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# of Trophy deer killed in AL

Posted By: mike35549

# of Trophy deer killed in AL - 01/11/19 03:16 AM

One of the other threads got me thinking. I think a buck has to score 150" to get in the Alabama whitetail trophy book. I know not all of the bucks that qualify get put in the book. I know there are some people on here that score a lot of deer handle a lot of big bucks that are killed each year. What do you think is the real number of deer killed on average each year in Alabama that scores over 150. Which no doubt would qualify as a trophy in my opinion. I think there are a lot of 140" bucks killed each year but I think 150" is a whole other level and a lot less rare. My guess which could be way off would be 40-60 a year.
Posted By: Reloader79

Re: # of Trophy deer killed in AL - 01/11/19 03:18 AM

I was gone guess 100.
Posted By: bama1971

Re: # of Trophy deer killed in AL - 01/11/19 03:20 AM

Way more
Posted By: AlabamaSwamper

Re: # of Trophy deer killed in AL - 01/11/19 03:36 AM

I’ve scored a bunch of deer from Alabama from 130” - 145”.. Very few over 150”

Biggest was 181”


Next was 175”

A few 160s
Posted By: 2Dogs

Re: # of Trophy deer killed in AL - 01/11/19 03:47 AM

Originally Posted by bama1971
Way more


^^^^^^^
Posted By: Powpow65

Re: # of Trophy deer killed in AL - 01/11/19 03:49 AM

If there are an average of 4 150" bucks killed per county that would be 268, 3 per county would be 201. I think 200-300 per year.
Posted By: mike35549

Re: # of Trophy deer killed in AL - 01/11/19 03:57 AM

Originally Posted by 2Dogs
Originally Posted by bama1971
Way more


^^^^^^^



What number is way more.
Posted By: bama1971

Re: # of Trophy deer killed in AL - 01/11/19 03:59 AM

Originally Posted by mike35549
Originally Posted by 2Dogs
Originally Posted by bama1971
Way more


^^^^^^^



What number is way more.


The number of 150”s killed per year
Posted By: swamp_fever2002

Re: # of Trophy deer killed in AL - 01/11/19 04:01 AM

Originally Posted by bama1971
Originally Posted by mike35549
Originally Posted by 2Dogs
Originally Posted by bama1971
Way more


^^^^^^^



What number is way more.


The number of 150”s killed per year

rofl
Posted By: jb20

Re: # of Trophy deer killed in AL - 01/11/19 04:30 AM

Well I think your gonna have 2 different opinions on this thread people that have killed several or know of several which will say more then people like me that would think not a whole lot cuz I don't know of many around here but I know better and will say way more anyway grin
Posted By: Anonymous

Re: # of Trophy deer killed in AL - 01/11/19 06:04 AM

Originally Posted by 2Dogs
Originally Posted by bama1971
Way more


^^^^^^^




No doubt.
Posted By: ridgestalker

Re: # of Trophy deer killed in AL - 01/11/19 10:43 AM

I have always thought 150 is the majic number that makes them uncommon.
Posted By: sj22

Re: # of Trophy deer killed in AL - 01/11/19 12:07 PM





Maybe some killed in other parts of the state but the 3-4 counties I’ve hunted in my lifetime I don’t know of but 2 that I’ve seen in person that were probably 150 or better. Not saying they don’t exist but that’s all I know of
Posted By: bigt

Re: # of Trophy deer killed in AL - 01/11/19 12:46 PM

Well I have limited knowledge of the rest of the State, but the number of 150' bucks killed in Mobile County every year would be a number around zero lol (I have heard of maybe 2 in my lifetime). I know of one from Washington County in my lifetime , but not seen or heard of anymore and there might be 1 a year shot in Baldwin county.
Posted By: slippinlipjr

Re: # of Trophy deer killed in AL - 01/11/19 12:58 PM

Originally Posted by bigt
Well I have limited knowledge of the rest of the State, but the number of 150' bucks killed in Mobile County every year would be a number around zero lol (I have heard of maybe 2 in my lifetime). I know of one from Washington County in my lifetime , but not seen or heard of anymore and there might be 0 a year shot in Baldwin county.
FIFY
Posted By: 2Dogs

Re: # of Trophy deer killed in AL - 01/11/19 01:19 PM

Originally Posted by mike35549
Originally Posted by 2Dogs
Originally Posted by bama1971
Way more


^^^^^^^



What number is way more.


No way to prove , however, I'd bet it's at least double or triple 40-60 statewide.
Posted By: swamp_fever2002

Re: # of Trophy deer killed in AL - 01/11/19 01:23 PM

Originally Posted by 2Dogs
Originally Posted by mike35549
Originally Posted by 2Dogs
Originally Posted by bama1971
Way more


^^^^^^^



What number is way more.


No way to prove , however, I'd bet it's at least double or triple 40-60 statewide.

I agree, and a lot big bucks killed in Alabama that never make it to the interwebs.
Posted By: Remington270

Re: # of Trophy deer killed in AL - 01/11/19 01:35 PM

Y'all do realize that if only 100 150" deer were killed per year, that would only be one per county. I bet some counties have 10-20 in a single year.
Posted By: coach2

Re: # of Trophy deer killed in AL - 01/11/19 01:43 PM

I think it's very small......start with this.....who on here has killed a deer over 150?
Posted By: Remington270

Re: # of Trophy deer killed in AL - 01/11/19 01:46 PM

Originally Posted by coach2
I think it's very small......start with this.....who on here has killed a deer over 150?


A lot more than you would believe. Have you seen pics of BhamFred or TopCat's trophy rooms? There's a ton of big deer walking the woods of Alabama, even now.
Posted By: crocker

Re: # of Trophy deer killed in AL - 01/11/19 01:52 PM

Originally Posted by coach2
I think it's very small......start with this.....who on here has killed a deer over 150?


This. I know a lot of hunters that hunt different areas of the state and its not common to hear of 150" deer.
Posted By: crocker

Re: # of Trophy deer killed in AL - 01/11/19 01:53 PM

Another question would be what percentage of hunting clubs actually have a 150" on them?
Posted By: coach2

Re: # of Trophy deer killed in AL - 01/11/19 01:54 PM

Troy topcat and outdoor obsession are a few that can comment and tell you their total over 150 and those dudes have killed some big ones! But I'm saying its still a small percentage.
Posted By: Remington270

Re: # of Trophy deer killed in AL - 01/11/19 01:56 PM

Originally Posted by crocker
Another question would be what percentage of hunting clubs actually have a 150" on them?


There are tens of thousands of private acres in the state with many, many 150" deer. They may not be hunting clubs (and probably aren't), but there are places specifically managed for this.
Posted By: hosscat

Re: # of Trophy deer killed in AL - 01/11/19 01:58 PM

I hunt in Pike and Crenshaw counties which are not the in the heart of the black belt and I know of 4 in the past 3 years that I put my hands on that broke 150" (gross) including one that was 167", another was 173", one was 159" that had a broken end of a tine and a whopper 151" 8pt.

They are more common than you think in the right areas. I know of 2 more that were in front of game cameras regularly early in the year about 4 miles from my house.
Posted By: mike35549

Re: # of Trophy deer killed in AL - 01/11/19 02:10 PM

Originally Posted by Remington270
Y'all do realize that if only 100 150" deer were killed per year, that would only be one per county. I bet some counties have 10-20 in a single year.


One per county would be 67 not 100.
Posted By: Whild_Bill

Re: # of Trophy deer killed in AL - 01/11/19 02:19 PM

It takes time to grow to 150”+. Most folks shoot bucks way before they reach their potential
Posted By: crocker

Re: # of Trophy deer killed in AL - 01/11/19 02:20 PM

Originally Posted by Remington270
Originally Posted by crocker
Another question would be what percentage of hunting clubs actually have a 150" on them?


There are tens of thousands of private acres in the state with many, many 150" deer. They may not be hunting clubs (and probably aren't), but there are places specifically managed for this.


Agreed, Some area produce every year but I know lots of clubs that have produced 1,2, or 0 in the last 30years
Posted By: blade

Re: # of Trophy deer killed in AL - 01/11/19 02:28 PM

Zero 150" deer killed in Monroe County most years. Maybe a couple 140's a year. 130's are not common either.
Posted By: sj22

Re: # of Trophy deer killed in AL - 01/11/19 02:28 PM

Originally Posted by crocker
Another question would be what percentage of hunting clubs actually have a 150" on them?

0% on the club I’m in and the other ones I’ve been in
Posted By: Turkeymaster

Re: # of Trophy deer killed in AL - 01/11/19 02:37 PM

I've personally scored an 8 point the grossed 150 5/8 this season, and seen 5 other bucks killed that scored 150 or more just in one county. i also know of places that they kill multiple 150's a year in a completely different county. I don't know that theres anyway to put an accurate assumption on this
Posted By: Atoler

Re: # of Trophy deer killed in AL - 01/11/19 02:46 PM

All depends on the part of the state. I walked into a processor last year, near where I hunt, and he had 6 deer waiting on the taxidermist that scored between 151 and 170something. That was during the rut, but between the 3 main processors in the area, I’d imagine they take in 25 or more 150+ deer a year.
Posted By: 2Dogs

Re: # of Trophy deer killed in AL - 01/11/19 02:51 PM

Originally Posted by coach2
I think it's very small......start with this.....who on here has killed a deer over 150?


One of my favs I shot opening day two years ago, prolly won't score 125". Here's the deal, he FIELD DRESSED 204 lbs , rack is only LONG beams with HUGE mass, doesn't have a tine over 4". No telling how old he was. Not gonna throw out the number of 150's , but I can tell ya I've only killed one like the 204 pounder.
Posted By: Whild_Bill

Re: # of Trophy deer killed in AL - 01/11/19 02:56 PM

We value age over scorable points. We just shoot age and we just know what works for us
Posted By: globe

Re: # of Trophy deer killed in AL - 01/11/19 03:29 PM

I'm a hick from the middle of nowhere and I know of 4-5 local to me this year.I had two on me last year that neighbors killed.
I wouldn't know how to put a # on it.
Posted By: WildlifeBiologist

Re: # of Trophy deer killed in AL - 01/11/19 03:29 PM

Originally Posted by hosscat
I hunt in Pike and Crenshaw counties which are not the in the heart of the black belt and I know of 4 in the past 3 years that I put my hands on that broke 150" (gross) including one that was 167", another was 173", one was 159" that had a broken end of a tine and a whopper 151" 8pt.

They are more common than you think in the right areas. I know of 2 more that were in front of game cameras regularly early in the year about 4 miles from my house.


C'mon man. Stick with the script. "There are no good bucks in Crenshaw County. Repeat. No good bucks in Crenshaw County. Nothing to see here. Move along."
Posted By: Ranger Rick

Re: # of Trophy deer killed in AL - 01/11/19 03:56 PM

I killed a 206 pound, 10 point scoring 159 1/2 20 years ago in Sumter county at Epes. He was 8 1/2 years old. We had that 2500 acre private land lease for 18 years, and killed a number of nice bucks, but he was the only one over 150. If we are talking about Dennis Campbell's Alabama Whitetail record book, then for gun it takes 150, but the scoring system there is more liberal than B and C.
Posted By: Robert D.

Re: # of Trophy deer killed in AL - 01/11/19 04:11 PM

Originally Posted by Ranger Rick
If we are talking about Dennis Campbell's Alabama Whitetail record book, then for gun it takes 150, but the scoring system there is more liberal than B and C.



As it should be. What he grew is his score (imho). Gross score is what the deer actually is, the way I see it. A %$#@ "net" score is for people with their underwear on WAYYYYYY too tight. Never understood that. It's not a dang horse or dog show where symmetry makes it any better. Screw that
Posted By: bama1971

Re: # of Trophy deer killed in AL - 01/11/19 04:20 PM

Originally Posted by RobertD
Originally Posted by Ranger Rick
If we are talking about Dennis Campbell's Alabama Whitetail record book, then for gun it takes 150, but the scoring system there is more liberal than B and C.



As it should be. What he grew is his score (imho). Gross score is what the deer actually is, the way I see it. A %$#@ "net" score is for people with their underwear on WAYYYYYY too tight. Never understood that. It's not a dang horse or dog show where symmetry makes it any better. Screw that


Yep, Nets are for fishing
Posted By: Ranger Rick

Re: # of Trophy deer killed in AL - 01/11/19 04:21 PM

I could not agree more. I was just making a statement of clarity as to His scoring system.
Posted By: jlbuc10

Re: # of Trophy deer killed in AL - 01/11/19 04:31 PM

Lynn hammock had 6 over 150” in his shop from Alabama when I dropped one off last weekend. If Tuskegee NF can produce an 8 point over 150” any where should be able to
Posted By: Avengedsevenfold

Re: # of Trophy deer killed in AL - 01/11/19 04:41 PM

Originally Posted by coach2
I think it's very small......start with this.....who on here has killed a deer over 150?


rofl

Good luck!
Posted By: Powpow65

Re: # of Trophy deer killed in AL - 01/11/19 05:06 PM

If I never have one scored then I can just say what I want it to be and it will grow a little every year. I still haven't took my best one to be scored, cause I wanna call it a 150 but in reality it's probably a 145. Not that it really matters I'll be lucky to ever get a bigger one around here
Posted By: jdhunter2011

Re: # of Trophy deer killed in AL - 01/11/19 05:59 PM

Originally Posted by Remington270
Y'all do realize that if only 100 150" deer were killed per year, that would only be one per county. I bet some counties have 10-20 in a single year.

67 counties in alabama one per county, am I missing something?
Posted By: Coosa1

Re: # of Trophy deer killed in AL - 01/11/19 06:02 PM

Originally Posted by jdhunter2011
Originally Posted by Remington270
Y'all do realize that if only 100 150" deer were killed per year, that would only be one per county. I bet some counties have 10-20 in a single year.

67 counties in alabama one per county, am I missing something?


Must be using the metric system...
Posted By: abolt300

Re: # of Trophy deer killed in AL - 01/11/19 06:16 PM

Originally Posted by Remington270
Y'all do realize that if only 100 150" deer were killed per year, that would only be one per county. I bet some counties have 10-20 in a single year.


Some counties do probably have 10-20/yr killed but those are the exception and not the norm. There are also a bunch of counties in Alabama that have 0 killed per year for 5-7 year stretches. I can assure you there is not an overabundance of 150" deer in Alabama. A 150" buck is a very special animal and those that have the genetics to reach 150" are few and far between. They have to survive hunters long enough to get to full maturity, they need to be in a situation where they have the proper nutrition to put on the growth, they have to survive coyotes, poachers, EHD, buck fights, cars, the rut and on and on. Throw out all the high fence stuff and all the 130's that people claim are 150's and there are probably 200-250 bucks a year killed in Bama that legitimately score 150". Assuming we kill 250,000 deer in Bama annually, that means that 1/10th of 1 percent of the deer killed in Bama score 150" and I think that's probably about right. Note that there are a lot more than that running around but for some reason, they get a whole lot harder to find and kill once they get old enough to sport that kind of headgear.
Posted By: Remington270

Re: # of Trophy deer killed in AL - 01/11/19 06:23 PM

Originally Posted by Coosa1
Originally Posted by jdhunter2011
Originally Posted by Remington270
Y'all do realize that if only 100 150" deer were killed per year, that would only be one per county. I bet some counties have 10-20 in a single year.

67 counties in alabama one per county, am I missing something?


Must be using the metric system...


Sorry guys. I didn’t figger 1.3 deer per county would sounds any better.
Posted By: ozarktroutbum

Re: # of Trophy deer killed in AL - 01/11/19 06:49 PM

Without looking at others responses I would guess at least 500.
Posted By: ozarktroutbum

Re: # of Trophy deer killed in AL - 01/11/19 06:53 PM

Originally Posted by ozarktroutbum
Without looking at others responses I would guess at least 500.
Having looked at the other's responses and become reasonably swayed by the wisdom of my fellow aldeer'ers, I might be a little high. Maybe closer to 300?
Posted By: Clem

Re: # of Trophy deer killed in AL - 01/11/19 07:37 PM

Originally Posted by Remington270
Originally Posted by Coosa1
Originally Posted by jdhunter2011
Originally Posted by Remington270
Y'all do realize that if only 100 150" deer were killed per year, that would only be one per county. I bet some counties have 10-20 in a single year.

67 counties in alabama one per county, am I missing something?


Must be using the metric system...


Sorry guys. I didn’t figger 1.3 deer per county would sounds any better.



No county needs more than 1.3 bucks scoring 150+ a year anyway.
Posted By: ChrisAU

Re: # of Trophy deer killed in AL - 01/11/19 07:48 PM

Originally Posted by coach2
I think it's very small......start with this.....who on here has killed a deer over 150?


[Linked Image]
Posted By: Sasquatch Lives

Re: # of Trophy deer killed in AL - 01/11/19 08:05 PM

I would say maybe 100 or less. A 150 is a freak of nature. Another thing, many guys see a huge buck and right off the bat its "gotta be at least 150". Seems whenever someone is describing a big buck to me they say "it was at least a 150. Most mature bucks are 8 pt.s and it takes one hell of an 8 to hit 150. I shot an 8 last year that was 23" outside and 20" inside heavy and long mains and tines and it grossed 145". The only 8 I have seen that grossed 150 came from Texas. Most 150 class bucks are gonna be 10 pt.s or better simply due to the addition of scoring two extra points. I think most hunters grossly overestimate buck scores. Saw a guy checking one in at a WMA years ago and several guys were guessing it scored "over 150". Biologist there green measured it and it grossed 127! And that was a huge buck!

Like abolt said, a lot of 130's are called 150's.
Posted By: BhamFred

Re: # of Trophy deer killed in AL - 01/11/19 08:49 PM

My wife, grandson , and I have all killed bucks over 150. Wife first buck scored 151. Grandson killed a 162" eight point couple years ago, and a 127" eight point last year.
Posted By: hosscat

Re: # of Trophy deer killed in AL - 01/11/19 09:08 PM

I agree that there are piles of people that guess a racks score but never pull a tape. I know several that have never pulled a tape, but still throw out guesses. But scoring a deer is not rocket science, just follow the instructions and it only takes a couple minutes. Am I as exact as an official B&C scorer, surely not, but I bet I'm not more than an inch off. I have scored multiple deer that my taxidermist or someone else has scored and regularly come up within 1/2" of each other.
Posted By: bama1971

Re: # of Trophy deer killed in AL - 01/11/19 09:12 PM

Originally Posted by hosscat
I have scored multiple deer that my taxidermist or someone else has scored and regularly come up within 1/2" of each other.


“4/8ths inch of each other”
-Serious Deer Measuring Guy
Posted By: Mbrock

Re: # of Trophy deer killed in AL - 01/12/19 04:03 AM

Some counties produce 20-30 a year and some zero. I’ve already scored several over 150” this year, all killed within a few miles of each other. No way of knowing but I’m going to guess between 200-300 a year statewide. Could be even more. Not a single one of the ones I’ve seen have been posted on here.
Posted By: bama1971

Re: # of Trophy deer killed in AL - 01/12/19 04:24 AM

Originally Posted by Mbrock
Some counties produce 20-30 a year and some zero. I’ve already scored several over 150” this year, all killed within a few miles of each other. No way of knowing but I’m going to guess between 200-300 a year statewide. Could be even more. Not a single one of the ones I’ve seen have been posted on here.


More on par with my guesstimate
Posted By: Avengedsevenfold

Re: # of Trophy deer killed in AL - 01/12/19 11:33 AM

Originally Posted by Mbrock
Some counties produce 20-30 a year and some zero. I’ve already scored several over 150” this year, all killed within a few miles of each other. No way of knowing but I’m going to guess between 200-300 a year statewide. Could be even more. Not a single one of the ones I’ve seen have been posted on here.


Must be a figment of my imagination, MB posting here...
Posted By: sj22

Re: # of Trophy deer killed in AL - 01/12/19 12:11 PM





Is anyone going to show us some pictures of these 150’s?
Posted By: UAHunter31

Re: # of Trophy deer killed in AL - 01/12/19 01:15 PM

I’ve never personally put my hands on a 150 class buck or seen one. My family has been hunting the same property in Russell Co. for about 10 years now and it has produced some nice deer but no 150s. My brother has killed 2 that scored around 137 and a few other members have killed some in the 130s. I’ve only had one on camera that could have possibly scored close to 150. We lease around 1300 acres and we have enough trail cameras out that if there was one on our property we would know about it. A 150 in Alabama is really something to be proud of!
Posted By: BhamFred

Re: # of Trophy deer killed in AL - 01/12/19 01:22 PM

Originally Posted by sj22




Is anyone going to show us some pictures of these 150’s?


NO
Posted By: BhamFred

Re: # of Trophy deer killed in AL - 01/12/19 01:25 PM

and a 140 is a heck of a deer in Alabama, much less one that will go 150.

It takes a good hunter/good shot, great place, right timing, and a handful of 4leaf clovers to kill a 140 in Alabama, mores for a 150
Posted By: Mbrock

Re: # of Trophy deer killed in AL - 01/12/19 01:30 PM

Fact.
Posted By: sj22

Re: # of Trophy deer killed in AL - 01/12/19 02:06 PM

Originally Posted by BhamFred
Originally Posted by sj22




Is anyone going to show us some pictures of these 150’s?


NO

Well they’re already dead so why not? I just like seeing the pics
Posted By: Sasquatch Lives

Re: # of Trophy deer killed in AL - 01/12/19 02:35 PM

Originally Posted by BhamFred
Originally Posted by sj22




Is anyone going to show us some pictures of these 150’s?


NO

Why not? I'm dying to see a pic of that 162" 8 point.
Posted By: Solo

Re: # of Trophy deer killed in AL - 01/12/19 02:41 PM

I’d be afraid to guess a number of 150”+ bucks, but I’ll guarantee there are a lot more than any expected and they never make it to the WWW
Posted By: joshm28

Re: # of Trophy deer killed in AL - 01/12/19 02:50 PM

Originally Posted by sj22
Originally Posted by BhamFred
Originally Posted by sj22




Is anyone going to show us some pictures of these 150’s?


NO

Well they’re already dead so why not? I just like seeing the pics


I know SEVERAL guys that shoot 140”+ deer just about every year in Bama. Most on private property. Every one of those guys have one thing in common. They don’t post pics. There’s a guy around Auburn that has a trophy room FULL of 140”+ deer. You will never see a picture of what he shoots on here. He does read this site from time to time though.
Posted By: ronfromramer

Re: # of Trophy deer killed in AL - 01/12/19 03:34 PM

On our lease a member killed one that grossed 158, great mass and only 12-14" inside spread. I killed a massive 8 with several stickers that grossed 148 near my house. Was 6 or 7 years old, took 3 years to finally kill him. Doubt I'll ever kill a bigger one, but I keep trying. A neighbor killed one a few years ago that we had pictures of. An absolute freak, points all over the place, think it had 17. Don't know if it was ever scored but had to be in the 160s or more. We've had pictures of a few that were probably over 150, but they are few and far between
Posted By: buckhunter2

Re: # of Trophy deer killed in AL - 01/12/19 03:48 PM

Originally Posted by Remington270
Originally Posted by Coosa1
Originally Posted by jdhunter2011
[quote=Remington270]Y'all do realize that if only 100 150" deer were killed per year, that would only be one per county. I bet some counties have 10-20 in a single year.

67 counties in alabama one per county, am I missing something?


Must be using the metric system...



100/67 = 1.5......In AL if u have 1.5 teeth, that counts as 2 teeth. Guess in MS that’s only one tooth thumbup

I’d say at least 200 per year gross 150” in AL
Posted By: Southwood7

Re: # of Trophy deer killed in AL - 01/12/19 03:52 PM



If there are 300, 150” bucks killed in Alabama every year that’s far less than 1% of the buck harvest. There aren’t that many running around. Most mature bucks in Alabama aren’t going to even hit 130”
Posted By: ronfromramer

Re: # of Trophy deer killed in AL - 01/12/19 04:21 PM

Originally Posted by Southwood7


If there are 300, 150” bucks killed in Alabama every year that’s far less than 1% of the buck harvest. There aren’t that many running around. Most mature bucks in Alabama aren’t going to even hit 130”


I've killed 4 or 5 over 130. I'm holding out now for 140's since were out of wall space. Probably the reason I haven't killed a buck in 5 or 6 years. Passed quite a few 130s in that time, but I ain't killing them just to be killing them. One of these days one of those 130s will make it a couple more years and ill be in the right place. I'm lucky in that the places I hunt are not surrounded by brown and downers, all lightly hunted private land
Posted By: timbercruiser

Re: # of Trophy deer killed in AL - 01/12/19 04:34 PM

I know of one that green scored over 173 this fall in south Bama. I didn't know there were deer that big in south Bama and I have hunted deer over 50 years. There just aren't a lot of + 150 bucks out there in south Bama.
Posted By: buckhunter2

Re: # of Trophy deer killed in AL - 01/12/19 04:49 PM

I know of 7 150” + deer killed between 3 guys in the last 7 yrs in the same county that never made social media or any big buck contest.

If the state average is 1 group of guys like that per county, which is highly likely, then that’s 67 150” bucks under the radar each yr.

Heck I’ve prob seen 40 or more on Facebook this season already and the rut hasn’t even hit in some places.
Posted By: Booger

Re: # of Trophy deer killed in AL - 01/12/19 04:52 PM

I’ve seen ALOT of huge racks hung over barn rafters over the past 26 yrs in Alabama that no one will ever know about. I have also put hands on a 168” 8pt killed in the early 90’s in west central Alabama. That’s a confirmed 168”. I’m willing to bet that a few on this site know the taxidermist that mounted it.
Posted By: Booger

Re: # of Trophy deer killed in AL - 01/12/19 04:57 PM

Originally Posted by sj22
Originally Posted by BhamFred
Originally Posted by sj22




Is anyone going to show us some pictures of these 150’s?


NO

Well they’re already dead so why not? I just like seeing the pics


Because, then you have to answer a thousand questions about where you killed it. Pretty soon you’ll sound like Saban in a press conference.
Posted By: bama1971

Re: # of Trophy deer killed in AL - 01/12/19 05:30 PM

Originally Posted by Southwood7


If there are 300, 150” bucks killed in Alabama every year that’s far less than 1% of the buck harvest. There aren’t that many running around. Most mature bucks in Alabama aren’t going to even hit 130”


Nobody is saying they’re common. People are just saying there are way more than 50 or whatever was guessed earlier.

There are 50 in Montgomery/Macon/bullock I’d guess
Posted By: sj22

Re: # of Trophy deer killed in AL - 01/12/19 06:07 PM

Originally Posted by Booger
Originally Posted by sj22
Originally Posted by BhamFred
Originally Posted by sj22




Is anyone going to show us some pictures of these 150’s?


NO

Well they’re already dead so why not? I just like seeing the pics


Because, then you have to answer a thousand questions about where you killed it. Pretty soon you’ll sound like Saban in a press conference.


And the answer is in the woods, black out the persons face. They can’t kill a dead deer
Posted By: Remington270

Re: # of Trophy deer killed in AL - 01/12/19 06:40 PM

Originally Posted by buckhunter2
Originally Posted by Remington270
Originally Posted by Coosa1
Originally Posted by jdhunter2011
[quote=Remington270]Y'all do realize that if only 100 150" deer were killed per year, that would only be one per county. I bet some counties have 10-20 in a single year.

67 counties in alabama one per county, am I missing something?


Must be using the metric system...



100/67 = 1.5......In AL if u have 1.5 teeth, that counts as 2 teeth. Guess in MS that’s only one tooth thumbup

I’d say at least 200 per year gross 150” in AL


....says the guy from.....Jasper laugh
Posted By: mike35549

Re: # of Trophy deer killed in AL - 01/12/19 06:40 PM

Originally Posted by Southwood7


If there are 300, 150” bucks killed in Alabama every year that’s far less than 1% of the buck harvest. There aren’t that many running around. Most mature bucks in Alabama aren’t going to even hit 130”


I would guess the average/vast majority of 5 year old bucks in AL at least in non ag. areas which is 95% of the state would prob score between 115-125
Posted By: auburn17

Re: # of Trophy deer killed in AL - 01/12/19 09:56 PM

Originally Posted by timbercruiser
I know of one that green scored over 173 this fall in south Bama. I didn't know there were deer that big in south Bama


That deer was a giant, and he was going to skull mount it. He also killed it on the 40 acres the camp sits on where nobody else wants to hunt.
Posted By: 2Dogs

Re: # of Trophy deer killed in AL - 01/13/19 12:20 AM

Originally Posted by sj22
Originally Posted by Booger


Because, then you have to answer a thousand questions about where you killed it. Pretty soon you’ll sound like Saban in a press conference.


And the answer is in the woods, black out the persons face. They can’t kill a dead deer


You can't kill a dead deer , however , when the word gets out, hunters want to hunt that area. Kinda like closing the barn door after the horse is out, err dead in this case.
Posted By: 2Dogs

Re: # of Trophy deer killed in AL - 01/13/19 12:27 AM

This whole thread comes down to location, location, location. Fellers who live in areas where 150's get killed regularly know they are somewhat common. Those who live where they are super rare think they are like unicorns.

Now to the thread title , there can be much more to what defines a trophy than a tape measure.
Posted By: Clem

Re: # of Trophy deer killed in AL - 01/13/19 12:29 AM

Originally Posted by auburn17
Originally Posted by timbercruiser
I know of one that green scored over 173 this fall in south Bama. I didn't know there were deer that big in south Bama


That deer was a giant, and he was going to skull mount it. He also killed it on the 40 acres the camp sits on where nobody else wants to hunt.


A 173-inch buck skull mount would be very cool.
Posted By: sj22

Re: # of Trophy deer killed in AL - 01/13/19 12:39 AM

Originally Posted by 2Dogs
Originally Posted by sj22
Originally Posted by Booger


Because, then you have to answer a thousand questions about where you killed it. Pretty soon you’ll sound like Saban in a press conference.


And the answer is in the woods, black out the persons face. They can’t kill a dead deer


You can't kill a dead deer , however , when the word gets out, hunters want to hunt that area. Kinda like closing the barn door after the horse is out, err dead in this case.


I understand totally, like said before I just like seeing pictures. Wish we had access to property with those giants but I’ve always been proud of the ones I’ve shot and none of them would of ever hit 150” no matter how older they got. It takes a special place and great genetics!! Now someone please show us some pictures
Posted By: BhamFred

Re: # of Trophy deer killed in AL - 01/13/19 12:55 AM

Originally Posted by Clem
Originally Posted by auburn17
Originally Posted by timbercruiser
I know of one that green scored over 173 this fall in south Bama. I didn't know there were deer that big in south Bama


That deer was a giant, and he was going to skull mount it. He also killed it on the 40 acres the camp sits on where nobody else wants to hunt.


A 173-inch buck skull mount would be very cool.


looking at one right now....
Posted By: eskimo270

Re: # of Trophy deer killed in AL - 01/13/19 01:07 AM

Originally Posted by BhamFred
My wife, grandson , and I have all killed bucks over 150. Wife first buck scored 151. Grandson killed a 162" eight point couple years ago, and a 127" eight point last year.

If I ever need a blood transfusion You can be expecting a call
Posted By: bama1971

Re: # of Trophy deer killed in AL - 01/13/19 01:08 AM

Originally Posted by 2Dogs
Now to the thread title , there can be much more to what defines a trophy than a tape measure.


That’s a fact^

I’ve got a (buck I believe to be) 6 year(s) old 6 pt I want as bad as any buck I’ve ever known about right now
Posted By: eskimo270

Re: # of Trophy deer killed in AL - 01/13/19 01:08 AM

I have hunted in Alabama a long time and have killed some great bucks but only one over 150”.
Posted By: Southwood7

Re: # of Trophy deer killed in AL - 01/13/19 01:19 AM


I understand not showing pics of giant bucks. Heck I’ve 2nd guesses showing pics at all anymore but it’s still just fun to me and if somebody wants to be a prick that’s on them 👍🏻 I also haven’t killed a 150 either so I’m sure the bigger the deer the worse the jealousy.

Leased land: folks with deep pockets find out where you’re hunting and take it from you.
Private land: poachers
Public land: folks find out what you drive and start hunting all over you
Club: same thing as private and leased land
Posted By: 2Dogs

Re: # of Trophy deer killed in AL - 01/13/19 01:22 AM

Originally Posted by eskimo270
Originally Posted by BhamFred
My wife, grandson , and I have all killed bucks over 150. Wife first buck scored 151. Grandson killed a 162" eight point couple years ago, and a 127" eight point last year.

If I ever need a blood transfusion You can be expecting a call


What, you wanta turn into an ornery ol' cuss? laugh
Posted By: Chad T

Re: # of Trophy deer killed in AL - 01/13/19 01:43 AM

This thread wouldn’t be so important if it weren’t so rare in this state to take a buck over 150 inches. Definitely not that common.
Posted By: eskimo270

Re: # of Trophy deer killed in AL - 01/13/19 01:47 AM

Originally Posted by 2Dogs
Originally Posted by eskimo270
Originally Posted by BhamFred
My wife, grandson , and I have all killed bucks over 150. Wife first buck scored 151. Grandson killed a 162" eight point couple years ago, and a 127" eight point last year.

If I ever need a blood transfusion You can be expecting a call


What, you wanta turn into an ornery ol' cuss? laugh

The blood would be dried out by the time it gets here if I borrowed some from the big buck killers in Jackson county
Posted By: leroycnbucks

Re: # of Trophy deer killed in AL - 01/13/19 01:56 AM

I’ve seen what 150” bucks from Jackson county look like mounted on the wall. But I sure would like to see one in the woods. wink
Posted By: BhamFred

Re: # of Trophy deer killed in AL - 01/13/19 02:22 AM

Originally Posted by 2Dogs
Originally Posted by eskimo270
Originally Posted by BhamFred
My wife, grandson , and I have all killed bucks over 150. Wife first buck scored 151. Grandson killed a 162" eight point couple years ago, and a 127" eight point last year.

If I ever need a blood transfusion You can be expecting a call


What, you wanta turn into an ornery ol' cuss? laugh



BAM...... gun
Posted By: auburn17

Re: # of Trophy deer killed in AL - 01/13/19 02:24 AM

Originally Posted by Clem
Originally Posted by auburn17
Originally Posted by timbercruiser
I know of one that green scored over 173 this fall in south Bama. I didn't know there were deer that big in south Bama


That deer was a giant, and he was going to skull mount it. He also killed it on the 40 acres the camp sits on where nobody else wants to hunt.


A 173-inch buck skull mount would be very cool.


I won’t post dead pics for shooters privacy, but here are a couple trail cams
[img]https://imgur.com/a/9acPVrG[/img]
Posted By: Clem

Re: # of Trophy deer killed in AL - 01/13/19 02:42 AM

Awesome buck!
Posted By: hosscat

Re: # of Trophy deer killed in AL - 01/13/19 02:36 PM

After seeing those trail pics we are talking about 2 different 170" bucks that were killed this year.
Posted By: Whild_Bill

Re: # of Trophy deer killed in AL - 01/13/19 02:51 PM

Location? You gotta grow them. Sanctuary them. Not shoot them when they are 2,3,4 and sometimes 5. Then you will have big mature deer. Fact is most aren’t that patient. It’s all about age structure. It’s not hard. You wanna kill a deer shoot a doe. Let the buck grow.
Posted By: BatesConst

Re: # of Trophy deer killed in AL - 01/13/19 03:17 PM

At best 125ish a year killed. It may seem low to you Black belt guys/ West Alabama and maybe Jackson county folks. But, for the rest of the state, it just don't happen. Too many trigger happy hunters. Even letting them grow, the genetics to get to 150 and get killed by a legal means, just don't happen. In this part of the state, We don't just don't have the Ag, or the hunter discipline to support it. Not only that, here in Etowah county, be we just don't have large tracts of huntable land. And, we have high hunter numbers. I'm still thinking 125 is within 20% of the actual number. I'm taking about true 150" deer killed legally every year..
Posted By: UncleHuck

Re: # of Trophy deer killed in AL - 01/13/19 04:24 PM



My real trophy would be a mature 6 point. I have seen a few that others shot, but never got a shot at one myself.
Posted By: rulebreaker

Re: # of Trophy deer killed in AL - 01/13/19 06:27 PM

Originally Posted by sj22
Originally Posted by 2Dogs
Originally Posted by sj22
Originally Posted by Booger


Because, then you have to answer a thousand questions about where you killed it. Pretty soon you’ll sound like Saban in a press conference.


And the answer is in the woods, black out the persons face. They can’t kill a dead deer


You can't kill a dead deer , however , when the word gets out, hunters want to hunt that area. Kinda like closing the barn door after the horse is out, err dead in this case.


I understand totally, like said before I just like seeing pictures. Wish we had access to property with those giants but I’ve always been proud of the ones I’ve shot and none of them would of ever hit 150” no matter how older they got. It takes a special place and great genetics!! Now someone please show us some pictures



You do have access. It's called public land, national forests, WMAs. Go for it.
Posted By: ChrisAU

Re: # of Trophy deer killed in AL - 01/14/19 04:31 PM

Originally Posted by BhamFred
Originally Posted by sj22




Is anyone going to show us some pictures of these 150’s?


NO


I'm ready for the "AINNO WAY THAT SUCKER IS OVER 125!"

The two on the left were 3 year old deer. After drying for roughly 5-6 weeks (taxidermist time) he was 162+ gross 153+ net. I don't remember exacts and it takes ladder to get him down now, I wrote the measurements on the back of the mount.

[Linked Image]
Posted By: Zbrann

Re: # of Trophy deer killed in AL - 01/14/19 07:03 PM

Originally Posted by ChrisAU
... I don't remember exacts and it takes ladder to get him down now, I wrote the measurements on the back of the mount.

[Linked Image]


Do you have to get on a ladder to turn the AC on too? grin
Posted By: ChrisAU

Re: # of Trophy deer killed in AL - 01/14/19 07:05 PM

Originally Posted by Zbrann
Originally Posted by ChrisAU
... I don't remember exacts and it takes ladder to get him down now, I wrote the measurements on the back of the mount.

[Linked Image]


Do you have to get on a ladder to turn the AC on too? grin


That's at my old house. Here he is now:

[Linked Image]
Posted By: Zbrann

Re: # of Trophy deer killed in AL - 01/14/19 07:44 PM

Nice room! Great deer all around
Posted By: Blessed

Re: # of Trophy deer killed in AL - 01/14/19 08:00 PM

I think you will hear and see more 150's being taken each year for the simple fact deer hunters are letting them walk at 2 and 3 so they can reach their maximum of antler growth . Also more farming and crops being planted again in the state can only help with deer getting more protein . If a doe drops a fawn in these farming areas and he grows up eating protein for 5 years he has a great chance to be a 150 or greater .
Posted By: Dkhargroves

Re: # of Trophy deer killed in AL - 01/14/19 08:20 PM

Originally Posted by ChrisAU
Originally Posted by BhamFred
Originally Posted by sj22




Is anyone going to show us some pictures of these 150’s?


NO


I'm ready for the "AINNO WAY THAT SUCKER IS OVER 125!"

The two on the left were 3 year old deer. After drying for roughly 5-6 weeks (taxidermist time) he was 162+ gross 153+ net. I don't remember exacts and it takes ladder to get him down now, I wrote the measurements on the back of the mount.

[Linked Image]

The deer on the right is 162???
Posted By: centralala

Re: # of Trophy deer killed in AL - 01/14/19 08:25 PM

I have/had two goals that I wanted to accomplish. A 125" deer and a 150" deer. I thought the 125" deer would be the most difficult. Why? The property i wanted to kill him on is family property that I've hunted over 40 years and there has never been one killed that big here or on the surrounding properties in 40+ years. Done at 126" . The 150" is on another property where those deer are very rare but have been killed in the past as recent as last season. Still after that one.

I've killed several in the 140's but I just want certain deer on certain properties that I own now.
Posted By: ChrisAU

Re: # of Trophy deer killed in AL - 01/14/19 08:48 PM

Originally Posted by Dkhargroves
Originally Posted by ChrisAU
Originally Posted by BhamFred
Originally Posted by sj22




Is anyone going to show us some pictures of these 150’s?


NO


I'm ready for the "AINNO WAY THAT SUCKER IS OVER 125!"

The two on the left were 3 year old deer. After drying for roughly 5-6 weeks (taxidermist time) he was 162+ gross 153+ net. I don't remember exacts and it takes ladder to get him down now, I wrote the measurements on the back of the mount.

[Linked Image]

The deer on the right is 162???


2 tines over 13", 2 more over 11". Not wide but the difference in score between a 20" buck and an 18" buck is 2". All main beam mass measurements were well over 4" if I remember correctly. It doesn't take long to get there with an exceptionally tall rack.
Posted By: Goatkiller

Re: # of Trophy deer killed in AL - 01/14/19 09:40 PM

You sort of have 2 groups of people when it comes to this. A lot of people that regularly kill big deer don't get on the internet and tell everyone at every chance how big a badarse they are. They don't take it down to the deer show. They don't ride it around in the bed of their truck at the local Wal-Mart. They just take it home and go on about their business. Killing a big deer is not the pinnacle of accomplishment in their lives. They shoot one ever season or two. They are sort of the silent professional types. Lot of those people out there. Very few of them on ALDeer.

Other people troll the Internet and deer shows... they have only killed a couple really good deer and they like to post links to old AL deer posts they have made at any window of opportunity. That's the internet badarse types. They view themselves as having some sort of celebrity status. They usually have a few window lickers who like to be their internet buddies. Several of them on here.

couple hundred 150 class deer are killed every year in this state. It's kind of like being rich. No matter how rich you think you are someone out there has you beat. Just a fact of life.



Posted By: sj22

Re: # of Trophy deer killed in AL - 01/14/19 09:46 PM

Originally Posted by ChrisAU
Originally Posted by BhamFred
Originally Posted by sj22




Is anyone going to show us some pictures of these 150’s?


NO


I'm ready for the "AINNO WAY THAT SUCKER IS OVER 125!"

The two on the left were 3 year old deer. After drying for roughly 5-6 weeks (taxidermist time) he was 162+ gross 153+ net. I don't remember exacts and it takes ladder to get him down now, I wrote the measurements on the back of the mount.

[Linked Image]



Awesome deer!
Posted By: ChrisAU

Re: # of Trophy deer killed in AL - 01/14/19 09:50 PM

Originally Posted by Goatkiller
You sort of have 2 groups of people when it comes to this. A lot of people that regularly kill big deer don't get on the internet and tell everyone at every chance how big a badarse they are. They don't take it down to the deer show. They don't ride it around in the bed of their truck at the local Wal-Mart. They just take it home and go on about their business. Killing a big deer is not the pinnacle of accomplishment in their lives. They shoot one ever season or two. They are sort of the silent professional types. Lot of those people out there. Very few of them on ALDeer.

Other people troll the Internet and deer shows... they have only killed a couple really good deer and they like to post links to old AL deer posts they have made at any window of opportunity. That's the internet badarse types. They view themselves as having some sort of celebrity status. They usually have a few window lickers who like to be their internet buddies. Several of them on here.

couple hundred 150 class deer are killed every year in this state. It's kind of like being rich. No matter how rich you think you are someone out there has you beat. Just a fact of life.





Eh, I don't look at deer as an accomplishment, but I do like to show them off and I like seeing others kills. I like deer. I know some people work for their deer and plan and scheme, but most deer are killed out of coincidence. That hunter just happened to decide to be there when that deer decided to come by. I know some who never tell anyone anything, and I know some that you can't talk to without hearing about the deer from 15 years ago. But I think most here just like deer.
Posted By: UncleHuck

Re: # of Trophy deer killed in AL - 01/14/19 10:31 PM


I like seeing anybody's deer, and you'll never hear me make a bad comment about someone else's buck. I figure at least some on here are like me, so I post pics when I tag one.

I like seeing trail camera pictures, too, even if they are from a property that I will never set foot on, much less hunt. I just like deer.
Posted By: Goatkiller

Re: # of Trophy deer killed in AL - 01/14/19 11:26 PM

Personally I don't really care what anyone does in regards to their deer. That was never my point. BUT - I do think people do not realize the number of good deer killed in this state every year. I know someone that found one dead that green scored 174 last year near Birmingham. I also know a fella that has a 19 point deer in his shop behind his house and will not tell anyone he shot it about a 1/4 of a mile up the road from his house. He just tells everyone she shot it in Tennessee. I was there I know where he shot it and could walk to the spot today.

The only thing I might add would be that we have many naysayers that think there is no way on this earth if we as a group decided to start letting more deer walk that this would lead to more mature bucks with good racks walking around in general. They will claim we don't have the genetics among a slew of different arguments. Trophy hunting is not for everyone and I get that. However the reality is that we do have some really good racks in this State - the problem is it is very hard for them to make it to the appropriate age. I'm not talking scoring 150 every deer, rather just good solid deer in general whether that's 100 or 135. There are many hunters, more than enough granted there are few places that are not hunted in this state... and as a result we don't see our own potential. The deer get shot.
Posted By: Anonymous

Re: # of Trophy deer killed in AL - 01/14/19 11:49 PM

What I have found is that many people just dont care about antlers. They just want to shoot a deer..period. They just want to hunt. And good for them, whatever makes them happy.

I see that all around the country too. They get a 3 day season in Illinois for first gun...they go out and fill their buck tag with the first buck they see. Same in KY or Ohio, or even Kansas. Different strokes for different folks. But some folks there wait and only shoot good ones. Good for them too. Whatever "Hunting" means to them and makes them happy.

I agree that Alabama has some great genetics in some areas and if managed can grow great bucks. Ive been fortunate and have spent my time hunting managed lands here in Alabama. I own my own land, my neighbors also own all their lands and have over a thousand acres each. One group are farmers and lease even more. They also all only shoot mature bucks. We hunt 3 year olds or older, but basically try for 4 year olds or older.

We dont have any stupid rules or written agreements. We all just are at the same point and try to shoot the same type game. Just a bunch of neighbors all doing the same thing.

Because of that Ive been lucky enough to shoot one or two trophies every year. It just takes a group of guys with the same standards, some good cover, good food and low pressure, no trespassing and low amounts road hunting.

The good thing is all those things are controllable. Grow good food plots or hunt near great ag lands, dont go into your thickets except to recover one, prosecute all trespassers and road hunters, and DO NOT over hunt and pressure your land. It is literally that easy!

Squeaky and Hogwild just started a big club in South Bama where they are doing just that. Theyve already shot a couple good ones. In the next couple years Im sure the deer will be even bigger and theyll shoot more. Lots of good clubs here in Bama do the same thing. Just have to find the right club/land/group of guys IMO.

Posted By: buckhunter2

Re: # of Trophy deer killed in AL - 01/15/19 12:18 AM

Originally Posted by Goatkiller
You sort of have 2 groups of people when it comes to this. A lot of people that regularly kill big deer don't get on the internet and tell everyone at every chance how big a badarse they are. They don't take it down to the deer show. They don't ride it around in the bed of their truck at the local Wal-Mart. They just take it home and go on about their business. Killing a big deer is not the pinnacle of accomplishment in their lives. They shoot one ever season or two. They are sort of the silent professional types. Lot of those people out there. Very few of them on ALDeer.

Other people troll the Internet and deer shows... they have only killed a couple really good deer and they like to post links to old AL deer posts they have made at any window of opportunity. That's the internet badarse types. They view themselves as having some sort of celebrity status. They usually have a few window lickers who like to be their internet buddies. Several of them on here.

couple hundred 150 class deer are killed every year in this state. It's kind of like being rich. No matter how rich you think you are someone out there has you beat. Just a fact of life.


Nailed it!
Posted By: Goatkiller

Re: # of Trophy deer killed in AL - 01/15/19 02:43 PM

Originally Posted by outdoorobsession


The good thing is all those things are controllable. Grow good food plots or hunt near great ag lands, dont go into your thickets except to recover one, prosecute all trespassers and road hunters, and DO NOT over hunt and pressure your land. It is literally that easy!



Actually it is not that easy. I have my own place too. I lease most of the land I own. If you have less than about 2,000 acres your success is directly impacted by the hunters around you. If you have a bunch of people hunting within close proximity that blast everything they see your hunting will suffer significantly. I'm not saying you still can't kill a big deer but you are fighting a completely different battle than a guy that has 1000 acres and surrounding that are landowners with similar trigger habits. If you have that you have a paradise and you should enjoy it. But at the same time you should also recognize that many hunters in this State only have 50 acres. In my opinion there are a significant number of people out there that fit that category who can't effectively manage their property under our current guidelines. Those people get turned off to deer hunting the same as the guy that just feels the need to kill something every time he puts on his camo.

What do you do... I don't know. I'm not offering any solutions only a different point of view. Those of us that have a hunting paradise tend to think that everyone else has the same. And that could not be further from the truth. This is part of the mentality "it's all about me". I see and hear this first hand because people are in leasing smaller tracts of land from me in several parts of this State. When they say they had a good deer season but they sure wish Bo and Luke Duke up the highway would stop blasting every deer they see because they can't get anything with horns to grow. You hear that season after season out of more than one group and at some point you realize it's not just all about me. Everyone else deserves to have a good experience too because the vast majority of the hunters in this State don't hunt on a 2,000 acre tract. To me right now in this State the meter is reading in total favor of the people that want to blast something. Chew on it. That's all I ask. I'm not trying to be right or wrong.

Posted By: Anonymous

Re: # of Trophy deer killed in AL - 01/15/19 03:56 PM

Originally Posted by Goatkiller
Originally Posted by outdoorobsession


The good thing is all those things are controllable. Grow good food plots or hunt near great ag lands, dont go into your thickets except to recover one, prosecute all trespassers and road hunters, and DO NOT over hunt and pressure your land. It is literally that easy!



Actually it is not that easy. I have my own place too. I lease most of the land I own. If you have less than about 2,000 acres your success is directly impacted by the hunters around you. If you have a bunch of people hunting within close proximity that blast everything they see your hunting will suffer significantly. I'm not saying you still can't kill a big deer but you are fighting a completely different battle than a guy that has 1000 acres and surrounding that are landowners with similar trigger habits. If you have that you have a paradise and you should enjoy it. But at the same time you should also recognize that many hunters in this State only have 50 acres. In my opinion there are a significant number of people out there that fit that category who can't effectively manage their property under our current guidelines. Those people get turned off to deer hunting the same as the guy that just feels the need to kill something every time he puts on his camo.

What do you do... I don't know. I'm not offering any solutions only a different point of view. Those of us that have a hunting paradise tend to think that everyone else has the same. And that could not be further from the truth. This is part of the mentality "it's all about me". I see and hear this first hand because people are in leasing smaller tracts of land from me in several parts of this State. When they say they had a good deer season but they sure wish Bo and Luke Duke up the highway would stop blasting every deer they see because they can't get anything with horns to grow. You hear that season after season out of more than one group and at some point you realize it's not just all about me. Everyone else deserves to have a good experience too because the vast majority of the hunters in this State don't hunt on a 2,000 acre tract. To me right now in this State the meter is reading in total favor of the people that want to blast something. Chew on it. That's all I ask. I'm not trying to be right or wrong.




Yep, I totally understand. You like to shoot good ones. I do too. We are fortunate in our places to be able to control things to a degree. I dont have a lot of land..I only manage around 160 acres, and my one neighbors 100 acres...so just 260 total, luckily all thicket that holds deer. But it is surrounded luckily by thousands of acres of big ag land where luckily my neighbors dont blast everything.

I also have friends that hunt else where in the state that dont hunt hard like you or I do. They go a few weekends a year and they just want to shoot a deer...any deer. I understand where they are coming from too.

And while there are many guys here who only shoot good ones, there are way more on THIS VERY SITE that just hunt and arent worried about size of antlers. Id say the majority of guys here to be honest. Dont get me wrong..they WANT to shoot a monster, but they realize that their chances where they hunt for a real good one is very limited.

When I was young I was taught "Dont try to hold people to YOUR own standards or youll be highly disappointed". And they were wise words and Ive tried to live by them.

Thats why I try to congratulateEVERY SINGLE GUY I can that posts their deer on here. While I might not of shot it, I get to hunt a lot and managed land. But they dont , and to them that is a trophy, and Im happy for them being successful. So I congratulate them.

KUDOS to them on accomplishing THEIR goal of getting a deer. It feeds their families and they are happy.

A lot of these guys here hunt state land , or clubs with lots of people. A lot struggle just to see deer, much less ANY buck. So to them just getting to harvest one is an accomplishment..

So what Ive seen is that if you want to hunt BIG BUCKS in Alabama, you need to have great neighbors and land and put a lot of time and MONEY into habitat. OR , you have to shell out BIG BUCKS to join a very well managed club like Squeaky and Hogwilds or others Ive been in.

The sad part is those type clubs are VERY VERY Expensive. So in the most part in Alabama you have to pay BIG BUCKS to shoot BIG BUCKS. There are still the outliers like people who go to Bankhead and get one, or some of the other public land opportunities that have big bucks but their chances for success are admittedly much less then the guy hunting great land.

Whats the answer? Thats the Million Dollar question!

Im typically a small Govt, low regulation conservative and hate laws that prohibit people from enjoying what they like. And while I like the idea of antler restrictions I feel that 75% of the people in the state..heck on this site , are against them. So I go back to what I was taught: "Dont try to have people live up to my standards" or in this case IMPOSE my standards on people through implementation of restrictive laws.

Let them go hunt, shoot a deer and be happy. I'll try to keep shooting good ones, but as I get older (almost 60 now) even my priorities have changed. Heck , right now Id rather be FISHING then hunting..LOL. Hunting takes work...fishing I just sit in my boat and relax. Im getting lazy in my old age I guess. shocked laugh

( I just bought that little bass bought in August and learning to fish...man its way more fun then i thought!)

Posted By: JUSTIN37HUNT

Re: # of Trophy deer killed in AL - 01/15/19 05:30 PM

Not many killed in S Alabama. We have 9k acres in Covington and there haven’t been any killed in 7 years on our place. We’ve killed three absolute bruisers for the area and they were all high 130s-low 140s. Kill a few in the 120s each year.

I bet most of our deer max out in the 120s no matter how old they get. Only a few have the genetics to get bigger. Our two biggest bucks were genetic freaks. One was a 10pt at 2 yo. He wasn’t ever making it to 150” I would imagine. In fact he would have scored about as much as a 3yo as he did when killed as a 5yo. He went down as a 4yo. The other was killed at 3 yo and was a big boy that may have made it to 150” if given another year or two. We had a buck on camera that we guessed was 3 yo that had the potential to get to 150”. He hasn’t been seen in 2 seasons as far as I know.

The number in my head down here that kinda says special is around 125” to me. If he makes it over 125” he’s a special buck where we hunt.
Posted By: poorcountrypreacher

Re: # of Trophy deer killed in AL - 01/15/19 06:19 PM



Most of the deer on our place won't get out of the 120s no matter how long they live. No agriculture and the soil just isn't that good. In over 50 years of hunting the same land we have probably killed 40 or more that scored 115 to 128, but have never gotten a 130. There has been a few on the place over the years that would exceed 130, but they have been very rare and we have never killed one of them.

Just think of how much better my life could have been if we had spent thousands of dollars and added 10 more points to the average score of the racks! Wouldn't that have been great? smile

Well, maybe not. Maybe when it gets down to it, really doesn't make any difference.
Posted By: Southwood7

Re: # of Trophy deer killed in AL - 01/15/19 06:51 PM


Originally Posted by poorcountrypreacher


Most of the deer on our place won't get out of the 120s no matter how long they live. No agriculture and the soil just isn't that good. In over 50 years of hunting the same land we have probably killed 40 or more that scored 115 to 128, but have never gotten a 130. There has been a few on the place over the years that would exceed 130, but they have been very rare and we have never killed one of them.

Just think of how much better my life could have been if we had spent thousands of dollars and added 10 more points to the average score of the racks! Wouldn't that have been great? smile

Well, maybe not. Maybe when it gets down to it, really doesn't make any difference.


I can’t recall the exact study or quote, but I remember Matt Brock stating that there are only a very small percentage of bucks that will ever grow 150” of antler, period.
Posted By: abolt300

Re: # of Trophy deer killed in AL - 01/15/19 07:10 PM

Originally Posted by Southwood7


I can’t recall the exact study or quote, but I remember Matt Brock stating that there are only a very small percentage of bucks that will ever grow 150” of antler, period.


You and Matt Brock are 100% correct thumbup
Posted By: hosscat

Re: # of Trophy deer killed in AL - 01/15/19 07:47 PM

Agreed. The vast majority of bucks in my area will NEVER make it to 140 much less 150. I have had plenty over the years that have never made it to 130". Most of the time the bucks that have a chance to really be special stand out at age 2-1/2, and are in the 130's (or real close) at 3-1/2. And a lot of the time they get killed as a 130" 3-1/2 yo.

Three seasons ago I had pictures of a main frame 10pt with a split brow tine and he not a minute over 2-1/2 yo. He was easily distinguished as both main beams turned down at the end and his tines all swept in getting pretty close together above his head. He added another small tine on his main beam as a 3yo but lost the split brow. I never got another picture past the first week or so of season might have scored 125"ish.
Posted By: BhamFred

Re: # of Trophy deer killed in AL - 01/15/19 07:53 PM

hoss is right, the exceptional deer are usually exceptional at all ages, and get killed for it at three. I have a buck on my place that is a really nice two year old ten point. Not huge , but above average at two. He was a smaller version ten point at one. He will be an exceptional buck at five or six IF he lives and is healthy.
Posted By: jhardy

Re: # of Trophy deer killed in AL - 01/15/19 08:00 PM

Originally Posted by poorcountrypreacher


Most of the deer on our place won't get out of the 120s no matter how long they live. No agriculture and the soil just isn't that good. In over 50 years of hunting the same land we have probably killed 40 or more that scored 115 to 128, but have never gotten a 130. There has been a few on the place over the years that would exceed 130, but they have been very rare and we have never killed one of them.

Just think of how much better my life could have been if we had spent thousands of dollars and added 10 more points to the average score of the racks! Wouldn't that have been great? smile

Well, maybe not. Maybe when it gets down to it, really doesn't make any difference.


Appears that we hunt the same make up of property and have the same philosophy of hunting. That six year old five point that I killed sure was fun though. Glad I wasn't waiting on him to be 130.
Posted By: WallyGator0928

Re: # of Trophy deer killed in AL - 01/15/19 08:06 PM

I haven't killed one that big or anywhere near that big. I have been lucky enough to be with or around people who had. I put my hands on a 154" deer in Illinois once and a 173" deer in Winston County, Alabama once. I can tell you this, that most people around here believe they've got a 140 or 150 and in reality they've got a 120. I'm in no way knocking them because I thought the same dad gum thing until I saw what it took to make a 154" deer and a 173" deer. Those were gross scores as well, no knocks for symmetry. Also they were green scores on both of them. No drying involved.
Posted By: Goatkiller

Re: # of Trophy deer killed in AL - 01/15/19 08:18 PM

Everyone is going to argue that they "can't grow good bucks". That might be a 140 or 120 doesn't matter. A "good buck" is subjective.

What about focusing on age instead of worrying about overall score? Do you think we collectively as a State deer herd have good age structure? Maybe the deer will only ever be a 100 inch deer in a certain area.... My question is how many of those do you have. I do realize they don't all die via a bullet. However - there are not many places I have ever hunted in this State with 4-5 year old deer running around. How do you get there? Does anyone even really care that we get there?

I do hunt other States and I do think their age structure is much better. Young deer get killed especially on public ground in those states and a property owner who has 2 tags most certainly might shoot a 2 year old 6 point in those States. But something is different. Lot more 3 year olds running around.

Don't read into what I just wrote anything about my opinion. Just lay down some thoughts on that and what you think. I'd be interested.
Posted By: bama1971

Re: # of Trophy deer killed in AL - 01/15/19 08:20 PM

Originally Posted by Goatkiller

What about focusing on age instead of worrying about overall score? Do you think we collectively as a State deer herd have good age structure? Maybe the deer will only ever be a 100 inch deer in a certain area.... My question is how many of those do you have. I do realize they don't all die via a bullet. However - there are not many places I have ever hunted in this State with 4-5 year old deer running around. How do you get there? Does anyone even really care that we get there?

I do hunt other States and I do think their age structure is much better. Young deer get killed especially on public ground in those states and a property owner who has 2 tags most certainly might shoot a 2 year old 6 point in those States. But something is different. Lot more 3 year olds running around.

Don't read into what I just wrote anything about my opinion. Just lay down some thoughts on that and what you think. I'd be interested.


I think focusing on either would help the other
Posted By: WallyGator0928

Re: # of Trophy deer killed in AL - 01/15/19 08:32 PM

Originally Posted by Goatkiller
Everyone is going to argue that they "can't grow good bucks". That might be a 140 or 120 doesn't matter. A "good buck" is subjective.

What about focusing on age instead of worrying about overall score? Do you think we collectively as a State deer herd have good age structure? Maybe the deer will only ever be a 100 inch deer in a certain area.... My question is how many of those do you have. I do realize they don't all die via a bullet. However - there are not many places I have ever hunted in this State with 4-5 year old deer running around. How do you get there? Does anyone even really care that we get there?

I do hunt other States and I do think their age structure is much better. Young deer get killed especially on public ground in those states and a property owner who has 2 tags most certainly might shoot a 2 year old 6 point in those States. But something is different. Lot more 3 year olds running around.

Don't read into what I just wrote anything about my opinion. Just lay down some thoughts on that and what you think. I'd be interested on others perspective. I only know what I have experienced. That is not everyone else's experience.


I think it would be great for this state and in 5 years of implementing a new management strategy state wide Alabama would become a destination hunt. The only problem is there’s too many bubbas that aren’t going to have the next guy tell them how to hunt. So many people are worried about getting theirs we’ll never collectively get there.
Posted By: jhardy

Re: # of Trophy deer killed in AL - 01/15/19 08:42 PM

The only problem is there’s too many bubbas that aren’t going to have the next guy tell them how to hunt. So many people are worried about getting theirs we’ll never collectively get there.

Why are they bubbas just because they don't want to trophy hunt? Just asking as I have never considered myself a bubba. I actually don't shoot any young deer as I don't care to, but I also don't care if someone else does.
Posted By: poorcountrypreacher

Re: # of Trophy deer killed in AL - 01/15/19 08:50 PM

>>>>However - there are not many places I have ever hunted in this State with 4-5 year old deer running around. How do you get there? Does anyone even really care that we get there?<<<

To answer your last question, I don't care. I have always been happy to just hunt whatever deer that we have on the place. When I was really interested in deer hunting I spent a lot of time scouting and looking for a big track, then would hunt him in January during the rut. If I happened to succeed and kill an older buck, his rack was little more than a curiosity. I was just as happy if he was an older 6 point that scored 90. I never used cameras and seldom knew what the deer looked like until I shot him. I think cameras have changed deer hunting more than anything, and not for the better.

I always wanted the deer herd to be healthy, and to have decent age structure, but I think all of the emphasis on the perfect rack is bad for the sport. The public in AL still supports hunting for food; it doesn't support trophy hunting and that's where all the emphasis seems to be going. What really concerns me is that so many hunters embrace more government restrictions in the hopes that it will somehow help them to kill a bigger buck someday. What difference does it make if your bucks top out at 120 instead of 135? Does anyone think that an extra 15 points to a deer score is gonna make you any happier?

Not me. Guess I am out of touch with the world today.
Posted By: hosscat

Re: # of Trophy deer killed in AL - 01/15/19 09:37 PM

I think that the bigger the rack more rare and in return the more treasured. It's definitely hard to kill a mature buck, but exponentially more rare to kill a mature buck that has the rare blessings of a 150"+ set of head gear.

Now I will be the first to say I DO NOT want more regulations. Personally I don't shoot much anymore and when I do it will be a mature buck so additional regulation won't have much of a direct affect to me. But, I have a 7yo that absolutely loves hunting right now, and like I was when I was younger he loves to shoot. He is the shooter 9 out of 10 times we hunt, and I have been a total of 1 time this year without him. We are blessed to get to hunt a lot, generally 1-2 afternoons and maybe 1 morning a week (3 hunts a week is a lot to me).

I may be in the wrong but I have told him he will need to kill 100 or more before he is truly confident with his shot, what shots are marginal, what shots to take and when to pass. By then he may be more of a trophy hunter but I'm not rushing it. Until then we are in it for the fun not the racks.



He killed a 125" 3yo 10pt this year that probably had the most potential of anything I had on my place to make it in the upper 130"s. I don't know of any regulations that would or could prevent quality 3yo's from getting killed?
Posted By: WallyGator0928

Re: # of Trophy deer killed in AL - 01/15/19 10:16 PM

Originally Posted by jhardy
The only problem is there’s too many bubbas that aren’t going to have the next guy tell them how to hunt. So many people are worried about getting theirs we’ll never collectively get there.

Why are they bubbas just because they don't want to trophy hunt? Just asking as I have never considered myself a bubba. I actually don't shoot any young deer as I don't care to, but I also don't care if someone else does.


They’re not just because of that, I called them bubbas on a Hail Mary cast and it looks like the cork is bobbing. In all seriousness it’s usually a good Ol boy who don’t spell good or talk right that tells me you can’t eat the horns. That’s fine, I agree you can’t but don’t complain about not seeing big deer or not seeing lots of deer in Alabama if you shoot everything that moves. Also I’m not talking about trophy hunting at all.... I’m talking about age managing your herd.... that’s two totally different things.
Posted By: jhardy

Re: # of Trophy deer killed in AL - 01/15/19 11:14 PM

Originally Posted by WallyGator0928
Originally Posted by jhardy
The only problem is there’s too many bubbas that aren’t going to have the next guy tell them how to hunt. So many people are worried about getting theirs we’ll never collectively get there.

Why are they bubbas just because they don't want to trophy hunt? Just asking as I have never considered myself a bubba. I actually don't shoot any young deer as I don't care to, but I also don't care if someone else does.


They’re not just because of that, I called them bubbas on a Hail Mary cast and it looks like the cork is bobbing. In all seriousness it’s usually a good Ol boy who don’t spell good or talk right that tells me you can’t eat the horns. That’s fine, I agree you can’t but don’t complain about not seeing big deer or not seeing lots of deer in Alabama if you shoot everything that moves. Also I’m not talking about trophy hunting at all.... I’m talking about age managing your herd.... that’s two totally different things.


-I manage the herd to the extent I can.
-I don't have a problem with what others shoot.
-I haven't shot a deer this year as it has been a down year for me individually. That doesn't bother me. Still enjoy it.
-Last I checked my name wasn't bubba and I think I talk right.
-I am in a small club (6 of us) that is a great group of guys with no arguments and essentially shoot what makes us happy. This year to date, we have killed four bucks and one doe. Haven't been aged, but two of the bucks might be 3, others are older. One was the first deer for a wife. One was upper 120s and that is a good deer antler wise for us.
-Observation wise, one hunt in December with four hunters we saw a grand total of two does. One hunt in late December we with four hunting we saw 48 total. Same guys, same land. Different moon, different weather. It happens.
-We have probably killed six hogs and they do run off the deer as soon as they show up. I don't think it effects the long term movement of the deer, but does take away food resources.

I guess I just don't understand what all the fuss is about and why we would ask for more regulations upon us. They are just goats.
Posted By: Zbrann

Re: # of Trophy deer killed in AL - 01/16/19 02:13 AM

Originally Posted by poorcountrypreacher
>>>>However - there are not many places I have ever hunted in this State with 4-5 year old deer running around. How do you get there? Does anyone even really care that we get there?<<<

To answer your last question, I don't care. I have always been happy to just hunt whatever deer that we have on the place. When I was really interested in deer hunting I spent a lot of time scouting and looking for a big track, then would hunt him in January during the rut. If I happened to succeed and kill an older buck, his rack was little more than a curiosity. I was just as happy if he was an older 6 point that scored 90. I never used cameras and seldom knew what the deer looked like until I shot him. I think cameras have changed deer hunting more than anything, and not for the better.

I always wanted the deer herd to be healthy, and to have decent age structure, but I think all of the emphasis on the perfect rack is bad for the sport. The public in AL still supports hunting for food; it doesn't support trophy hunting and that's where all the emphasis seems to be going. What really concerns me is that so many hunters embrace more government restrictions in the hopes that it will somehow help them to kill a bigger buck someday. What difference does it make if your bucks top out at 120 instead of 135? Does anyone think that an extra 15 points to a deer score is gonna make you any happier?

Not me. Guess I am out of touch with the world today.


I agree with this line of thinking
Posted By: mike35549

Re: # of Trophy deer killed in AL - 01/16/19 02:40 AM

Originally Posted by Goatkiller
Originally Posted by outdoorobsession


The good thing is all those things are controllable. Grow good food plots or hunt near great ag lands, dont go into your thickets except to recover one, prosecute all trespassers and road hunters, and DO NOT over hunt and pressure your land. It is literally that easy!



Actually it is not that easy. I have my own place too. I lease most of the land I own. If you have less than about 2,000 acres your success is directly impacted by the hunters around you. If you have a bunch of people hunting within close proximity that blast everything they see your hunting will suffer significantly. I'm not saying you still can't kill a big deer but you are fighting a completely different battle than a guy that has 1000 acres and surrounding that are landowners with similar trigger habits. If you have that you have a paradise and you should enjoy it. But at the same time you should also recognize that many hunters in this State only have 50 acres. In my opinion there are a significant number of people out there that fit that category who can't effectively manage their property under our current guidelines. Those people get turned off to deer hunting the same as the guy that just feels the need to kill something every time he puts on his camo.

What do you do... I don't know. I'm not offering any solutions only a different point of view. Those of us that have a hunting paradise tend to think that everyone else has the same. And that could not be further from the truth. This is part of the mentality "it's all about me". I see and hear this first hand because people are in leasing smaller tracts of land from me in several parts of this State. When they say they had a good deer season but they sure wish Bo and Luke Duke up the highway would stop blasting every deer they see because they can't get anything with horns to grow. You hear that season after season out of more than one group and at some point you realize it's not just all about me. Everyone else deserves to have a good experience too because the vast majority of the hunters in this State don't hunt on a 2,000 acre tract. To me right now in this State the meter is reading in total favor of the people that want to blast something. Chew on it. That's all I ask. I'm not trying to be right or wrong.



This is 100% correct. Where I live almost everyone owns 20-40 acres and a lot of them like to hunt and when they hunt they like to kill stuff. I have run cameras at my house on and off ever since they been making cameras and I have got 1 picture of 1 buck that would be what I would call a really good buck. When I hunt I like to see deer and feel like I have a chance of killing a good one. That is why I don't hunt on the 40 acres where I live. I also agree with outdoorobsession that in AL if want to realisticly have a chance of killing a big buck every year you have to spend big bucks.
Posted By: Squeaky

Re: # of Trophy deer killed in AL - 01/16/19 04:08 AM

I would just like to see 150” deer let alone kill one. I can’t even find a 150 inch buck on 2000+ acres in the Midwest. I’m gonna tell you fellas something y’all already know based off the many comments on this thread, a 150” deer is a special animal! They do not live behind every tree as some are lead to believe. I have been blessed to hunt some great properties over my hunting career, but very few have offered the opportunity at 150” deer consistently. My best Alabama buck to date came off 100 acres of land in Covington County that offered very little in Ag and natural browse. He was a special deer that had the right genetics that I helped express by providing year around protein with supplemental feeding and food plots.

I personally strive to shoot 4 year old or older. I don’t care if he scores 20” or 150” at age 4 he’s a shooter in my personal opinion and what I would consider a trophy. I am personally trying to up my game to 5+ but still see the occasional 4 year old that floats my bobber and he gets shot. In my club we simply shoot age rather than score. We don’t have a antler criteria that deer must meet because I’ve never been able to get one to stand still long enough for me to measure him up. All I ask of my members is to do your best to accurately field age him and if he’s 4 and one you want to give a ride, burn powder. I know we have the potential to grow some exceptional deer due to the amount of land we as as QDM cooperative control. I also understand we will most likely kill more mature deer that average 110” to 120” than the higher scoring deer. I do believe we can consistently kill a few above average deer every season if we do our part in managing the herd.

I personally understand where a lot of folks are at in their stage of hunting. I started like most everyone else on here. We were poor when I was growing up and I hunted public land 99% of the time. When I finally could afford to join a good club that had an abundance of deer I burned a lot of powder. It did not matter if it was a buck or doe, I was gonna make up for all those years of hard hunting. I get it and understand folks need to kill deer because we all are in different stages with life and hunting. I’m all for killing what makes you happy and I’ll congratulate you!! The good thing is, it’s a renewable resource and we can always grow more deer.
Posted By: jhardy

Re: # of Trophy deer killed in AL - 01/16/19 04:28 AM

A lot of wisdom in that post by someone that has killed some fine deer. Thanks for the post.
Posted By: UncleHuck

Re: # of Trophy deer killed in AL - 01/16/19 11:15 AM

Deer over 150" are a rarity wherever you are. I killed two bucks at my friend's Laredo, TX lease this year. 5500 acres, serious management program, supplemental feed, and in the Texas "Golden Triangle", famous for big bucks.

One scored 108" and the other was 128". The 108 was 5.5 years old, the 128 was 6.5 and weighed 200 lbs on the nose. "Management bucks" is what they were called, by the leaseholders, not me. I was tickled with both, and the smaller was an exceptional trophy, as I was the only one who had ever gotten to see him in person. I was told "if he comes out, make sure he doesn't leave".

Age structure is really important to get to 150 inch deer, but quality of food, cover, soil mineral content, and most important, genetic potential is what really counts.

There are hundreds of deer farms raising deer with high genetic potential that will score over 150 as a 1.5 year old. I saw this one at a friend's place.

He's 3.5 years old, and in the breeder pen -


[Linked Image]
Posted By: UncleHuck

Re: # of Trophy deer killed in AL - 01/16/19 11:21 AM



These two are the same age. If you think genetics doesn't matter, they have the same father, different mothers. Anyone want to guess the age?


[Linked Image]


[Linked Image]
Posted By: UncleHuck

Re: # of Trophy deer killed in AL - 01/16/19 11:35 AM


My point to the posts above was simple. If you control some or all of the major factors, then you can grow quality deer. It's not reasonable to assume that here in the Southeast, without the huge amounts of ag land in the Midwest, without the high mineral content of South Texas, and without the restrictive license policies in trophy areas, that we will ever see regular numbers of 150+ whitetail bucks.

Does anyone on here want to sign up for a deer program that requires you to apply for a tag to hunt? And maybe get drawn every other year?

What if the state were divided into zones, maybe as many as 60, and your tag was only good for your zone. No more hunting at home in Etowah County, running down to Sumter for a weekend with your buddy, or going to your brother's club in Opelika. That's what it's like for some of the states famous for monster deer. One tag, for one buck, in your area only. and you have to stop hunting when you fill your tag.

Alabama is where I started hunting deer, way back when a successful season might indicate that you actually SAW a deer, depending on where you lived. It is still my favorite place to hunt, because of the number of deer, and the ability to actually shoot some of them.
Posted By: WallyGator0928

Re: # of Trophy deer killed in AL - 01/16/19 01:17 PM

Originally Posted by UncleHuck

My point to the posts above was simple. If you control some or all of the major factors, then you can grow quality deer. It's not reasonable to assume that here in the Southeast, without the huge amounts of ag land in the Midwest, without the high mineral content of South Texas, and without the restrictive license policies in trophy areas, that we will ever see regular numbers of 150+ whitetail bucks.

Does anyone on here want to sign up for a deer program that requires you to apply for a tag to hunt? And maybe get drawn every other year?

What if the state were divided into zones, maybe as many as 60, and your tag was only good for your zone. No more hunting at home in Etowah County, running down to Sumter for a weekend with your buddy, or going to your brother's club in Opelika. That's what it's like for some of the states famous for monster deer. One tag, for one buck, in your area only. and you have to stop hunting when you fill your tag.

Alabama is where I started hunting deer, way back when a successful season might indicate that you actually SAW a deer, depending on where you lived. It is still my favorite place to hunt, because of the number of deer, and the ability to actually shoot some of them.


I think the zones really wouldn't be that bad but not 60. It's no secret that North Alabama doesn't have near the population that South Alabama does. I've seen South Alabama guys post about seeing 40 deer in the field at once. It would take years of strict management on a large piece of land to get those kind of numbers in North Alabama. The state is trying to get there with the doe day thing but personally I think there's still too many getting killed in North Alabama and way too many young bucks being killed. I understand most will disagree with me but that's just my opinion.
Posted By: 257wbymag

Re: # of Trophy deer killed in AL - 01/16/19 01:50 PM

Yep no deer in N AL. They all died off. Better hunt S AL to see real good deer
Posted By: hosscat

Re: # of Trophy deer killed in AL - 01/16/19 02:03 PM

I don't know what it takes to get to where you are seeing 40 deer/hunt but I know for a fact that at my house about 8-10 years ago I would hunt a lot and not see anything (200 acres). When I would see deer it would 1 or 2. Cameras were showing that I had zero groups of does only singles and pairs. As best I could tell I had maybe 7 does on the place (or at least that frequented the place).

So I quit shooting. I shot absolutely nothing for a few years, then adopted the mentality of a turkey hunter in that my few does were precious and if I wanted meat I shot a spike (that would likely get dispersed anyway).

I started to see a difference last year. I had multiple groups of 2-3 does and felt like I had at least double the does from before. And this year the difference is extremely noticeable I now have 4-6 (or more) does visiting every field regularly. If I have a good fawn survival this summer I "may" let my son shoot a doe at our house next year, if so it will be the first one killed in probably a decade.
Posted By: Beadlescomb

Re: # of Trophy deer killed in AL - 01/16/19 04:02 PM

40 deer in a hunt is crazy i probably dont see 40 deer in a season
Posted By: BhamFred

Re: # of Trophy deer killed in AL - 01/16/19 04:07 PM

Heck, I've seen over 200 deer in one afternoon hunt before.....
Posted By: WallyGator0928

Re: # of Trophy deer killed in AL - 01/16/19 04:44 PM

Originally Posted by BhamFred
Heck, I've seen over 200 deer in one afternoon hunt before.....


you need to quit eating the mushrooms on the way to the stand
Posted By: Beadlescomb

Re: # of Trophy deer killed in AL - 01/16/19 05:23 PM

Originally Posted by BhamFred
Heck, I've seen over 200 deer in one afternoon hunt before.....


got dang paw paw
Posted By: Clem

Re: # of Trophy deer killed in AL - 01/16/19 05:51 PM


How is 200 deer in one area, or even 40, a healthy and/or balanced population on a per-acre basis? How is that a management goal for anyone truly interested in conservation?
Posted By: BhamFred

Re: # of Trophy deer killed in AL - 01/16/19 06:09 PM

Originally Posted by WallyGator0928
Originally Posted by BhamFred
Heck, I've seen over 200 deer in one afternoon hunt before.....


you need to quit eating the mushrooms on the way to the stand



you got something to say, say it in English bud. and I don't take well to being called a liar, thats twice by you. I wouldn't do it again.

actually I saw over 250 deer in less than 2 hours on a place I lived on in Hale Co, right before dark during deer season.
Posted By: BhamFred

Re: # of Trophy deer killed in AL - 01/16/19 06:10 PM

dang Clem, who said it was sound management? zi just telling ya what was on that place, Port Royale, in 1985 er so.
Posted By: BhamFred

Re: # of Trophy deer killed in AL - 01/16/19 06:11 PM

heck, I saw over 150 deer in ONE winter wheat field one evening at Nanafilia, Horse Creek HC, late 70's. Hunting with Dave Barr Tutt.
Posted By: rulebreaker

Re: # of Trophy deer killed in AL - 01/16/19 06:50 PM

Originally Posted by Clem

How is 200 deer in one area, or even 40, a healthy and/or balanced population on a per-acre basis? How is that a management goal for anyone truly interested in conservation?



It's not. That's why ALFA, ahem, I mean the DCNR changed the seasons to drastically lower the populations. It aint hard to figure out, follow the money.
Posted By: rulebreaker

Re: # of Trophy deer killed in AL - 01/16/19 06:51 PM

BTW phuck tropy hunting!
Posted By: Clem

Re: # of Trophy deer killed in AL - 01/16/19 06:53 PM

Originally Posted by BhamFred
dang Clem, who said it was sound management? zi just telling ya what was on that place, Port Royale, in 1985 er so.


That's the issue. It's not sound management, but a lot of people "just like to see a lot of deer" and don't care about the management aspect.

They're happy with overpopulated deer so they can see a bazillion of them, then not pull the trigger.

And I have no doubt of your numbers from those days years ago. Those were different times, for sure.
Posted By: 2Dogs

Re: # of Trophy deer killed in AL - 01/16/19 07:22 PM

Originally Posted by Clem
Originally Posted by BhamFred
dang Clem, who said it was sound management? zi just telling ya what was on that place, Port Royale, in 1985 er so.


That's the issue. It's not sound management, but a lot of people "just like to see a lot of deer" and don't care about the management aspect.

They're happy with overpopulated deer so they can see a bazillion of them, then not pull the trigger.

And I have no doubt of your numbers from those days years ago. Those were different times, for sure.


You are correct, Sir. I guess the reason those folks just don't go to the zoo is the zoo has a low population .
Posted By: bigt

Re: # of Trophy deer killed in AL - 01/16/19 07:31 PM

Originally Posted by 257wbymag
Yep no deer in N AL. They all died off. Better hunt S AL to see real good deer

Just don’t come too far South and West Mobile County is a wasteland as for as deer population goes.
Posted By: bigt

Re: # of Trophy deer killed in AL - 01/16/19 07:34 PM

Originally Posted by Beadlescomb
40 deer in a hunt is crazy i probably dont see 40 deer in a season

Those days are long gone for most of the State. Now a lot of people just wish they could see 40 in a season lol
Posted By: CedarCreek

Re: # of Trophy deer killed in AL - 01/16/19 07:49 PM

Ive seen 75 in a fld in Nanafalia, over 100 in a Fld in Washington County. We consistently see 20 an afternoon on our farms in Wilcox, and Butler County. So those days aren't long gone for this state you just have to be patient and put in place a management plan. Bhamfred, Mr Tutt was one of my Grandfathers best friends God rest his soul. We actually bought our place in Wilcox County from him 20 yrs ago.
Posted By: jhardy

Re: # of Trophy deer killed in AL - 01/16/19 07:50 PM

Originally Posted by WallyGator0928
Originally Posted by BhamFred
Heck, I've seen over 200 deer in one afternoon hunt before.....


you need to quit eating the mushrooms on the way to the stand


I am guessing he is either fishing or is young and doesn't have a clue about the blackbelt in the 80s.
Posted By: WallyGator0928

Re: # of Trophy deer killed in AL - 01/16/19 08:39 PM

Originally Posted by BhamFred
Originally Posted by WallyGator0928
Originally Posted by BhamFred
Heck, I've seen over 200 deer in one afternoon hunt before.....


you need to quit eating the mushrooms on the way to the stand



you got something to say, say it in English bud. and I don't take well to being called a liar, thats twice by you. I wouldn't do it again.

actually I saw over 250 deer in less than 2 hours on a place I lived on in Hale Co, right before dark during deer season.


I never called you a liar must be your guilty conscious but while we're on the subject you shouldn't tell so many tall tales, it'd help a lot.
Posted By: Coosa1

Re: # of Trophy deer killed in AL - 01/16/19 08:41 PM

popcorn
Posted By: ChrisAU

Re: # of Trophy deer killed in AL - 01/16/19 08:46 PM

[Linked Image]
Posted By: HippieKiller

Re: # of Trophy deer killed in AL - 01/16/19 09:11 PM

Originally Posted by bigt
Originally Posted by 257wbymag
Yep no deer in N AL. They all died off. Better hunt S AL to see real good deer

Just don’t come too far South and West Mobile County is a wasteland as for as deer population goes.


It's a dang shame too, BigT. I ain't ever seen 200+, but around '86 we hunted property in NW Mobile Co along the Escatawpa. One particular field would usually have well over 100 in it in the afternoon. It was a BAD DAY to see less than 60. Times sure have changed.
Posted By: Goatkiller

Re: # of Trophy deer killed in AL - 01/16/19 09:32 PM

Here is what I have got out of the last couple pages.... So if you are seeing 20-30 deer per sit then they need to be shot. Why? Obviously the land can carry that many otherwise they would not be there.

Just because they are "there" that means they need to be shot. That's not a management plan either! That sounds like someone that wants to shoot something to me and has ZERO to do with "management". That's a complete joke.

If you are seeing 20-30 does and few bucks someone is shooting the small bucks. That's the truth of the matter. So - You should shoot a bunch of does? Is that so the person will have less small bucks to kill the next season I guess?

Is that management? NOPE. That is dumb as hail is what that is. You are totally screwing up the natural balance. If you took all the guns away there would be a good buck/doe ratio and the numbers of deer present would directly refect the land's carrying capacity. Nobody would have to "manage" a thing. Mother Nature will do it for you. But we like to hunt so here we are on the internet.
Posted By: abolt300

Re: # of Trophy deer killed in AL - 01/16/19 09:42 PM

Originally Posted by jhardy
Originally Posted by WallyGator0928
Originally Posted by BhamFred
Heck, I've seen over 200 deer in one afternoon hunt before.....


you need to quit eating the mushrooms on the way to the stand


I am guessing he is either fishing or is young and doesn't have a clue about the blackbelt in the 80s.


Probably both. I absolutely believe the numbers being quoted by Troy and others from the 80's and early 90's. I hunted as a guest on a club just west of Macintosh which adjoined the Boykin's private place back in the late 80's. It was on the dmap and there were several really big fields 400x200 (15 acre type stuff) that would always have 75-150 deer come into them pretty much every afternoon. It was actually hard hunting. There were so many deer coming and going that a good one could slip in without you catching him. Dont know how many times I'd be glassing and a buck would have somehow made it out into the middle of the field and be mixed in with 50-60 other deer without me even knowing he was there. It's hard to believe but you really can have too many deer in a field at one time.
Posted By: jhardy

Re: # of Trophy deer killed in AL - 01/16/19 10:28 PM

You could definitely miss one in amongst them, but it sure was fun trying to keep up with it.
Posted By: abolt300

Re: # of Trophy deer killed in AL - 01/16/19 10:36 PM

Yes it was. Days gone by now.
Posted By: BamaWes14

Re: # of Trophy deer killed in AL - 01/16/19 10:40 PM

Hunted numerous times when I was growing up in Marengo county and seen 100+ in a single field. On the way out you would have to stop to let the deer cross the road they were one after another.
Posted By: bama1971

Re: # of Trophy deer killed in AL - 01/16/19 10:46 PM

Originally Posted by abolt300
Yes it was. Days gone by now.


(There are still places to see a ton of deer everytime you go)
Posted By: abolt300

Re: # of Trophy deer killed in AL - 01/16/19 11:01 PM

I absolutely agree but it is certainly not anywhere like it used to be. There were whole sections of certain counties where deer were like cockroaches. You could ride the county roads in between Linden and Thomaston and up toward Old Spring Hill and see literally hundreds of deer in one pass and a bunch of stud bucks too. Same thing with the old railroad bridge road from Pennington over to Myrtlewood, that whole area down around Nanafalia and Lavacca. Now you're lucky to see 10 deer total. Yes there are places where you can still see 20-50 deer in a field but they are few and far between and in very isolated pockets whereas in the past it was common place all over in almost all of the blackbelt counties.
Posted By: mike35549

Re: # of Trophy deer killed in AL - 01/17/19 01:48 AM

I use to hunt at a place in Greene Co close to the river that had a big power line a was common to sit on the power line and loose count of how many deer crossed the power line in an evening. Guest hunted a couple times in Linden during that same time early 90's and between Demoplis and Linden after dark there would literally be deer every where every little dip anywhere there was some green grass on the side of the road. At the same time all these deer lived in that area they was also killing quite a few good bucks to.
Posted By: jhardy

Re: # of Trophy deer killed in AL - 01/17/19 02:40 AM

Originally Posted by mike35549
I use to hunt at a place in Greene Co close to the river that had a big power line a was common to sit on the power line and loose count of how many deer crossed the power line in an evening. Guest hunted a couple times in Linden during that same time early 90's and between Demoplis and Linden after dark there would literally be deer every where every little dip anywhere there was some green grass on the side of the road. At the same time all these deer lived in that area they was also killing quite a few good bucks to.


Not possible. You can’t kill good bucks unless you kill the majority of does first. You know the rules.
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