QDM , in its essence , is an honorable and sound wildlife management practice. I do think there are some out there , however, who use it as a euphamism when they are really just after ego therapy.
We really can't compare ourselves to other predators, though, because predators don't use bows, broadheads, camo , etc, in their pursuits.
What I can say is that I pass up smaller bucks. I shoot does like crazy, and my family eats everyone of them. I normally luck out once or twice a year on mature bucks. We eat them too. I pass a ton of smaller bucks. That's what makes me tick. I don't send pictures in to magazines or hang them up at the check-in station. I started passing up young bucks about 10 years ago, and I've learned more about bowhunting since than I did in the fifteen years prior to that. Here's the thing. EVERYTHING I do makes sense to me. It's legal, ethical and it just feels "right". I'm hooked on that feeling of walking up on a monster buck that is 5 years old or older, that nobody has ever laid eyes on. I can't help but wonder at and respect such an animal. That's a scenario that usually only happens once a year, if I'm lucky. I can't describe that feeling to you, but if you've been there ,you know. Those are the moments I live for. Again, that's what makes me tick and that's what is right to me. I make no apologies for it.

HOWEVER, I don't feel like that's for everybody, and I'm glad. They say it takes all kinds to make the world go round. I think that's true with hunting. If a guy gets a thrill out of shooting a spike, then go for it. At the end of the day we have to live with ourselves,nobody else. We have tohold our head up high, and take pride in what we do and who we are. Although I don't shoot immature bucks, I'm all for you doing it if you have that gratified feeling at the end of the day. Shoot spikes till you drop dead if that's what does it for you, I'll never say a word. It's all about honesty, spotsmanship ,ethics, and individuality..

I will say this though, If you have killed several deer already, maybe this year you can try to pass up younger deer. Go ahead and let 'em walk. Not because what you have been doing is wrong, but because I believe if you do you'll learn more and enjoy more than you ever have in bowhunting. And i could be wrong. But maybe try it and see how YOU feel from your own experience.

Good huntin'! - cap