Tales and Trails

BY DAVE BECK Sorting the contenders from the pretenders

We just burned through the month of July and now we have both feet firmly planted in August. Now I know most people don't think about August in terms of deer hunting but this is the point of summer when trail cameras al – low hunters to separate the contender bucks from the pretenders. Antler growth is at the point where you can grade out your whitetailed bucks into three shooter groups: YES, NO, and MAYBE. The YES group includes returning lettermen. The NO group includes last year's fawns and yearlings. The MAYBE group includes 15-inch spread bucks from last year.

In addition to being able to tell how many shooter bucks there are, this is also the time to identify some of last year's bucks as well. Antlers, which grow at an amazing rate, typically retain enough characteristics to identify the bucks from year to year. For example, a split horned or drop tine buck will typically show that same basic feature every year. It's always a treat to see the big guys returning. It's not just about the returning big guys from last year, it's also a great time to see how some of those bucks who graded out as a NO last year have improved. It's interesting to find out that the buck passed on a year ago is much bigger and better since you let him go to grow.

Trail cameras have changed the deer hunting game in a major way. Having an in – ventory of the bucks that are running around your woods makes it much easier to pass on a smaller buck. It has also brought more of a personal level to the sport. Nowadays ev – eryone must have deer in their woods named The Big 8, The Wide 10 Splitter, No Brows, Big Brows, and The Bruiser. Okay, so the cameras make it possible to identify the bucks that have been deemed YES, meaning they are the target bucks for the fast-approaching bow season. I have been playing this bow hunting game for a long time and over the years I have sensed a slow – ly changing trend. While I totally appreciate every buck that I have bagged with my bow, there is something that has become just as fulfilling and rewarding as harvesting a huge buck: picking up his sheds. Didn’t get enough Dave this week? Visit “Outdoor Trails and Tales with Dave Beck” on Facebook for photos and video of Dave’s adventures. You can share your own photos and video with him there as well, or by emailing him at [email protected] Also, check out OTT content on Instagram @ thepiercecountyjournal

Even though I enjoy bagging a big buck, I also enjoy picking up their sheds. Photo by Dave Beck