Dillema

[Ehunter]

Ok guys, I'd like some input from you all. My dad's got a really nice buck running his property that's been shot in the shoulder. Looks like last years wound, but it's got a really bad limp. He wants me to harvest it when season opens. The problem I have is, it's tame enough (even though it's wild)it's feeding off his bird feeder and his lawn. I have an old stand back in the woods where it's coming out. Been a stand there for years. I know it's not alot different than patterning one coming into a crop field, or taking a certain path. Just something about shooting a deer that's coming into someone's yard. What do you guys think? Here's a pic of the deer.

[Skbengal]

I can sure see your dillema! He would look fantastic on your wall, but I can see how it might not feel like a true trophy. Your dad is opposed to let him hang around and live out the rest of his days in peace? He's got some great genes if he could pass them on.Good luck with your decision!

[Ehunter]

Dad says he's limping badly enough, he has to be living in misery. He's also getting near the end of his prime. Thankfully, he has at least 5 offspring that dad has seen in his yard. One, is virtually identical in every aspect.

[bricka]

I had a similar situation last had a doe which I thought was, under my tree stand walking plus limping so I decided to shoot it come to find out it was hit by a car so I am glad I did so take it into consideration about humanity

[Simple Life]

If he is bad shape now,the rut will really wear him down,then he might be a coyote lunch.I would put him down,and even though he is a "backyard" deer,he is still a trophy and you should be proud to shoot him..JMO

[Hutch~n~Son Archery]

I haven't been in that situation, but looking at it through my eyes I would take him as a trophy deer. It will solve his suffering and give you a nice Rack.







Hutch

[droppixel]

Dad says he's limping badly enough, he has to be living in misery. He's also getting near the end of his prime. Thankfully, he has at least 5 offspring that dad has seen in his yard. One, is virtually identical in every aspect.

Answers your question. If the animal has been wounded prior, I would feel it is necessary as a hunter to do the animal justice and take him if he was living a life of pain. Take the limp, the fact that he is going into people's yards ... he is still a whitetail and look at this as another step in doing your part as a hunter to manage the population and put some meat on your table. There are deer all over that go into people's yards and snack on their bird feeders, you just may not know it.

[Ehunter]

Sk, in Kansas, once you shoot a deer, that's it. Doesn't matter if it's edible or not. Either way, I can always buy a couple doe tags for meat.
Thanks to everyone that's replied. I have decided that I am going to go ahead and try to take this deer when season opens. I was out there this past weekend, and I can see where his trail goes right past a stand I put up about 8 years ago back in the brush. Really think I'd be doing what's best for the deer, so that's what I'm going to do.

[elkslayer4x5]

Sure does'nt hurt that he's a good looking buck, either.