Deer Hunting... HELP!?

Question

Should a whitetail buck have at least a 13 in. spread before it can be killed? My friend and I are argueing about wether or not a deer should have a 13 in. spread or not and I say no...
Please answer and give me your rasons why....

Answer 1

If you put that law into affect in alot of states the deer population would get so big the road kill would triple,and the size of racks and animal would decrease from lack of feed

Answer 2

I'm going to agree with your friend - a buck should have at least a 13" spread (and in some states its illegal to shoot anything smaller). There's no point in shooting a small buck - there's nothing to mount trophy-wise, and the meat is no better than a doe's. I know too many people that will shoot a 2 yr. old four point that is barely legal after watching does all morning long just to say they shot a buck. How stupid is that?! Let the little buck go and grow up a little, wait for a bigger buck or if you're just wanting meat - shoot a doe! The meat is better off of a doe anyway and you may not get as much but you'll still get plenty and in most areas you can shoot more does than bucks anyway. The area I hunt (Texas Hill Country) is so over populated with does that they wander into town and out on the highways. They've actually upped the limit and extended the doe season in my area just to try and get the population under control but everytime you drive by the processor in town or see somebody cleaning in the backyard its always some little buck that in a few years could have been a real nice 8-point! Let them mature!

Answer 3

Texas has of last year adopted the 13" or greater spread rule in hopes of getting better quality bucks w/ nice racks. You can still kill a spike and any deer with at least one un-branched antler, even a deer w/ only one antler no matter the points or size. I had to let at least 10 - 15 deer walk last year and the only thing I brought home was a wild hog. I'm not with out hope though. I saw Buckzilla twice (could not get a shot) and several deer that will easily fit the 13" requirement this year. Myself, I prefer the older deer w/ at least 16" spread. Happy Hunting

Answer 4

I have spent a while now searching the regulations for each state reguarding this issue. It is true that standards are set in most every state. I have found no state requiring a 13 inch spread as a regulation. Infact, most call for the antlers to be a minimum of 3 inches above the hairline and say nothing about spread or points. Some require larger hairline elevations however, the answer to your question would be NO ! No where in the state regulations is there anything about a 13 inch spread requirement that I could find.

Some reserves and private camps will require above the state standard. These are rules and unless it is a game reserve the requirements of the state over rule the rules. You may be tossed out for your actions but the fact still remains that the state governs the regulations ( Other than reserves).

Heres the link to every state regulation on bucks. I hope this helps.

http://hunting.about.com/od/stateinfo/State_Web_Sites_with_Hunting_Information_and_Regulations.htm

Good Luck & Happy Shooting !

Answer 5

Every Hunter has an opinion on this issue. The best real answer is this.......What do you think? That's right it's up to you a trophy can be a doe. Some 3 and 4 year old bucks may have a rack with less than a 13 inch spread. It also depends on genetics, food source, habitat etc. The area you hunt may have high pressure limiting the number of bigger bucks.
If your hunting for a trophy and that buck in your sights looks good to you then it is a trophy. Check out my website for your hunting and fishing needs:
www.huntn.biz/7869

Answer 6

I don't know of any state where it is illegal to kill a whitetail with a small rack, and sometimes it is best to shoot one with less than a 13" spread, like a mature deer that is still a spike or has a strange shaped rack. If you want a better deer herd you should shoot those that appear to have genetic defects, and narrow spreads is among the defects you should try to eliminate. A 13" rule will backfire because genetically inferior spikes will be illegal to shoot and will be protected for life, and will pass on their bad genes.

Answer 7

It depends on the quality of the deer and the area you are hunting. I probally wouldn't kill it unless you know someone hunting close by who will kill it if you don't. I would kill it if the rack is deformed or messed up badly. If the rack is all ugly looking go ahead and kill it because it will never look right. If the rack looks symmetrical and in good shape let him walk because next year or two years from now he could have about a twenty inch spread and have greater mass. Its your choice but be sure to consider what the deer could look like in a few years.

Answer 8

I only agree with blue 26 if he is a trophy hunter. I will take what ever comes my way. I am a meat hunter. In Illinois, and where I hunt is every bit as good as Texas, ( Pike Co. Illinois) I am not waiting for something I can have bragging rights about. Can't eat the rack. I do make knife handles out of the rack, however.

I would say that the meat hunter that will shoot the young and dumb are making it better for the " Big Trophy Hunters". Personally I like the more tender meat and process my own anyhow so I guess It doesnt matter.

Answer 9

There may be restrictions where you hunt. I personally pass, rules or no, on all the two-year-olds, and any older buck with less than a 16" spread. Let the kids grow, and they can turn into good deer in another year or two.

Answer 10

It all depends on the number of bucks per square mile in your area , also the buck to doe ratio. If its a high number of bucks yes take one but if there are few bucks I suggest letting it walk. I would rather kill a doe for meat .
You will be surprised how much bigger a 13 inch spread deer can get by the next year . I personally think to let him walk.

Answer 11

It depends on why you are hunting. Are you hunting for food or the trophy or are you involved in a deer management program. I know several hunters that have restriction on what the kill for deer management. I personally hunt for food. I don't hunt fawns and shy away from the smaller deer, because I would rather kill a deer with more meat on them.