How about a score on this one?

Founder

Founder Since 1999
Messages
11,681
This is one of the best I’ve found, so it’ll have to do on a score estimate. What do you all think?
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He may be too small for some of you.....but a very pretty buck. Nice shape, I think he has good mass, but would look better next year or two.
But, then I am used to Blacktail's.
 
Everything about him screams young deer to me. Antlers (165 tops for me) look better on a small deer.

I would normally say shoot him and prove me wrong with the bucks you usually find but from what I know of Wyomings herd and your history of hog bucks...please don't shoot him.
 
One of the best? Uh oh….gonna be a rough time in there this year. Short term… I have always felt the best year to hunt after a big die off is the immediate year after.
 
You are joking right?

No, but I guess I never was very good at judging deer in velvet.

This buck on my wall tapes 140". IMHO when you strip the velvet off founder's buck, it'll be lucky to break 150. That buck in founders' picture doesn't appear to be 20" bigger than this buck on my wall that was officially scored at 140....

Either way, it's a nice buck and I would shoot him. Only because I am not really what you would consider a trophy mule deer hunter. See below Example A below... lol.


Nebraska Muzzleloader Deer
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If he breaks 170" I'd be surprised. He does appear to be a young buck, good genetics and could be a monster in a couple years.
 
No, but I guess I never was very good at judging deer in velvet.

This buck on my wall tapes 140". IMHO when you strip the velvet off founder's buck, it'll be lucky to break 150. That buck in founders' picture doesn't appear to be 20" bigger than this buck on my wall that was officially scored at 140....

Either way, it's a nice buck and I would shoot him. Only because I am not really what you would consider a trophy mule deer hunter. See below Example A below... lol.


Nebraska Muzzleloader Deer
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Please breakdown the score on your buck.
 
So, Brian, now that we've all had a chance to give our guesses...

You've seen him in person and have had the best opportunity to size him up. You also have a proven track record for judging bucks. What's your assessment?
 
This is a 156” gross official score 27 1/2” wide buck. On Founders buck you take the velvet off and the mass will be average, good backs, decent founts but short main beams. I’ve looked at it several times and I would love to pump Founder up but I will say my 158” guess I put above may be a little on the generous side. I’m no expert but I’m normally pretty close on field judging when I can get a good look. I’m also not very picky and like to squeeze the trigger so I would shoot that buck opening morning at legal shooting light. 130-160” bucks are my weakness. That weakness makes it hard to kill big bucks for me. Have fun.

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This is a 156” gross official score 27 1/2” wide buck. On Founders buck you take the velvet off and the mass will be average, good backs, decent founts but short main beams. I’ve looked at it several times and I would love to pump Founder up but I will say my 158” guess I put above may be a little on the generous side. I’m no expert but I’m normally pretty close on field judging when I can get a good look. I’m also not very picky and like to squeeze the trigger so I would shoot that buck opening morning at legal shooting light. 130-160” bucks are my weakness. That weakness makes it hard to kill big bucks for me. Have fun.

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Thats impossible. That has to be at least a 175" buck...

Please break down the score on your deer.....

Just joking BTW. Nice buck!
 
"This is one of the best I’ve found"
Yikes, that is sad to hear if that is the best you have found this year. (unless you are keeping a secret from the masses - LOL).
Hopefully you will have the same luck you did 4 years ago and stumble upon a giant opening morning that you didn't know was living under your nose.

Oh, and I'm throwing out 162-163 on that buck but we all know you can find better.
 
We've all seen what you have pulled out of those mountains Founder. If that's the best buck you can turn up this year, would you shoot a 160 type buck? Can you drop your standards 25"? Serious question.
 
So, Brian, now that we've all had a chance to give our guesses...

You've seen him in person and have had the best opportunity to size him up. You also have a proven track record for judging bucks. What's your assessment?
I think I figured mid-160's or so. He's not big enough for me, but he is probably the best I've found.
 
I'm not a score guy, so I'll leave that.

This imo is a very big, young deer. Side profile he looks young. 3.5 with good genetics?
 
He’s low 170s at the highest I think he’s 163+. Looks like a deer with a lot of potential. Id bet he’s 3 or 4 judging off antlers and body.
 
No, but I guess I never was very good at judging deer in velvet.

This buck on my wall tapes 140". IMHO when you strip the velvet off founder's buck, it'll be lucky to break 150. That buck in founders' picture doesn't appear to be 20" bigger than this buck on my wall that was officially scored at 140....

Either way, it's a nice buck and I would shoot him. Only because I am not really what you would consider a trophy mule deer hunter. See below Example A below... lol.


Nebraska Muzzleloader Deer
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Definitely something wrong with the score you got on that buck. Missing the spread credit maybe..? that buck is 160" all day, and I'd wager a touch more 🙂
 
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I’m guessing mid 150’s…
Some cast iron butter & garlic seared backstaps would score a 9 out of 10 (along with a few good side dishes) from that buck. Who cares what he scores!
Eat him…
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