Paunsagunt Archery

elkhunterUT · 2024-08-28T14:17:44-0600

Zim said:
Not sure how to estimate mule deer rack width. If a buck has two full ear lengths on each side when alert & facing me, 7” + head 6” + 7” + 7” + 7” = 34” ? Does that sound right?

Not sure, but did you shoot him?

elkassassin · 2024-08-28T14:21:47-0600

So Is He Dead Zim?

A Pic?

Zim said:
Not sure how to estimate mule deer rack width. If a buck has two full ear lengths on each side when alert & facing me, 7” + head 6” + 7” + 7” + 7” = 34” ? Does that sound right?

utcubby · 2024-08-28T14:22:12-0600

Tip to tip of the ears should be 24-26”

Vanilla · 2024-08-28T14:22:13-0600

You have to be careful estimating those Pauns bucks by "general" estimates on ear width.

Those bucks have some of the largest heads mule deer have ever possessed, and can make you under-estimate the width if you use the "ears are 20-24 inches wide" general guidelines.

I know from experience!

Zim · 2024-08-28T14:23:06-0600

elkhunterUT said:
Not sure, but did you shoot him?

I passed on him three times, but the first two he did not face me. The third time he did so I could finally see the full width. I still passed at 45 yards. Not sure. But I been practicing broadheads at 50 yards with new bow 5 for 5 this afternoon.

Zim · 2024-08-28T14:24:32-0600

utcubby said:
Tip to tip of the ears should be 24-26”

So if he has two ear widths on both sides, what would that be?

Vanilla · 2024-08-28T14:25:54-0600

I know bessy only goes for 40 inchers, but c'mon man! Kill that sucker!!!

If he's truly 2 ear widths on each side, that buck is over 30 inches no matter how you slice it. If it's a giant head deer, he could be significantly over 30 inches.

mevertsen · 2024-08-28T14:33:08-0600

Zim said:
So if he has two ear widths on both sides, what would that be?

Kill him and measure it.

Only way to know for sure.

Tikka · 2024-08-28T14:42:05-0600

utcubby said:
Tip to tip of the ears should be 24-26”

Not always, I try stick with 20-22" range...

Tikka · 2024-08-28T14:44:26-0600

My buddy killed a buck off the bookcliffs years ago that had 18" ears, that was some ground shrinkage for sure...

elkhunterUT · 2024-08-28T14:50:58-0600

Zim said:
I passed on him three times, but the first two he did not face me. The third time he did so I could finally see the full width. I still passed at 45 yards. Not sure. But I been practicing broadheads at 50 yards with new bow 5 for 5 this afternoon.

To each his own, but you may want to check your head for passing a buck if he was truly that wide. What was the rest of his antler config like (straight 4 point, trashy buck, etc.)?

Totally your hunt and you get to choose the experience you have, but as the days pass those big bucks will not stick around in the open as much. If you are intent on killing a good buck, I would get to stick flippin on a good buck like that!

goforbroke · 2024-08-28T15:02:09-0600

If I had that tag (won't happen, but I can dream) a buck over 30" or scores over 180 I would be shooting. bigger ones are there, tough to make it happen with a bow. Good luck and excited to see more pics.

Zim · 2024-08-28T15:10:30-0600

elkhunterUT said:
To each his own, but you may want to check your head for passing a buck if he was truly that wide. What was the rest of his antler config like (straight 4 point, trashy buck, etc.)?

Totally your hunt and you get to choose the experience you have, but as the days pass those big bucks will not stick around in the open as much. If you are intent on killing a good buck, I would get to stick flippin on a good buck like that!

He has only 3 points on the drivers side, and 4 on right but the rear is a crab claw, so more like a 3x3.

TKMulePacker · 2024-08-28T15:11:26-0600

SO HE IS ONE FULL EAR LENGTH WIDER THAN HIS EARS??

Zim said:
Not sure how to estimate mule deer rack width. If a buck has two full ear lengths on each side when alert & facing me, 7” + head 6” + 7” + 7” + 7” = 34” ? Does that sound right?

Zim · 2024-08-28T15:13:51-0600

TKMulePacker said:
SO HE IS ONE FULL EAR LENGTH WIDER THAN HIS EARS??

Yes

Betterluckythangood · 2024-08-28T15:14:00-0600

If that buck is six inches outside its ears on both sides, it’s probably 32” or better. HUGE mistake to pass up, unless you are seeing bigger ones.

legacy · 2024-08-28T15:18:53-0600

If that buck truly is 34"+/- wide, he must die!

TKMulePacker · 2024-08-28T15:19:43-0600

Zim said:
Yes

Why are you sitting here conversing with us then!?!?

just kidding (not really).. Thats at least 32" wide I would think. sooo... a 32" 3x3 with crabby backs? You have the self restraint of an 80 year old nun.

Zim · 2024-08-28T15:26:39-0600

BTW - I failed to update last few days because I went down in a deep canyon and up the other side and really pissed off my left Achilles. It was barkin something awful and I needed to recover. It’s much better today, all stretched out too. So I had two close encounters yesterday but blew stalking attempts to where I totally gave up that option. Now it’s either vehicle drive by solo jump out style, or my Ghost Blind in a saddle. Also wanted to mention, I had a young Mossback guide flag me down to talk. He drove me to some nearby bucks he glassed and explained their travel pattern. Showed me their saddle route. I don’t think he ever met a regular state lottery permit hunter before? Guy was super helpful. I emailed their office to compliment him, and leave my cell number in case he wanted to take a client there.

Zim · 2024-08-28T15:27:41-0600

TKMulePacker said:
Why are you sitting here conversing with us then!?!? just kidding (not really).. Thats at least 32" wide I would think. sooo... a 32" 3x3 with crabby backs? You have the self restraint of an 80 year old nun.

I don’t trust my judgement on the ear width, that’s why.

legacy · 2024-08-28T15:32:08-0600

Zim said:
BTW - I failed to update last few days because I went down in a deep canyon and up the other side and really pissed off my left Achilles. It was barkin something awful and I needed to recover. It’s much better today, all stretched out too. So I had two close encounters yesterday but blew stalking attempts to where I totally gave up that option. Now it’s either vehicle drive by solo jump out style, or my Ghost Blind in a saddle. Also wanted to mention, I had a young Mossback guide flag me down to talk. He drove me to some nearby bucks he glassed and explained their travel pattern. Showed me their saddle route. I don’t think he ever met a regular state lottery permit hunter before? Guy was super helpful. I emailed their office to compliment him, and leave my cell number in case he wanted to take a client there.

The couple of times I've crossed paths with Mossback guides, they've been as cool and as helpful as can be.

TKMulePacker · 2024-08-28T15:40:42-0600

Zim said:
I don’t trust my judgement on the ear width, that’s why.

Even if he is only 5" past his ears on each side thats 32" wide. A full ear width and now were up the mid to upper 30s. Deer on my wall have 8" ears.

elkassassin · 2024-08-28T15:43:53-0600

Tikka Is Perty Close On Northern/NorthEastern Type PISSCUTTERS!

But There Are Still Some BIG BODIED BASTARDS On The Pauns!

If He's Got 2 Ear Widths On Each Side Past His Ears I Think I Woulda Been Releasing!

Tikka said:
Not always, I try stick with 20-22" range...

JakeH · 2024-08-28T16:10:40-0600

elkassassin said:
Tikka Is Perty Close On Northern/NorthEastern Type PISSCUTTERS!

But There Are Still Some BIG BODIED BASTARDS On The Pauns!

If He's Got 2 Ear Widths On Each Side Past His Ears I Think I Woulda Been Releasing!

But he's just a dinky 3x4 bess, he obviously still needs some years under his belt.