Would You Shoot a 12-Inch Wide Buck?

Posted At : March 18, 2010 2:14 PM | Posted By : Mike Hanback
Related Categories: Big Deer Blog

Three years ago somebody sent me this picture which fascinates me to this day. The drop tine yeah, but how about the width? Back then I posted it this with the question: “Would you shoot a 12-inch-wide buck?”

The hunter who shot this critter emailed me recently:

Hi Mike: My name is Scott Reeves and I came across your website tonight. I am the lucky hunter who harvested this buck in 2004 in Alberta. He scored 181 ¾ gross with only a 12” spread and had a 9” drop tine. The buck was aged between 7 and 9 years old, and only had 4 teeth left. He weighed 337 lbs. on the hoof. I was very lucky to have had a chance at a buck like this.

Hmm, imagine if ya hunted a state or lease with a 13-inch minimum rule and this dude walked by?

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That's the problem with rules, there is always exceptions to them!
# Posted By csoutdoors | 3/18/10 2:28 PM
I don't think anybody in their right mind would pass on that deer. I live in an area where they have to have at least 4 points on one side
I don't really have a problem with it, but a few years ago I found a huge 6 point dead. I don't remember size exactly, but good mass, and
10-12 inch brow tines. I know that my first buck a 1 year old 7 point, the rack can easily fit inside the 6's and not be close to touching
anything, looks like granddad and son. Now, from a managment point of view which would be the better deer to shoot? I would have trouble not shooting a big 6 like that if I saw him during the season, law or not. The purpose is to let the deer grow up and he was certainly grown up.I probably don't have to worry about it though, how many real big 6 pointers are out there anyway?
# Posted By Levi Banks | 3/18/10 2:28 PM
No way...id kill him in a second even if there was a spread rule. Seen one like this in Illinois mounted on the wall at the place i hunted.
He only had around a 12" spread as well....scored in the 190s. Kick ass!
# Posted By Scott from MI | 3/18/10 2:38 PM
In late December of 2007 I killed a deer that went well over 200" and it had an 11" spread.
# Posted By Cliff | 3/18/10 4:01 PM
after you drag him back to camp with two trucks and an antler tied to each the spread would be wider........lol

who's kidding who
the whole idea of deer managemnet is about age structure not just antler measurements
big racks are cool for sure but a buck that old is a trophy indeed
# Posted By Flatlander | 3/18/10 5:27 PM
Well said Flatlander, I agree age should be the ultimate factor in deer management.
# Posted By Cliff | 3/18/10 5:36 PM
BANG!. That would be the sound right after I saw this big buck. Are you kidding? Pass on a 180+ buck. This buck has tremendous character. I'd be proud as heck to display him on my wall. We're not talking about a 2-1/2 year old, 12" wide buck. This is a fully mature animal.
# Posted By Paul-NJ | 3/18/10 5:56 PM
Awesome buck Scott!
# Posted By Licking Branch | 3/18/10 6:34 PM
Yeah, I'd shoot him and pay the club fine for being too narrow, and still be tickled.

Cliff, an 11" wide deer that scored well over 200"? I gotta see that. Send it to Mike and let's get it posted.
# Posted By David in NC | 3/18/10 7:13 PM
Was thinking the same thing David! Send a pic cliff.
# Posted By necbone | 3/18/10 11:00 PM
Dead Buck!
# Posted By Dean Weimer | 3/19/10 12:15 PM
That would be a dead, but totally illegal buck. Don't know how I'd try to get away with it but I couldn't pass up an animal like that.
# Posted By Rodger | 3/19/10 12:34 PM
Shoot 'em and pay that fine with a smile!
# Posted By DougInWisconsin | 3/19/10 1:21 PM
Bang!! Pay the money!
# Posted By Mack | 3/19/10 1:27 PM
There's no way I'd pass that deer. Even if I legally had to shoot a doe. I passed up 3 big bucks, two big 6's, one of which was a giant, and an awesome 8 this past season because of that, it won't happen again, especially not on something like :) I hate to go against rules and laws but I'd have to on that.

Out of curiosity though, for those of you who hunt in areas with antler restrictions, what kind of fines would be attached to a deer like that?

Cody
# Posted By Cody | 3/20/10 9:30 AM
Cody, I don't know what the fine would be but the TPWD would certainly confiscate the deer. If you shot it you'd have to hide it and butcher it at home. Totally illegal.
# Posted By Rodger | 3/20/10 1:49 PM
Cliff,I think we need to see this 11'' wide 200'' jaw droping monster.
# Posted By mike | 3/20/10 8:15 PM
Most of the other skills/professions if you do pick them up, it should be just for money. I havent been able to find a good use for them.
Be sure to bookmark this page and check out the other guides to make HUGE amounts of gold in this game.
# Posted By wow gold | 4/1/10 2:48 AM
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