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Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: Friend on August 02, 2020, 09:52:48 PM

Title: The Relentless Pursuit of that Dream Buck
Post by: Friend on August 02, 2020, 09:52:48 PM: Would expect that most of us some time or another have imagined the buck of dreams. Some of us many times. Thus far, this preseason I have not identified that target buck yet am quite optimistic as I have located a couple that are just short of a personally intensified season pursuit.

What is your realistic dream buck?
Title: Re: The Relentless Pursuit of that Dream Buck
Post by: ESP on August 02, 2020, 10:01:32 PM: A mid 150s clean 8 point for whitetail. Mule deer a clean 4x4 with eyeguards 160’s. That’s for this season.
Title: Re: The Relentless Pursuit of that Dream Buck
Post by: Huntschool on August 02, 2020, 11:34:18 PM: I got him on the wall behind me..

(https://i.imgur.com/U1IdLOx.jpg?1)

163 3/8 clean 10 Pt. 22.5 inside, 23"+ main beams. Lost inches due to disparity on both sides. If you look close his G2 on the right side as you look at him is only 8" while the G2 on the other side is 14". His g 4's are there but the left side as you look at him cant be seen cant in this pic. The G4 on the right can be seen. At my age I am never going to beat this guy. I am good with that. That being said, I am very particular on what I look at. There is a young 6 pt. roaming around my place that will be a unique trophy in another year or two if he makes it. I sure have not seen everything thats available around here. Ya never know.
Title: Re: The Relentless Pursuit of that Dream Buck
Post by: hawkeye n pa on August 03, 2020, 07:38:28 AM: A legal buck will do here just fine. Way to much hunting pressure here for a realistic chance at the dream buck. Have seen some bruisers when hunting the big woods though. Thermals have been extremely frustrating trying to close the distance in the mountains with valleys and draws. Unbelievable they can survive the rifle season pressure and deer drives. They get big for a reason!
Title: Re: The Relentless Pursuit of that Dream Buck
Post by: Dave Lay on August 03, 2020, 08:31:51 AM: Huntschool that’s a great deer, congrats. I hunt public land and am at the mercy of pressure from other hunters and such, A couple years ago I had a beautiful mid 160,s 10 point at 10 yards and never got a good angle and he walked. That deer has haunted me ever since then. I’ve tried to locate that deer ever since and spent most of the season trying to hunt him. Heck being prerut he could have come from 10 miles away but man that deer really stuck in my head. Last year I found a young wide 8 point that I would have shot if given a chance , I saw him a couple times but never really had a good opportunity. He appears to be back in the same area this year, so if no one boogers him , hopefully I can get a arrow on him this year , My biggest is a mid 150,s that I loved to have the chance to kill, but it wasn’t one that I had targeted and actively pursued , don’t get me wrong, I’m not a trophy hunter and love killing mature does as well as bucks but the thread is about the one dream buck we pursue. It seems every year I will find a nice buck and wind up not killing him and passing other deer I would normally shoot. It’s a dang sickness.
Title: Re: The Relentless Pursuit of that Dream Buck
Post by: ron w on August 03, 2020, 08:37:37 AM: Dream buck, sure everyone wants a crack at one !! Me, I just want a legal deer. Buck or doe, don’t matter! I have seen some real beautiful bucks but never had a close encounter with the bow. Maybe this year !!!!
Title: Re: The Relentless Pursuit of that Dream Buck
Post by: Cyclic-Rivers on August 03, 2020, 09:00:02 AM: We have a couple every year that I'd like a chance at. Every year I tell myself I'm shooting a meat deer but then hold off when a young buck is in front of me, hoping for something a little bigger. This deer I had at 10 yards last year. Couldn't get the string clear of my leg as he came in too fast. Hes not the biggest deer but I have my eye on him [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]
Title: Re: The Relentless Pursuit of that Dream Buck
Post by: BAK on August 03, 2020, 09:40:22 AM: The kind of hunting pressure that exists where I hunt pretty much eliminates any "dream" animals, but as they say hope springs eternal. Just got a picture of this little guy yesterday. He'd be fun.
Title: Re: The Relentless Pursuit of that Dream Buck
Post by: Trenton G. on August 03, 2020, 10:07:48 AM: The areas that I hunt just aren't conducive to producing big bucks unfortunately. Not a ton of food, and most guys blast the first buck that they see. The APR's have definitely worked though and make the chance of at least seeing a decent buck a bit more realistic. I'd love to get one that beats the P&Y minimum of 125". I've gotten several 8's (with other weapons) but would love a run at a 10 pointer some day.
Title: Re: The Relentless Pursuit of that Dream Buck
Post by: Yooper-traveler on August 03, 2020, 10:17:32 AM: I guess for me it isn't about a score, its about having encounters with an older buck. Two years ago I passed a nice 2 year old 8 up here as I was hoping he would walk by my son or daughter. He never did. I saw the same one last year (now a real nice 9) but never within bow range. My son almost had a shot at him but it never panned out. My kids or dad taking that deer would constitute a "dream" hunt as he has some history with me.
Title: Re: The Relentless Pursuit of that Dream Buck
Post by: Sam McMichael on August 03, 2020, 10:26:59 AM: For now, I would be satisfied with any nice sized 8 or 10 pointer. Extremely huge antlers are not a requirement. I missed my chance at a truly massive deer back when I was a very young rifle hunter. I missed a truly large 12 pointer. By the next season, I was a competent rifle shooter. Since becoming a designated bowhunter such an opportunity has not presented itself.
Title: Re: The Relentless Pursuit of that Dream Buck
Post by: Bvas on August 03, 2020, 10:29:17 AM: That's easy.

I'm hoping I get the opportunity to chase the same buck I've dreamed about for the past two years. A nice solid eight pointer. He will be 9yrs old this year.
He usually doesn't show up until late September. So fingers crossed......hopefully he survived thru the off season.

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Title: Re: The Relentless Pursuit of that Dream Buck
Post by: Howitser on August 03, 2020, 11:27:22 AM: I get one picture of this guy every year, for 3 years now. Waiting for the 2020 edition. It would be an accomplishment to see and kill this boy. Certainly a fuller freezer........but it seems the dream would end then, sad. [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]
Title: Re: The Relentless Pursuit of that Dream Buck
Post by: Huntschool on August 03, 2020, 11:46:21 AM: Thanks Dave. I am quite proud of him.

Its tough to shoot something you may never beat. What do you do the following years ? I have passed on a ton of bucks because they were no where near the one above. I dont eat as much venison as I once did so its not even a case of meat. I take a doe every so often just for that. What it has really done to me is make me enjoy just being out there and enjoying what nature has to offer. However, now with my physical/medical conditions even that is becoming more difficult.

I will continue to hunt as I can and enjoy my time in the woods. If I dont ever see another deer as big as this one thats OK, just as long as I can get out....

Hunt well and shoot straight
Title: Re: The Relentless Pursuit of that Dream Buck
Post by: Keefer on August 03, 2020, 11:56:13 AM: I always just like to have a close encounter while sitting in my Huntmore 360 chair and I have had some close that I have taken with longbow and recurve .
Then one day while praying I would have a second chance at a good 8 point I missed I went back two days later praying that 8 would give me a “Second” chance at him while cruising by “BUT” our Creator God had a different one He sent through .
It was a beautiful sight being so close on the ground as he offered me the shot of a lifetime.
Title: Re: The Relentless Pursuit of that Dream Buck
Post by: JakeD on August 03, 2020, 01:00:29 PM: The greatest accomplishment of my hunting career will be if I'm able to take the buck I've been after for several years. I see him quite often, but can't ever get a shot. I've watched and kept tabs on him since he was a 2.5 year old. He will be 9.5 this fall. He is most likely a 150-155 inch 8 point. It has been fun watching him grow all these years. He is still a giant bodied buck and easily the biggest that I have to pursue.
Title: Re: The Relentless Pursuit of that Dream Buck
Post by: GCook on August 03, 2020, 02:34:58 PM: I've given up that dream.
I don't mean I wouldn't take the shot should a nice150 class come by in range but I leave tags unfilled to wait on the best or most mature buck I have on camera and it stays unfilled. I have been working on myself to get me at the point where any decent mature (4+ years old) is a good one and take the first good opportunity I get. Hopefully this season I take one early, fill a couple of doe tags and leave time to hunt ducks in December and January.
I only have room on the wall for one more. If I die with that spot empty it's with no regrets.
Title: Re: The Relentless Pursuit of that Dream Buck
Post by: Wudstix on August 03, 2020, 03:00:14 PM: Hawkeye, I grew up in PA and familiar with the “if it’s brown it’s down” philosophy. Understand the pressure. Getting back to those spots that require work to get into is the key.
:coffee: :campfire: :thumbsup:
Title: Re: The Relentless Pursuit of that Dream Buck
Post by: Wudstix on August 03, 2020, 06:35:22 PM: Hunting Government land in Texas with limited scouting possibilities it is pretty much first mature buck that offers a shot.
:campfire:
Title: Re: The Relentless Pursuit of that Dream Buck
Post by: Huntschool on August 03, 2020, 07:04:17 PM: Quote from: Wudstix on August 03, 2020, 06:35:22 PM
Hunting Government land in Texas with limited scouting possibilities it is pretty much first mature buck that offers a shot.

Heck, 34 years for the feds even as a DoD civilian..... you should have enough change to get yourself on a decent (not crazy expensive) lease. That would solve the problem. Or in normal times a trip to a good producing state might work also. Just sayin.....
Title: Re: The Relentless Pursuit of that Dream Buck
Post by: Bisch on August 03, 2020, 07:19:24 PM: My dream is to kill a 150” buck before I die. Don’t know that it will ever happen because 150” bucks are pretty scarce on the places I get to hunt.

But I will keep going out there with my dream in tact as long as I can!!!!!

Bisch
Title: Re: The Relentless Pursuit of that Dream Buck
Post by: Wudstix on August 03, 2020, 10:27:29 PM: You’d think but then there’s Texas A&M too pay for and a nursing degree to help with. $5,000/Year on a lease 250 or more miles away doesn’t work for me.
:campfire:
Title: Re: The Relentless Pursuit of that Dream Buck
Post by: MnFn on August 03, 2020, 10:35:12 PM: When I was twelve, my Dad and cousin shot a tremendous deer with rifles. It scored something like 188, but there were some deductions, but still in the 170s, I think. That has been my goal.

I read one of Gene Wensel’s books that stated if you don’t pass on the small ones you likely never take a big one. Or something like that. That has guided my bow hunting ever since.

I have taken lots of deer with guns, one a very nice 130 range buck. But usually I take something for venison and my foster son likes to be involved in the hunt so that’s part of it too.

But my archery is a different story. In the last few years I have passed on decent deer; I had a pretty nice 5X5 at 14 yards right in my shooting lane and last year a big 4X4, because I knew there were bigger deer around. Sometimes when I tell guys how few deer I’ve taken with a bow they seem shocked. One thing is where I hunt I am allowed only one deer.

The main point of this is I want to take one really nice buck, with my bow. So I am ok with not taking a deer. I never want to walk up to a deer I’ve just killed and think “why did I shoot that”?
Title: Re: The Relentless Pursuit of that Dream Buck
Post by: beemann on August 04, 2020, 12:42:10 AM: This years dream buck. The pursuit is the fun part. The journey makes it enjoyable. [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]
Title: Re: The Relentless Pursuit of that Dream Buck
Post by: valleysniper on August 04, 2020, 07:53:27 AM: Everybody I get is my dream buck. We don't put out cameras as we like to be suprised as what we see. The area I hunt is well known for bucks, so usually not if but when I you see a good one. Plus its a quality deer management area, so the buck you take this year has to be bigger than last. Does take some of the fun out of it, but its better than hunting public land in Wisconsin
Title: Re: The Relentless Pursuit of that Dream Buck
Post by: MnFn on August 04, 2020, 08:20:13 AM: Amen Beemann
Title: Re: The Relentless Pursuit of that Dream Buck
Post by: reddogge on August 04, 2020, 09:13:13 AM: This was my biggest so far, a 9 point taken on Aberdeen Proving Grounds. I hit one in the shoulder bone much bigger and he ran away unhurt. On my own property, I passed on another bigger deer because it was just a tad too far for a good shot. At my age, I'm satified with a shot at any deer now, buck or doe, big or little.
Title: Re: The Relentless Pursuit of that Dream Buck
Post by: Orion on August 04, 2020, 07:40:31 PM: I don't target a specific buck, but I do try to hold out for a mature buck. In my neck of the woods, there aren't that many of them around, and in the big woods they're difficult to find and even more difficult to pattern so I sometimes end up with tag soup. But it's the hunt that matters, and since I'm limited to one deer of either sex on my archery trag where I hunt, not shooting the first buck that comes along certainly does lengthen my season.
Title: Re: The Relentless Pursuit of that Dream Buck
Post by: Wudstix on August 04, 2020, 10:22:07 PM: Texas has five tags on a license, two bucks. So can fill the freezer and still wait for a good buck. Also, there is MLD deer that don’t come off your tags. Just need time and place to hunt.
:campfire:
Title: Re: The Relentless Pursuit of that Dream Buck
Post by: GCook on August 04, 2020, 11:05:44 PM: That's true Wud but not all counties have a five deer bag limit.
Then county I hunt in does and no antler restrictions. 2 buck and 3 doe. However we have a ranch rule of only one buck per hunter.
Title: Re: The Relentless Pursuit of that Dream Buck
Post by: Wudstix on August 04, 2020, 11:56:21 PM: Couple counties have no buck rules to I think. Hunt Government land and it was one spike and on 2 1/2 Year old or better.
:campfire:
Title: Re: The Relentless Pursuit of that Dream Buck
Post by: BrushWolf on August 06, 2020, 10:04:10 AM: Took me eight seasons. [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]
Title: Re: The Relentless Pursuit of that Dream Buck
Post by: Crittergetter on August 06, 2020, 11:24:19 AM: I have a goal of 140 plus on public land in Texas.
Title: Re: The Relentless Pursuit of that Dream Buck
Post by: curlis on August 06, 2020, 09:46:59 PM: May never get another like him.
Title: Re: The Relentless Pursuit of that Dream Buck
Post by: Wudstix on August 07, 2020, 01:24:30 PM: Brushwolf; love that character.
:campfire:
Title: Re: The Relentless Pursuit of that Dream Buck
Post by: Friend on August 24, 2020, 10:10:32 PM: Have really enjoyed completing the long list of labor-intensive habitat improvement projects this year. Am looking forward to observing the results this fall, winter and spring. Some results may not be revealed until next season. Am now focusing on locating a couple of target bucks and located several nice deer. I am most fortunate to be able tohunt extensively thru the season and have, thus far, not located that special buck. It is quite early as most of my target bucks are not located until late October and in early November and then again in December and January.

Come on cooler weather as the anticipation is on the rise.
Title: Re: The Relentless Pursuit of that Dream Buck
Post by: Wudstix on August 25, 2020, 09:52:57 AM: Still waiting and hoping my hunting land will open this season.
:campfire:
Title: Re: The Relentless Pursuit of that Dream Buck
Post by: BlkDog on August 26, 2020, 01:11:09 AM: We shall see what happens this season. Been watching this guy for 4 years and last year, he exploded in size. The good news is that he made it through last season in an area heavily hunted with dogs.
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Title: Re: The Relentless Pursuit of that Dream Buck
Post by: Wudstix on August 26, 2020, 09:15:20 AM: Good looking buck, best of luck to you.
:campfire:
Title: Re: The Relentless Pursuit of that Dream Buck
Post by: Friend on August 26, 2020, 08:18:55 PM: BlkDog...certainly am hopeful that he presents an opportunity for you.
Title: Re: The Relentless Pursuit of that Dream Buck
Post by: tippit on August 26, 2020, 09:16:47 PM: My best so far...
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Title: Re: The Relentless Pursuit of that Dream Buck
Post by: ESP on August 27, 2020, 12:37:15 PM: Friend do you have any pics of your targets this year?
Title: Re: The Relentless Pursuit of that Dream Buck
Post by: Missouri Bowman on August 27, 2020, 03:14:11 PM: Any deer is a trophy in a way and I’m thankful for the deer I’ve taken thru the years. Seen some bigger ones but they’ve eluded me and hopefully died of old age. Here are some of my better ones [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]
Title: Re: The Relentless Pursuit of that Dream Buck
Post by: Homey88 on August 27, 2020, 10:34:52 PM: Don’t know if this guy survived last years rifle season. I’m hoping he did. [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]
Title: Re: The Relentless Pursuit of that Dream Buck
Post by: Petrichor on August 28, 2020, 05:55:52 AM: Quote from: hawkeye n pa on August 03, 2020, 07:38:28 AM
A legal buck will do here just fine. Way to much hunting pressure here for a realistic chance at the dream buck. Have seen some bruisers when hunting the big woods though. Thermals have been extremely frustrating trying to close the distance in the mountains with valleys and draws. Unbelievable they can survive the rifle season pressure and deer drives. They get big for a reason!
Same any buck will do for my first buck.
Title: Re: The Relentless Pursuit of that Dream Buck
Post by: LITTLEBIGMAN on August 28, 2020, 01:51:13 PM: my dream buck is always the one i am chasing this year. This year's is the same as last year's [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]