Gon Deer Forum (2024)

FAQs

How rare is a 170 inch deer? ›

Out of 1,000 unique bucks, the author has only seen a few bucks that approached the 170-inch typical minimum.

Most hunters probably will never even see a 200-inch deer, let alone get a shot at one.

A mature high-country mule deer buck is one of bowhunting's most formidable challenges. Some would say that a mature mule deer buck is the most difficult critter to take with a bow and arrow.

Columbian Whitetail Deer Hunting

There are only two units in Oregon that allow hunting for these deer – Umpqua and North Bank Habitat. Umpqua is hands down the best unit. The North Bank Habitat unit is going to be a tough hunt. There are outfitters available that have guaranteed tags for the Umpqua unit.

Every season we take 150-inch bucks. Upwards from there is less common. The last few seasons we have taken at least one 160-class buck, thus about one in 10 of the bucks we harvest.

But there's one subspecies of whitetail very few hunters know about, in a habitat that you'd least expect them to inhabit. This is the Columbian whitetail deer, the only whitetail west of the Cascades, and the rarest huntable deer in North America.

Legend has it the . 30-30 Winchester has felled more whitetails than any other cartridge.

Black deer, characterized by their dark fur, are scarce, with some estimates suggesting they make up less than 1% of the deer population. While Melanistic whitetails have been spotted in various states, central Texas, specifically Edwards Plateau and Hill Country, boasts the highest number of black deer.

Tender cuts of venison should be prepared using quick cooking methods to a rare or medium-rare level of doneness (internal temperature of 120° to 135° F). If it is prepared past medium-rare too much moisture will be cooked out causing the meat to become dry and tough.

If the deer is not going to give you a better angle, then aim right behind the elbow of the lead leg. Other choices are between the lead leg and breastplate or high shoulder. Hunters should avoid the shoulder socket; this is not a great choice for any weapon.

What distance are most deer killed at? ›

Field & Stream tells us that the average shot distance for deer hunting is about 100 yards or less. Still, sometimes, you will want to take a shot at a long range, such as 300 or 400 yards. When Field & Stream experimented with distances, they found that they were threats to deer at distances up to 300 yards.

There are two species of deer in Oregon, each with two subspecies. The most common species is the mule deer, with Rocky Mountain mule deer found on the east side of the Cascades and Columbian black-tailed deer generally found west of the Cascades.

For whitetail deer, the most active times typically occur around dawn and dusk, with periodic increases in activity overnight. Plan ahead and get out there during the right time of day to increase your chances of success.

ELIGIBLE HUNTS: Minimum 40 acres include all Deer, & Elk controlled hunts occurring on a landowner's registered property, except Pronghorn Antelope, Eastern Oregon Buck, or either-sex deer hunts, & Eastern Oregon Bull &either- sex elk hunts.

Anything within a few pounds of 180 is a BIG bodied deer.

A 140-inch buck is a slammer, and a 150 is the buck of a lifetime for about 99 percent of today's hunters.

Whitetail hunter with his main frame 10 point buck scoring in the mid 180s inches. The antlers have flier points coming off the tall tines.