Would you pass on this, to try for this:

[RielM]

I have one week left before I go away to work all winter. I rattled in a nice WT this morning and reached for the camera instead of the rifle because I have a large elusive buck on my trail cams.. Sort of kicking myself because I might not get another opportunity. Should I have put the sights on him, or is patience the right choice and keep trying for the bigger deer?

This mornings buck:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/147953883@N08/37770024504/in/album-72157690565619856/

Trail cam buck:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/147953883@N08/37770003434/in/album-72157690565619856/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/147953883@N08/24613383478/in/album-72157690565619856/

Private land with very dense bush so calling them out is the only way. Yes, there are farm buildings in the background but it would have been a safe shot. No neighbours for kms.

[Ryo]

Depends if your tummy is grumbling?

[srthomas75]

I would have taken it. But I’m not as picky as others and don’t have the same amount of time to put towards hunting as some others.

[RielM]

Depends if your tummy is grumbling?

It is not, but the extra meat would be much appreciated in the family.

[lowball]

Either one looks good.

[whognu]

I have to confess I belong to the "bone.....boom" group of hunters...............it's a character flaw I am living with

[tinhorse]

put some bait out and draw in the does and the big guy will follow.....if you have the week off and can hunt every day from now until you leave I say you made a good choice, if you will only get out 1 or 2 more mornings/evenings before you go, well........I would probably have shot.

[wideopenthrottle]

no hesitation...bang flop

[Chuckster]

Here on the Queen Charlottes we'd kill to have bucks that size, must be nice to have to make the choice LOL....

[btridge]

can't shot a GREAT buck if you already filed your tag on a GOOD buck, then again, I have been told I'm too picky at times.

[bloody bellies]

If it was the first time out rattling and you brought that 1 in , chances r if you get out some more before you leave you will bring in another, I think you made the right chioce

[Steelpulse]

That's a nice buck you passed. All depends on what your plan is though. I've spent years looking for one buck specifically and passed on nice deer. Other years I'll drop first legal buck. When it comes to anything other than deer. Usually first legal animal gets it. The meat is nice obviously but the game cam buck was pretty cool

[Nimrod]

Good choice
the trail cam buck is worth waiting for, if that guys keeps showing up it would be hard to pass a 2nd time.

[RugDoctor]

Im hungry. I'd kill it.

[IronNoggin]

You have a week yes?

Invest in some COB from your local feed store.
Find a place where you can set up an extremely unobtrusive blind overlooking a clearing of some sort adjacent to the cover - preferably with established deer trails running to & through it.
Place full bag of COB in clearing - set up trail cam to monitor.
Expect a day or two for the does to find the munchies. Replace as they remove.
Sit in blind.
Rattle when no deer present on feed - sparingly as you already know.
If the Big Boy is still in the area, he will most likely show within the week.

I would have passed myself knowing the Big Boy was around.
In fact done that damn near a dozen times this season on Blacktails because I know of two worthy of holding out for.
Of course there is a potential I will not fill the tag.
But if I do... ;-)

Best of Luck!

Cheers,
Nog

[VFX_man]

Got a similar situation. But as with your trail camera buck . . . he's moving at 2am and have never seen him during the day or on the cameras in the day. Hoping the rut pulls him out

[Buckmeister]

Do what Iron Noggin said. Don't forget to make use of scents as well. If there is a game trail nearby that you can walk, soak a scent wick of some sorts and drag it behind you while you walk to your setup. Might just get the big boy to walk in on his own without any rattling needed.

If I knew a big boy like that was in the area, I would likely pass in hopes of getting him. I shot a very small buck last year (something I hardly ever do) only to have a terrific chance on a monster buck later on that I couldn't shoot.

[Wild one]

Depends on my goals at the time. I can be picky as hell or shoot a spike all depends on my goal at the time

If I was after a big buck pass

[Brez]

With a whole week left and the prospect of that big one, I would absolutely pass the other one up. If you're only looking for meat, shoot a 3-pointer and let #2 grow. just my opinion. Good luck, looks like you have a real treasure of a place to hunt. Be prepared not to bag either.

[butcher]

What's the regional bag limit? I'd kill it and keep on hunting regardless. Kill, cook, eat.

[HighCountryBC]

WT hunting is just getting good right now. If you have a week left and you're set on your trail cam buck I'd say you made a good choice. That buck looks like the potential to be a true hammer and you won't kill him if you cut your tag early.

Hunting deer over bait isn't as easy as just going out and dropping a bag of feed on the ground..

[303savage]

Here on the Queen Charlottes we'd kill to have bucks that size, must be nice to have to make the choice LOL...

At least Q.C. bucks are easier to pack out :-)

[604redneck]

Let him grow wait for daddy

[jtred]

Generally speaking if I've got the tag I'll pull the trigger. Either would definitely make my day.

[HarryToolips]

Both are nice bucks, looks like the big boy is mostly nocturnal, that being said, the ruts almost here, maybe he'll make a mistake..

[Drillbit]

I would pass on both.

[The Hermit]

I mostly hunt with a bow... given a nice 20 yard broadside shot opportunity I'd take that guy every day and twice on Sunday!

[BStrachan]

I personally would take any buck that presents me with a shot. If you think you have a really good chance on the larger buck go for it.