Kilimanjaro Report post Posted May 25, 2009 If the goat was in NM, TX, MT or elsewhere, I'd shoot him without hesitation.. With an AZ tag in my pocket, I'd still pass him up. With an AZ tag, I'd be holding out for a 84" or better buck. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gr8 White Jr Report post Posted May 25, 2009 The only way I would take the 1st buck is if it was an archery hunt but rifle or muzzleloader...not a chance! Of course I already have an AZ antelope under my belt so I can understand some of the guys who have never taken an antelope wanting to shoot. The second buck I would have to think real hard about and it would all depend on the caliber of bucks that I was seeing on the hunt so far. -Tracy Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JACK Report post Posted May 25, 2009 If YOU like looking at him shoot him... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TLH Report post Posted May 25, 2009 It only depends on what you have seen in the unit. If these are the best two then you have two choices--walk with out a buck or shoot and be happy with a smaller buck. If the first buck is 17" he will probably hit the magical 82" mark but if he is anything less he may not break book minimum. I would have to see the picture now that he has grown out but i would bet he isn't much bigger than 82"--reason i wouldn't think this is because i have been in that unit looking--think i have seen this buck and know that he lacks mass and prongs. Tim, PM me on my board if you get the chance--there is a buck you need to find and i need to tell you where he is. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TAM Report post Posted May 25, 2009 Scottyboy, what hunt/unit did you draw? I've got 19A north muzzy. Sounds like you and I are looking for about the same thing. Jack, of course that's the correct answer. I'm just trying to have some fun to pass the time. Elkaholic, interesting perspective. For me personally if I was only going to get one antelope in a lifetime I'd want it to be as big a buck as possible, not just average. Nothing wrong with what you're saying, just my .02 cents. I think part of the reason people shoot smaller antelope is because people don't know what to look for in a big buck. That's one of the reasons I started this topic is to see what the average Joe hunter would consider a shooter if they had a tag. Thanks everyone, and keep tuning in... I'm just getting started! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kilimanjaro Report post Posted May 26, 2009 TAM, no goat tag for me this year.. I drew the muzz hunt in unit 27 for bull elk. As far as goats though, I have taken 2 book goats.. one netted 82 even, and the other would have been in the upper 86 area had he not broke.. Even broke though, he still made it with a score of 83 5/8ths. Good luck with them... There are some monsters out there if you can find 'em! Oh yeah, keep us updated! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GameHauler Report post Posted May 26, 2009 Thanks everyone, and keep tuning in... I'm just getting started! Thanks Tim for keeping us posted. Looking forward to the upcoming scouting and hunt Stories I hope you have PM'd Terry about his offer Sure is nice when you live in the unit and can scout like you can. Best of luck. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
elkaholic Report post Posted May 26, 2009 hello - - i didnt want to get into the - not being able to spend time scouting or days hunting or experience judging antelope - affording a guide - how many bucks you've already seen etc.. Most of the guys passing probably all have taken bucks and are looking for something bigger and better - I'll bet the majority of bucks killed by normal everyday joes will not score 70 -or even go 15in.- Of course guys who spend the time scouting and or get guide service will have all the advantages of looking over lots of bucks- I'm no expert but if and when I get a tag -I'm not gonna shoot the first buck I see just to fill the tag, but by mid week a nice (average) buck will be in trouble - the guys who know and have see big bucks will hold out till the last day -- kinda like elk hunters - everyone knows that 400 class bulls are around and they have even seen them - so they pass on a 350 bull that walks by a 20 yrds . thats a big mistake in my book because most of the common joes may never get close enough for a shot at a monster-- be it bad luck or inexperience - #1 buck - like i said the angle of pic - had mass- judging from width comparied to the eye - but looked a little short - couldn't really tell the length - I'm sure all that comes with experience - and seeing lots of lopers - I did say shoot . #2 buck is what every joe would shoot without question. gary Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JACK Report post Posted May 26, 2009 No doubt its fun! Its a great tag and there are some great goats out there...not trying to hyjack the thread but will post a few from last year just for fun...pretty sure they are all dead anyhow This was a buck I thought was awsome and got killed by an archery hunter...think he was like 87" Just a unique and very cool lookin buck...heard a muzzy killed him Maybe this is the buck I should have hunted but he would cross back and forth from where I could and couldn't hunt...so I didnt hunt him...curious what he would of scored though The buck I ended up killing... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TAM Report post Posted May 26, 2009 Thanks for the pic's Jack! Especially the forward hooking buck. I saw him on several occaisions last year but never close enough to get a good look. Here is a pic of his father or older brother from the year before. This was my all time favorite buck. My kids and I named him Fish Hook and we would go for family drives during the summer to see him. How about this one everyone. Shoot or Pass??? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kilimanjaro Report post Posted May 26, 2009 Without a doubt... SHOOT. If not for score, I'd shoot this buck in a heartbeat because of the uniqueness. ESPECIALLY with a muzzleloader! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
youngbuck Report post Posted May 26, 2009 Man with all these stud lope pictures im startin to get all heartbrogen again, 13 apps and no tags yet Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gr8 White Jr Report post Posted May 26, 2009 I would take that forward hooking buck on the first day, at first light, on any hunt! What a cool looking buck and his uniqueness makes him a stud in my book for sure! -Tracy Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
