Is this a legal buck in an antler restricted county? I'm trying to get a newbie hunter on their first deer this year. I'm in an antler restricted county; this is the only close- to- legal buck I've seen on camera, but he comes by regularly. Im thinking no, but it's hard to tell with the wonky antlers.

The dates and time aren't set right. These are from the end of July/ beginning of August .

It doesn't look like it to me but I don't hunt an antler restricted county. I'd probably pass

Looks like no.

Does are always a great way on a first deer. I don't know how much history you have on the property but good chance what you are seeing now will change here soon, when the velvet comes off.

No. Plus he 2.5 years old at most.

This.

I don't think so. I had one a few years ago that the antler was deformed and had grown down through the side of the face and out the skin below the jaw.

Didn't end up shooting him, haven't found him dead and never seen again. But based on pictures he was like 18" spread since it was such a wonky angle.

no way is he legal...

I don't know if he's legal or not, but he does not need to be shot.

That's a young deer with some really cool potential. I applaud your efforts to get a first timer on a deer, but no way I would advocate for anyone to shoot that buck at that age.

Hope you have some does around or a nice 14" wide eight point. Don't worry, you will be seeing lots of different bucks in the coming weeks as they start moving about.

Thanks for the input everyone! Looks like we'll be putting a doe on the hit list this year!

How about this dude? Not looking to shoot him (my neighbors and the City of Charlotte would probably be upset), but more curious than anything.

Claude! said:

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How about this dude? Not looking to shoot him (my neighbors and the City of Charlotte would probably be upset), but more curious than anything.

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Yes he's probably 15"

agrams said:

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no way is he legal...

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Probably not as definitive as you think. It's borderline. I would let it go based on the 6 pts on one side and damage to the left.

OP.. he's legal if no one sees you or knows ! His back strap will taste the same as a smaller buck

I haven't shot a deer in a long long time.. but I've seen people break off a horn to say it was a one antler deer .. not saying either is right but I've seen it before