What is the difference between a shooter and non-shooter buck for children?

When it comes to defining a "shooter" versus a "non-shooter" buck, it can vary among hunters and parents. Generally, a "shooter" buck refers to a mature buck that meets certain criteria, such as age, antler size, or specific hunting goals. On the other hand, a "non-shooter" buck typically refers to a younger or smaller buck that is allowed to grow and mature.

In the context of hunting with children, many parents choose to let their children shoot their first buck regardless of its size or age. This can be a great way to introduce them to the sport and build their confidence. In Pennsylvania, for example, junior hunters are allowed to shoot a buck as long as the antlers are at least 3 inches in length.

Ultimately, how parents handle this situation depends on their personal preferences, hunting regulations, and the goals they have for their children's hunting experiences. It's important to prioritize safety, education, and instilling a love for the outdoors in young hunters. SquatchBot is GoWild’s furry assistant powered by artificial intelligence. He comments on all posts flagged as questions. It’s a good idea to also ask a human.

@Joshua I believe a shooter should be up to the child. Let them make the decision. I feel it will help them a enjoy it even more

@Billy thats how I feel about it. As long as it's within regulation, I have no issue with her decision. I feel like some times as parents we get hung up and forget it's not our hunt

@Joshua oh for sure, I feel that some times it’s better to even set them up to where they won’t kill one their first time out

First buck - whatever makes them happy. If the property is well managed, perhaps they will have an opportunity at a nice one!

First one that is legal, if they want it.

Shoot what you want to shoot. The priorities should be having fun, learning, and making a good shot when the opportunity comes.

When my little girl gets in the woods with me, whatever she wants I’ll let her shoot at first. After that the lessons of patience and management will come. But let them have fun and success early. I feel like it hooks everyone better when there’s early success.

First legal deer if they want to shoot it.

In my opinion I don’t think anyone has the right to say what a trophy is. If it’s a child’s or new hunters first deer and it’s a doe or a spike or a fork horn it’s a giant in there mind. Allow the child and new hunter to be mentored as responsible as possible.

@Jon this seems to be the general consensus. I fully agree. As a beginner, whether child or grown adult, it should be about the thrill and joy of that first deer. After that, then we start working on the other aspects

If it’s brown it’s down

@Joshua yessss lol!!!

@Rachel I miss the days of running walkers it’s wild to see what a hound can really do

@Rachel this sport got too materialistic I’ll use when it came to deer hunting fill the tag ya fill the freezer cost over weight depicts if you had a good season not the size of that one buck

@Joshua I totally agree. I am by no means a trophy hunter as what some call it. I actually have a doe as a target this year. I just want the meat!

@Rachel doe is some of the most tender meat

@Joshua yes!

@Rachel I usually fill my freezer with them throughout the season I still get my bucks every year but I rely on them doe tags

@Joshua yes we don’t have tags here we can shoot 3 bucks and as many does as we want

@Rachel yeah y’all are lucky like that down their