We have the same issue on our properties. We let bucks grow and grow...then when when they get big enough they arealmost likepets and hard to kill. My cousin passed on a 145" 8 point this fall for this very reason. He passed the same deer several times last year.

I do the same every year. Pass and pass. This year I get a 160 class bruiser in range (that I missed last year) and make a horrible shot. Thank God he's ok. When you are touch with the deer with I am it's hard. I shot 5 does last year and though it is for a good reason it's still hard to pull the trigger.

I respect you for letting this deer walk, but agree with some of the others when he's done growing it may be time to release a precisely guided arrow.