Tony, after awhile you kinda get used to judging width. Like Pat says, the rule of thumb, as quoted in the TPWD Hunting and Fishing Guide, involves the width of the ears when fully extended. But that can be iffy. If you're not sure, don't shoot. I have seen some bucks that are big, older, healthy and have large racks. However, since they go almost straight up instead of out, they will never be legal to shoot.
These days, the GW's discretion is usually to write a ticket.
It's not about the fish. It's about the pond. Take care of the pond and the fish will be fine. PB subscriber since before it was in color.
Without a sense of urgency, Nothing ever gets done.
Boy, if I say "sic em", you'd better look for something to bite. Sam Shelley Rancher and Farmer Muleshoe Texas 1892-1985 RIP
