I know i would shoot him and then measure him.

Thanks guys, I may look up the local game warden and see if he's got an email address and see what he thinks about it. He's definitely a mature deer and imo he's not the type of deer the rule was designed to protect.

You're right on. Send the pic to the game warden. Most will let you take something like that if they know about it before hand.

That's one of those 'get the GW's approval first' deer, IMO, because I don't think he'll make AR but definitely a mature deer.

If you ask,Please let us know what the game warden says on this one.

Checking with the GW is good advice, he might be closer than what we all think depending on bodysize. Had pics of one a few years ago and didn't think he would make it either until late in season then saw him beside another buck that was 3.5 and just past his ears and the one we thought would not make it was actually wider

Be darn close

If the point of AR's is to allow the deer to mature, then it would make sense to allow this deer to be taken. Perhaps you should try to blow his balls off, so he can't make more of himself.

Do game wardens really let people break the law because they think the deer is mature?

I can relate to your problem. I have a bunch of these types of bucks on our ranch in Stephens County. Some very mature bucks and a bunch of younger ones that all sport nice tall but narrow racks.
I called our GW and he told me 13" is 13" so we have been very careful not to shoot any of them. You would like to think common sense would play a big part in the GW decisions but I am not sure it is worth taking the chance.
Great looking buck though, certainly mature and real trophy in my opinion

Absolutely not. He might not even make 12

My mom killed a nice 9 point in 1992. It was so nice that dad had him mounted. Last year for giggles I put a tape measure on him....12-3/4. My how times have changed.

That buck is close but he won't make 13".



No, a Game warden cannot give permission to kill an illegal buck deer, even if he/she views game camera pictures.

what does "AR" mean?

Antler restriction. TPWD has a rule in some counties that a deer must have a minimum spread of 13 inches to be considered a legal deer.

I'm sure some of them do.

Id have to try and bribe the GW LOL thats a very nice and MATURE buck.

It may be a moot point anyway...as this guy always seems to go more nocturnal than a bat once gun season rolls around.

he's nice for sure, but as far as the AR go, I dont think he'll make it. He's a lot taller than wide, which is why the antler restrictions dont work on all deer IMO. He might never be wide enough, even though he's a really nice buck. Just how he's made

No they cant legally give you permision to shoot and illegal animal...but everyone knows there will be mistakes because we cant tell them to be still and measure first...if the deer is close and MATURE..take him....unless your on his nerves...i dnt see gettin ticketed for this animal....id shoot