The same reader who sent in the shot of the unique non-typical below sent in this shot of a pretty six-pointer.
The rack doesn't appear to have a ton of mass, and it's not very wide. But it's sure nice and tall. Based on the buck's body I'd say he's a 2.5-year-old.
So, is it a shooter? I'd say he is for a lot of people, and I would have a hard time faulting someone for taking this deer.
While growing up in rural Southern Oregon, Mark Taylor developed a passion for the outdoors while he and his younger brother tagged along with their father on fishing, hunting and camping adventures.
Graduating from Northwestern University in 1988, Taylor spent four years as an officer in the U.S. Navy based in Norfolk before moving into journalism.
After five years writing about the military for a Norfolk-based publishing company, he became the outdoors editor at The Roanoke Times in 1998. He lives in Roanoke with his wife and twin daughters.
I would agree on the age, but being that I have not shot my "first" buck yet.....I would have a hard time not shooting it. But if I knew there was bigger an older bucks in the area......I would let it pass. Guess thats's why I need to buy me a new trail camera huh?
-J.R. -- There are always going to be older and bigger bucks in the area. The problem is actually seeing them during the season, during shooting hours, close enough to your bow stand. There are very few, if any, hunters who wouldn't be thrilled to have this guy be their first bow buck. Heck, their first buck with any weapon. This is the season for it to happen for you -- I feel it! mt
Comment by J.R. — July 27, 2009 @ 8:02 pm
That is a pretty nice buck, early in the season I would have to pass on this deer but late in the season if I hadn't killed a buck I would probably go ahead and take him.
Comment by Jason — July 28, 2009 @ 2:46 pm
Thanks Mark!!
Really appreciate the encouragement you have given. I feel good about this season too, now that I have my "first deer" under my belt.....it's time for that BUCK! Just got to figure out where I'm hunting this year being that I have lost my spot in Bedford Co. I gotta figure out something quick and I'm sure I'll find something. But I'm excited [ Just ask my girlfriend,it's all I talk about ] and looking forward to seeing everyone's pictures this year on the blog. Mark, keep the awsome articles coming!
Comment by J.R. — July 28, 2009 @ 2:57 pm
Hey Mark,you can come up with a few differnt thoughts on this.Is this buck going to always be a 6pt or grow more tines? How late in the season does this deer come by your stand,what have you bagged this year, or has it been a dry season? Do you hunt for wall hangers,or to feed your family? National forest or a big private farm? If you want monster racks on your property, do you cull him from the gene pool?If you have an abundance of nice bucks where you hunt, maybe the best thing to do might be to give it another year to find out how it matures.One thing we do know, is you have to be there when he is, to make that choice.
Keep up the good work Mark.
Alfie
Comment by Alfie — July 28, 2009 @ 9:03 pm