Opening Morning Rifle Deer Hunt

I filled mine already but We have 5 tags in our group. 2 of them will probably shoot a nice three point or better the other 3 would probably shoot any nice 2 point or better.

My grandson (12 yrs old) is willing to shoot the first legal buck that presents a lethal shot. He doesn't have much time after the opening.

I have an archery tag, but my 12 yr old and only son has his first deer tag (rifle)! I'm hoping to put him on the first buck we come across. Big, small or otherwise... it's his 1st deer! I can't wait to see his reaction when he experiences his first harvest. I still remember my first buck and how I felt. Pretty sure that first experience and all the time with my dad in the field is what has galvanized me as a person, an outdoorsman and a hunter.

He is soooo excited! I love it... just like a kid at Christmas! Hoping he keeps that internal fire for it and we can continue to "Pass It On"!

If it flies it dies!

Oooops, wrong hunt. But the idea is still the same. I have in multiple years eaten tag soup because I let small/young bucks walk. This year will not be that year. I will shoot any legal buck this year.

I've never harvested a deer before, so I'm not going to worry about the size. I just want the experience.

As I already have some elk in the freezer it will have to be a descent 3 pt or bigger. The Utah deer hunt is the hunt I do with my Dad each year, so its not about getting one for me on this hunt. Its spending time with my Dad

I don't make it a practice to pass up shots.
The few instances when I have... I've regretted it.

If it is a legal buck it will be fired upon... by my dad at least...

My son keeps saying he's going to get a bigger buck than me. I just want the meat in the freezer. We have our eyes on two 4 point bucks each but we'll see what turns up!

I will shoot the first buck that triggers the 'go time' chemicals in my brain. Since it's an autonomic function, I have no idea what the size will be. I have a hard time passing up anything over 20". I lost a bet to a buddy last year and was doomed to shoot the next buck we saw no matter what. We ran into a group of small two points and made a stalk. Just as I was swallowing the lump in my throat and getting ready for the shot, he let me off the hook. I've shot dozens of two points but I didn't want to shoot that one that day. His son shot one in the same spot and that was really cool.

I guess what I'm saying is that I have no idea.>>O---------SS

Since I usually hunt the entire deer hunt I start out with great expectations and they decline as the closing days get closer.

Size of Buck

I am holding out for 180" or the first two point that gives me a good shot.

I measure my deer like I do fish length plus girth thats the 180"

This will be my wife's first deer hunt. She's come a long way. A few months into our marriage she mentioned she would never allow guns in the house. I asked her where she thought I stored mine. A couple of years ago she got her conceal carry and this past winter we got her hunters safety done. We both drew out for Wasatch west. Hopefully I can put her on something. I've told her, if the antlers extend higher then its ears, I want her to pull the trigger. She's been driving tacks with the .243. It's on me to put her in the right place and she'll do the rest.

I'm kind of like SS, whichever one trips my trigger. I'll know it when I see it.

First two-point or bigger I see and have a good shot on. There's several of us so I know that even if I get something early, I'll still be going out with them.

Helping a friend this year. His goal is something bigger than a yearling buck which is what he took last year. I have no doubt I can find him one bigger than a yearling. The question is whether he can hit it. Not to clown on him because I missed 4 different bucks this year during the muzzy hunt LOL!

What ever size of buck you decided to put your tag on this year, I just wish all you rifle hunters good luck and the best of time on the mountain. This is the time of year we all have been looking for and dreaming about so make the most of it!

:mrgreen:

I have already tagged out so make sure to post your monster buck when you get back off the mountain!

sounds like there should be a lot of shooting

Can't shoot mature bucks if you blast the first dumb two point that walks out. Just my opinion. I think those dumb two points should be saved for first timers and kids to shoot at.