Well, as a newbie and a, well, Yankee, I am going to say ( Not that you need any more Northern Opinions!)
that what I have been seeing on this site is very impressive. I have seen some truly spectacular bucks here. There is a huge difference in the way and seasons of hunting in NC vs Pa. I also like the fact there are many women and youngsters in the field in NC. What I have noticed is that the bucks in NC appear to really get the points and height on the racks. We are getting big bodied deer (300 lbs live weight is becoming more likely) but our racks, genetically can not get past 8 or 9 points and they get no height so a 150 class buck is as rare as hen's teeth. The one's I have gotten on camera or roadkills in the Holly Ridge area have it all going for them. I thought we had the best bear hunting in the US but I may be wrong. I look forward to learning the ways of hunting NC. Totally different than Pa and hopefully, I can share a Yankee's viewpoint and pass on what we do to get at the bucks, gobbler's , and bears. Congrats to all the one's with the big bucks. Wish us luck as we are just finishing bow season and will do two weeks of rifle in three weeks
New to this site and new to NC. Splititng time between Pa and Holly Ridge. I am truly impressed with the size and quality of the deer I am seeing in NC. Hopefully, I can share some of what us Yankee's have and I think you will see NC is way under rated and let's keep it that way! Now, IMHO, this is a upper 140 class buck. 3 1/2 years old. A little belly bulge but no sway in the back. Now that he has what he will be, given time, he will get mass. If you have the capability (Ie the land permision, and can be selective) pass him, then hit the area with minerals (Ie Trophy Rock) and good food. Either a plot or high protein pellets. Take the doe's for meat. This buck is on his way to being a jaw dropper. Here in Pa the mentality has been, if it is legal, kill it. Slowly, ever so slowly, that generation is going away. We are getting some 4 1/2 year olds and some really impressive body weights. It seem's the NC folks are more in tune with creating big bucks. I sat in a blind in Holly Ridge on my property and passed a n 8 that would have been in the local paper here. Keep us posted on what you did
New to the site and new to NC. Hope this reponse goes in the right place. Been splitting time between Pa and Coastal NC, I am learning that the deer are way different. First is the impressive racks being taken in NC. I believe our deer are larger bodied in Pa for sure as we are getting some in the 300lb live weight mark. With that said, looking at this buck, I believe he is 2 1/2. No belly bulge yet (3 1/2) and no sway back (4 1/2). Surely a stud now and oh man what 2 more years will give. You guys get the points (It is hard to fine a >8 point in my area of Pa so a 150 is rare) and your's get the height. My guess on a score is the low 120's now. But potential exists to get him to a 150-160 booner
Great story and a great buck. Good Job!