Expected loss from green to dry?

[hickslawns]

Just curious as my 9 point has been at the taxidermists awhile now. I have no idea what it scores, but he was big. How much can I expect him to lose as he dries? He was real thick. Pictures are in the photo gallery. I couldn't figure out how to post them. No idea what he scores, but have heard anywhere from 150's to mid 130's. Taxidermist said probably close to Ohio Big Buck. Just curious. If anyone knows how to post them to this thread, feel free to do so. There is a nice photo of the rack with a top view.

[Kaiser878]

Mrex would be the best to answer this, for he sees this more than most. I have never had one shrink more than an inch!

[Gern186]

My 186" deer lost over 1" on inside spread and 1/4" on each mass measurement. I have had some other deer that weren't as massive that didn't lose much at all. From what I have seen, the thicker the rack, the more you will probably lose.

[OhioHunter88]

Here is his deer

http://www.ohiosportsman.com/photopost/data/500/medium/DSCN3273.JPG

http://www.ohiosportsman.com/photopost/data/500/medium/DSCN3271.JPG

http://www.ohiosportsman.com/photopost/data/500/medium/DSCN3269.JPG

[ohiosam]

Nice Buck! He'll look great hangin' on the wall!:)

[OhioStuds2310]

Nice Buck! Heavy but it looks like he'll have some deductions. I'd say about 140". Wall hanger for sure. Congrats.

[dnm]

Nice buck!

[deerhunt45]

They won't shrink much. That buck has real nice mass. I'm going to guess 135" net.

Nice buck. Congrats :coolgleamA:

[benehunter]

Nice buck.:yikes:

[medicsnoke]

yeah, he;s gona get ate up with deductions, prob 10 inches or so. Ide say 135" net is a good ballpark.

[hickslawns]

Thanks for the opinions guys. Guess it doesn't really matter, but curiousity is killing me as I wait for the taxidermist. And I agree, he is going to look great on the wall. Especially for my first wall hanger.

[coonskinner]

nice buck...i jus read somewhere awhile back that they continue to shrink for yrs...:D

[Thunderflight]

Wow that is a hog!

[Bucko]

Who cares what it loses,it's a of a danny buck, if you did not score before it should not matter what it loses as you will never know.As for deductions if it's not going in the book horn is horn.BB

[hickslawns]

Bucko- This is why curiousity is killing me. Everyone keeps asking if he is going to make Ohio Big Buck minimum requirements. I just want to know as the more I think about it, the more exciting it gets. In all honesty, if it takes 140 to make the book, and he is 135 or so, I still have nothing to complain about. There are many years of hunting left for me. I am out for meat first, then horns anyway. I don't think too many would have passed up on this buck though.

[Bucko]

Bucko- This is why curiousity is killing me. Everyone keeps asking if he is going to make Ohio Big Buck minimum requirements. I just want to know as the more I think about it, the more exciting it gets. In all honesty, if it takes 140 to make the book, and he is 135 or so, I still have nothing to complain about. There are many years of hunting left for me. I am out for meat first, then horns anyway. I don't think too many would have passed up on this buck though.

I know I would have drained him,I can tell you that.I think a net of 140 is going to be tuff though.good luck . Taxi/man should have a good idea give him a call.BB

[mrex]

Just curious as my 9 point has been at the taxidermists awhile now. I have no idea what it scores, but he was big. How much can I expect him to lose as he dries? He was real thick. Pictures are in the photo gallery. I couldn't figure out how to post them. No idea what he scores, but have heard anywhere from 150's to mid 130's. Taxidermist said probably close to Ohio Big Buck. Just curious. If anyone knows how to post them to this thread, feel free to do so. There is a nice photo of the rack with a top view.

Bucks taken early in archery season seem to shrink most during the 60 day drying period. I've always assumed this has something to do with the rack carrying a higher moisture content just out of velvet.

I'd be surprised if your buck shrinks more than an inch from the day you killed it. That being said, don't hang it over a wood burner while you wait to have it officially scored.

Good looking deer!

[coonskinner]

i've seen taxydermists wedge a 2x4 between the two sides ,,,:biggrin:

[ohiosam]

That being said, don't hang it over a wood burner while you wait to have it officially scored.

Mike, If someone had a buck that was really close to a book number would it be advisable to keep it in a humid location until the 60 days had past?

[deerfire]

This whole book stuff makes me laugh anymore. I used to get caught up in it. Now I just use those terms for reference when describing deer. I like the BTR system.

[mrex]

Mike, If someone had a buck that was really close to a book number would it be advisable to keep it in a humid location until the 60 days had past?
It probably wouldn't hurt.

As George mentioned, I've heard of guys wedging 2x4's in between the main beams to reduce the loss of inside spread. I've also heard of guys freezing their rack while it dries. I'm not sure if it helps.

[ohiosam]

I've also heard of guys freezing their rack while it dries. I'm not sure if it helps.

Cold doesn't unnecessarily mean high humidity. Most produce cold storages have some method to raise the humidity, usually misters. If they don't produce can dehydrate.

[Kaiser878]

Hickslawns, what taxi you take it to?

[whitetail_joe]

Bucko- This is why curiousity is killing me. Everyone keeps asking if he is going to make Ohio Big Buck minimum requirements. I just want to know as the more I think about it, the more exciting it gets. In all honesty, if it takes 140 to make the book, and he is 135 or so, I still have nothing to complain about. There are many years of hunting left for me. I am out for meat first, then horns anyway. I don't think too many would have passed up on this buck though.

I don't think he will make the club since that ninth point won't add anything to the net and the brow tines are definatley going to be a high deduction. Although, that is a shooter any time of year, awesome buck.

[Hoytmania]

I asked a guy who scores antlers for the BBBC and he said that it has alot to do with when they where taken during the season. He said that he has seen deer that are harvested opening weekend and they could end up shrinking around 3" to 4". But if the deer is harvested in late Oct. early Nov. He might only shrink about 1" to 2". If the deer is taken late Jan. Then you might only lose 1". So I think it has alot to do with when the deer is harvested. As far as your deer goes he is one heck of a trophy but I think he is going to come up short on BBBC. His brows and that ninth point is going to take some inches away, but like you said there is nothing to be ashamed about and you have alot of hunting to go.

[hickslawns]

Kaiser- Steve's Taxidermy in Ottoville.

Bucko- Steve said it is going to be close when I dropped him off.

Deerfire- Like I said, I am out for meat first. He has been tasty so far. This is my first buck, so there is an added enthusiasm. Maybe you already have a dozen like this one or bigger so the thrill has worn off. I hope to be there someday when it takes a 160' or 180' or more to get me excited. Might never get another buck this size, might get one next year. Hard saying, but for a first, I am excited.