the largest buck seen is usually relocated by the time opening day of gun season started. There are enough hunters/farmers and people scouting the area that the rankings and bucks are known each season with really no surprises. Also, the top 2 and sometimes 3 are shot on the property or off each season. Most, but probably all bucks I end up shooting are therefore 2.5 years old. I went 4 years straight eating my tags trying to find a P&Y buck and realized it was rarely going to happen the way things were going. Held out last season too for the number one buck which was about 110". It survived a high far back shot with a bow during the early season and then finely got fatally shot with a rifle during the regular season. (edit: thought I'd add that none of this shooting was done by me unfortunately and I "ate" my tag.) ....best couple bucks seen around is the best I can do, despite not being mature. I don't expect a Booner to pop up out of the ground in front of me, but considering the circumstances and reaching those goals I'm satisfied.

Edited July 6, 2011 by dbHunterNY

[Rhino]

I realize that a 150" buck is near the top of the potential here, and also realize that not all deer have that potential.)..

Unfortunately that's true for most of MS John.

I would give free passes to anyone that wanted to cull a deer, simple rules like anything over 170 lbs gets a free pass regardless of headgear (200lb deer on our place would be a GIANT, though they are taken every few years).

Good point! I neglected to mention that's one of my beefs too. Senior moment for me forgetting that! My idea of culls is any mature buck (4.5 or older) with less than 8 points. Even if they made it less than 7 points I'd like it. Heck, make it any buck meeting the criteria with less than 7 points. Like you, our place has a limit of bucks/membership. Besides me there's 2 other hunters on our place that will take out a cull...the others won't waste a buck on one.

Here's some examples just from last year:

1. This is the old 3x3 I killed that according to the jawbone aging method was 6.5. I had trail cam pics of him the past 3 years. Only change in rack was spread & maybe a couple of inches in main beam length.

I have multiple pics of this one and he is barely a 3x3. No G3 on the right and just one brow tine. The prior year he was a big 5 point with no G3's. I know of 2 hunters that passed this deer simply because it would cost them a buck off their membership.

I have more but those make my point.

Edited July 7, 2011 by Rhino

[redkneck]

I think we're on the same page with that. The weights and other criteria can be adjusted/debated for different areas, but if I were to make the rules, there'd definitely be a "freebie" point at which anything could be brought to the skinning rack. Surely everyone would agree a deer around here either 4.5y/o or perhaps 150lbs and less than 6 pts should be taken out of the herd, or at least is my humble opinion. But I also know folks make mistakes, Lord knows I have, and that's where the wallet is pulled out for a little donation for some ribeyes and cold ones for the whole camp :eat::beer:

[redkneck]

btw... I would take full enjoyment in taking that buck in your pic with a bow. That old boy didn't get to that age for being stupid, regardless of what he's sporting up top. Would take a little ribbing at the camp, and there'd be one or two that would point out he didn't make the "official 8pt and better" rule, but we're slowly moving beyond that (I think). What makes ours work is that we only have 4 regular members that are likely to kill deer in any given year, and as long as they're given the opportunity to take some decent 3.5 y/o deer from time to time the 2.5's will be ok. It's after those long dry spells some will get to whining about how they haven't killed one and so-and-so brought in a 180lb 5pt, lol.

[Ravin R10 man]

I hold to an 8 pt or better....and that 8 had better be huge or it walks..last few seasons I been stuck on killing 10 pts or better

[Tominator]

Part I:

1. Do you hunt managed private land that imposes a minimum buck harvest criteria? Is so, what is it? If more than one place with different criteria please state all of them.

Yep. I can think of 2 properties where the owners want mature bucks only killed. On those properties a deer would probably have to score above 130 for me to shoot, but preferably in the 150's.

2. What is the penalty if you kill a buck that doesn't meet the criteria?

Endless years of razzing.

3. Do you agree or disagree with your hunting property's criteria? Why?

Yep, I have no problem with the policy, and it's what I would institute if I ever owned property. I think I'd be more strict with the penalty for shooting a sub par buck though.

Part II

1. How many deer hunting seasons do you have behind you?

I started hunting deer in 1987. I ain't two good wiff maff.

2. Do you have a self imposed buck harvest criteria and what is it?

I plead the 5th...

Honestly, I hold out on a big buck with the bow, and I ideally prefer to shoot said buck before gun season. After gun season, the percentages of killing a big buck are pretty low around here. Although, my 2nd biggest buck I killed in late December.

[Kmodlin]

Part I:

1. Do you hunt managed private land that imposes a minimum buck harvest criteria? Is so, what is it? If more than one place with different criteria please state all of them.

We Have a lease in the mid west that only 3 people hunt it. We only really have rule Big bucks and old does. The bucks we judge on a buck by buck bases. Is he mature? Does he have potential?

2. What is the penalty if you kill a buck that doesn't meet the criteria?

We will never let you forget about!!

3. Do you agree or disagree with your hunting property's criteria? Why?

Yes I set the criteria!!

Part II

1. How many deer hunting seasons do you have behind you?

17

2. Do you have a self imposed buck harvest criteria and what is it?

YES, SEE ABOVE IN PART 1