Another new hunter

CodyK9

New Member
It only took 50 years, but better late than never I guess! Actually when I was younger (about 8-14) I would go out with my uncle and grandpa and trounce around the woods with them, but I never shot anything. Got invited on 3 different hunts this year, and I figured it was getting old putting holes in paper targets, and I LOVE venison, so I’m getting ready for rifle season. I’m confident enough shooting, my main worry is about not having the time in the woods to differentiate between a good doe and an immature deer at 100 yards plus. I’m going to use extreme caution, and if I don’t take a shot all season, then I will be fine with that. I would much rather not have an animal to tag than walk up and realize I have shot a button buck thinking it was a doe! Any good tips on avoiding the “D’oh” moment or is it just gonna take some time in the woods observing to get comfortable trusting my eyes?


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Look for movement before they get to you, know they are coming. This gives you a chance to get your wits about you before dealing with them. When you do see them you have to decide what they are. No positive ID means no shot.

Listen carefully and identify every sound around you, you will not hear the deer coming as often as you will hear the other animals around you react to their presence. Pay attention.

After that know that they are masterful at the game they are playing, it means life or death for them so they play it well. Your job is to make a clean shot, what weapon you use is up to you and the laws you are under. I had a little 4 point at 17 yards just 12 hours ago, too small, he didn't know I was there and didn't know he was being watched.

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Daylight is your friend. The later it gets the margin of error increases on the likelihood of shooting an undesirable deer. But understand this. We've all done it. You'll learn quicker by mistakes. With that being said if you spent enough time in the woods you'll eventually be able to tell the difference just from the way they walk. Added to that their body structure and the subtle nuances that a doe will have compared to a buck. But first and foremost just enjoy being in God's creation. Good luck and happy hunting

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Welcome to forum codyK9. It is not just trusting your eyes, it is training them first. Here if a doe is alone it is most likely a button buck and it takes a long while to tell the difference on a lone deer. Even to this day after seeing thousands and thousands of deer in the woods, when hunting does if it is alone it is assumed to be a button buck. Then only if we get to really look it over well and it still looks like a large doe do we even consider pulling the hammer back. Hope you have a fun season.
 
Welcome to the forum Cody. A good pair of binos will let you know if it’s a doe or a button buck most of the time. You may have to look hard at different angles to tell. As Chainsaw said, don’t shoot the first doe that walks out, this time of year the does are kicking their buck offspring out of the house.
 
Nowadays i hunt less than before. I like watching wildlife around me with some equipments, such like trail cameras, which could record photos and videos.

The first time you go hunting may be pretty intimidating. There are a lot of rules that you might not know as well as the adrenaline of knowing that you are following in the footsteps of millions of other men who have set out into the wilderness to find food for their family. Luckily though, you aren't alone and there are groups to help new hunters have a great first time hunting experience.

Most people learn about hunting as a young man by tagging along with his father, uncle, or other older man in his family. However, if that’s not how you got started – don’t worry. There are hunting clubs, online forums and other ways to connect with people. Having someone join you isn’t just about teaching you the skills but sharing the experience of being men exploring the wilderness and tracking down your prey.

Best wish and have fun
 
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my rule of thumb is if I am going to shoot a doe, I will not shoot one that is alone unless I know 100 percent that it is a big doe. I like to wait until one comes in with a yearling so I know for sure but I have that luxury. I know some places don't have that many deer.
 
Look at some pictures of does,you will notice how to tell how big they are by the length of their nose.Also sometimes you will see the buttons but usually even though they do look decent size most button bucks are smaller than a mature doe.Good luck and don't stress so much that you take the fun out of it
 
What’s wrong with shooting a button buck as your first deer? I’ve shot a handful over the years, none were a mistake, I’m glad I shot them. They taste better than an older doe. You certainly can do whatever you want, but I would focus on making a clean kill on the first animal that presents an ethical, easy shot. It you’re on someone else’s property and they have fun-sucking rules, then you’ll have to adjust, but you need to get some clean kills under your belt before you start getting choosy. When the novelty wears off, and you’re heavily restricted on your available targets, you’re more like to burn out and stop going, especially if the weather turns sour. Good luck this year.


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What’s wrong with shooting a button buck as your first deer? I’ve shot a handful over the years, none were a mistake, I’m glad I shot them. They taste better than an older doe. You certainly can do whatever you want, but I would focus on making a clean kill on the first animal that presents an ethical, easy shot. It you’re on someone else’s property and they have fun-sucking rules, then you’ll have to adjust, but you need to get some clean kills under your belt before you start getting choosy. When the novelty wears off, and you’re heavily restricted on your available targets, you’re more like to burn out and stop going, especially if the weather turns sour. Good luck this year.


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One of the hunts is a paid, guided hunt and the fee includes a doe and a hog. I can shoot a buck for an extra fee, but it’s pretty steep!!


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It only took 50 years, but better late than never I guess! Actually when I was younger (about 8-14) I would go out with my uncle and grandpa and trounce around the woods with them, but I never shot anything. Got invited on 3 different hunts this year, and I figured it was getting old putting holes in paper targets, and I LOVE venison, so I’m getting ready for rifle season. I’m confident enough shooting, my main worry is about not having the time in the woods to differentiate between a good doe and an immature deer at 100 yards plus. I’m going to use extreme caution, and if I don’t take a shot all season, then I will be fine with that. I would much rather not have an animal to tag than walk up and realize I have shot a button buck thinking it was a doe! Any good tips on avoiding the “D’oh” moment or is it just gonna take some time in the woods observing to get comfortable trusting my eyes?


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Great to hear that you are getting serious about providing your own venison! As far as discerning whether or not a deer is a button buck, deer are much easier than bears to judge for size, with a bit of experience it becomes pretty easy to see if it's a full sized deer or not.
 
Best of luck Cody, sounds like you are going to have a blast. Every time your on a hunt or scouting you learn something. Harvesting some fresh venison is always exciting, and necessary for the herd. And sometimes just seeing and watching the different wildlife you’ll encounter and taking it all in is just as valuable and fun.
 
enjoy the process, havd
It only took 50 years, but better late than never I guess! Actually when I was younger (about 8-14) I would go out with my uncle and grandpa and trounce around the woods with them, but I never shot anything. Got invited on 3 different hunts this year, and I figured it was getting old putting holes in paper targets, and I LOVE venison, so I’m getting ready for rifle season. I’m confident enough shooting, my main worry is about not having the time in the woods to differentiate between a good doe and an immature deer at 100 yards plus. I’m going to use extreme caution, and if I don’t take a shot all season, then I will be fine with that. I would much rather not have an animal to tag than walk up and realize I have shot a button buck thinking it was a doe! Any good tips on avoiding the “D’oh” moment or is it just gonna take some time in the woods observing to get comfortable trusting my eyes?


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enjoy the process, have fun , stay safe
 
What a great time! Got my first deer!
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And then I got my second!
cc9f8163359ff581c598547ffebbb655.jpg



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