Show me some P&Y minimum bucks
Mule Deer
Contributors to this thread:
I'm heading to New Mexico in 3 weeks to chase mulies if you have them I would love to see pictures of bucks that would be right at minimum to give me an idea Thanks
does anyone have pictures they would like to share
Here's one that officially netted 146 and some change that my hunting partner arrowed:
Another hunting partner's 146" net mule deer:
Roy's first picture is a great one. Note the mass of the main beams and the depth of the forks on the G2s. Eye guards help if making book is important.
If you're comfortable with the difference between a 2 and 3 year old whitetail, then you're 1/2 way there. As with whitetail, if you shoot a 2 year old, it's probably not going to make book. If you shoot a 3 year old, there's a good chance it's going to make book. The bone that both species grow is similar at 2 and 3 years old. Two year old mule deer will catch your eye, but not jump out at you. You'll be questioning their size right off the bat.
Ask yourself is killing a mature mule deer or a "book" mule deer is what you want. There's some really big 3x3s (even forkies) that are great deer and mature, but won't make the book. Either way, you'll know him when you see him, just like whitetail.
Bucks that net in the mid 140's come in all shapes and sizes.
Like Idyllwild suggests, don't worry about score, if one looks "big enough" to you, shoot him.
Thanks guys down in Texas where i live deer are the size of dogs. ;) I mean seriuosly 120 lbs live wieght and a 3 year okd that scores 110 is big
I've passed up some cool bucks when I was chasing scores, that I now regret not shooting. Like an old forky that was 30" wide, and a 3x3 that was all of 34".
"I mean seriuosly 120 lbs live wieght and a 3 year okd that scores 110 is big"
Then small headgear is going to look even smaller on a bigger bodied deer.
A P&Y class mule deer is actually a pretty big deer. The first time you see one, you'll chit your pants. Unless you're not ok with a 135-145 inch deer, then you have nothing to worry about because you'll know.
Cool thread. Gives me a gauge as well. I hope I can kill my first mule deer like one of those above or bigger, in a couple weeks. :)
Looks like I'm a member of the 146 Club. This one officially scored 146 1/8" Pope and Young.
I think I'm going to hold out for a 180+ ;)
thanks Brandon that more like what im looking for. I remeber many years ago helping out at cba banquets with you. How are you doing?
Either one of these would fit your 180" bill....:)
Ah geez, Brandon and Roy. Now you went and done it; you ruin't him. I have that big buck disease and don't shoot some bucks I should shoot and be thrilled with...
Hopefully Texaswoods will find one like that!
if im blessed with one like that i will let y'all know for sure
If you haven't killed a muley yet I wouldn't pass a P&Y buck unless you have some amazing private land, limited tag, or just don't care to tag out.
Here is one that will go just over 180" gross if that's what you are looking for :)
Yes that would be be great!! Years ago I did see the largest typical buck I've ever seen up there.I guessed he would have been close to boone and crockett.
Here is a buck that is right at the minimum
Here is another that missed by 1 inch
Here is 1 that grossed exactly 180 P&Y and Neted 173 P&Y official
Keep em coming if you got em! More pics of PY min appreciated. Helps to see em for those of us who aren't as experienced. Thanks for sharing
Where would y'all put this buck?
Regarding the buck above, there's a huge difference if that picture was taken on July 1 or July 31, etc, as to what he'll score come opening morning.
Mid July I was calling him a 120 but never taken bigger than a fork horn before so I'd be happy with him. He was the second smallest buck I seen on my scouting trip though.
Roy, is that last one an Eastern Sierras buck?
Pretty sure this one grossed mid 140's so most likely netted just shy of P&Y minimum. I can't really remember the score :/ Sorry it's not a definite this or that, but it is right there.
Hope I posted the right pic...been awhile.
164"...160"...270"...145"...118"
ALL Green Gross.
You decide what's what.
Never had this officially scored but I think he's around 172, I get to wake up every morning with him, 33 tall 28 wide, not real good fronts on him. But nice buck for Montana
What about this one? SW Colorado
Here is a 191" gross my daughter ended up taking.
These both gross 206 & net a bit over 200.
155 gross & nets 152. Short tines!
Thanks to everyone who has posted pictures it's been great looking and hoping for one. I got back today from my hunt with no venison but had a great time.