They shot all of the 3x3s and 2x2s no 4xs mule deer, go figure

[jimh406]

Sure, a small sample size. I live in an area where I can see quite a bit of landscape. A couple of years ago, we picked up more hunters/shooters. I can't say I saw all of the mule deer bucks shot, but noticed the rapid decline of bigger bucks and also medium bucks. I passed on the only 3x3 that I was regularly seeing last year. My neighbor didn't.

In any case, this year 2x2s are the big bucks for this year. I guess I don't need to bother hunting unless something changes. It's ok. I've shot enough bucks for me in previous years. Kind of a shame, and it only took a very few years.

Just an observation ...

 

[Wildabeest]

I’ve been in the MT woods for the past 3 days and seen lots of deer. But they’ve all been does and 1-1/2 yr old spikes and small forkies. Not sure if that’s because the bigger bucks don’t exist, or because the rut is too far out for them to be interested at this point.

 

[Addicting]

or because the rut is too far out for them to be interested at this point

That would be my thought at least for the week or so. The small bucks here are just starting to chase. The bigger bucks are just working on neck muscles in the background.

 

[jimh406]

Not sure if that’s because the bigger bucks don’t exist, or because the rut is too far out for them to be interested at this point.

I'd think that too except I used to see bigger bucks all year long.