My First Huge Whitetail Buck

First I must admit that I do not have the patience that many wildlife photographers (and hunters) have when it comes to waiting out for an animal. whether it be hours, days or weeks... and now with a toddler I am even more impatient and unable to spend hours outside by myself. For a decade or more I have tried to capture a big boy like this, and I really didn't expect him today as it as around 11 AM and I had my son and dog with me. I am really excited, even though I didn't have the time to wait and get better shot (my son only allowed me 45 seconds to a minute before I had to chase him down the trail). I just hope I might have another chance before this year is up

He's a dandy buck! Is hunting season open there yet?

M50D wrote in post #17259780
He's a dandy buck! Is hunting season open there yet?

Lol no and I hope he doesn't get hit because I think he is the only big boy in that area and I really hope to see him again (and again). And there is no hunting there though I am not sure if he stays around there or leaves, I saw a lot of yearlings last night but it was too dark.
I don't know the area when it comes to hunting, since I don't hunt I don't know the laws but I am sure hunting season here is coming

Nice buck!!
Bow season came in Oct. 1 and Firearm season starts Nov 15.

baugherlake wrote in post #17259923
Nice buck!!
Bow season came in Oct. 1 and Firearm season starts Nov 15.

I was going to ask is that everywhere until I read where you're located lol.
Thanks

Bucks that size tend to be nocturnal much of the time, but the rut in in it's early stages and I suspect that's why he was out and about during daylight hours.

M50D wrote in post #17260648
Bucks that size tend to be nocturnal much of the time, but the rut in in it's early stages and I suspect that's why he was out and about during daylight hours.

I was thinking the same thing, only the smart and experienced ones can reach that size. I know we're in the early stages of the rut here, what was also very strange was that he was the ONLY deer out and about. I didn't see any other deer the rest of our hike (an hour and a half) and after taking those pictures I chased down my son and we headed back in that direction, probably a minute total passed. When I got back to that spot he was nowhere to be seen, and I am pretty sure he was headed to bed down near by.
Of course I also wonder if he stays in that area, it's a no hunting area I believe, too close to homes and neighborhoods, just a large section of woods and if he is that smart then he might just stay in that area and rule the roost. This morning I saw 3 other bucks (during my run on the trails with my dog), they were only like 8 pointers, not near his size.

Nice catch.

I was lucky to see him again, but unfortunately it was too dark and he was about 100 feet away so the shot I got was very grainy. I did get a pretty good shot of a smaller buck, looked like a 6 pointer and he was hanging around a doe. The larger buck doesn't seem to be showing interest in the does, is that normal?

Very nice. The rut is near peak, which explains why so many bucks are out and about searching for love. Speaking of love, I would love to find his sheds in the spring

CRobH wrote in post #17262471
Very nice. The rut is near peak, which explains why so many bucks are out and about searching for love. Speaking of love, I would love to find his sheds in the spring

Man so would I, if he does stay in that area I believe it's a little over 100 acres of woods so that would'will be a whole day's worth of searching through thornbushes and other thick cover. I am seriously thinking about it, but am not sure when his might drop.
I found one drop at the back of our 5 acre property a couple years ago, it looked like it might have belonged to an 8 pointer but I'll have to take a picture and post it on here some time.

FreeSoul1987 wrote in post #17262637
Man so would I, if he does stay in that area I believe it's a little over 100 acres of woods so that would'will be a whole day's worth of searching through thornbushes and other thick cover. I am seriously thinking about it, but am not sure when his might drop.
I found one drop at the back of our 5 acre property a couple years ago, it looked like it might have belonged to an 8 pointer but I'll have to take a picture and post it on here some time.

I have seen them drop as early as December and as late as April here in Maryland. With most dropping late January through early March. Trick is to be the first to find them and at the same time not to pressure him so much that he feels the need to move to a less pressured area. One thing for sure, they won't be hard to find! Good luck!

nice buck 11 or 12 points?