DD you make a nice argument about your personal beliefs. You mention all the things you won't do that are wrong in your eyes but don't have a problem with doing something illegal spur of the moment in the heat of the chase. Seeing a world class buck is a dream for most of us. Harvesting one in fair chase conditions is at the top of the scale for a true hunter. You are right that many people will probably succumb to the temptation to shoot even without tags. That is the reason why LEO's have such an easy time entrapping hunters with Bucky the mechanical deer. I personally know a guy that has killed over 20 north county racked deer over 200 pounds. He was hunting in Maine a few years ago and 10 minutes before legal shooting was traveling down some paper co. lands and spotted a huge rack with 2 long drop tines. This guy has harvested several MASTC bucks from Maine, B&C class bucks from Canada and he said it was the largest buck he ever saw. He got out of the truck and loaded and shot. After the first shot the driver of the truck said dummy and the guy shot a second time. He thought the driver was calling him a dummy but he was really referring to the fact that he could see the DEC guys coming out of the trees. $1600. fine, loss of gun and 3 days in jail. I always viewed this guy as one of the best hunters I ever met but now his reputation is tainted in my eyes. My point is that when you walk a thin line there is always the possibility of getting burned. IMO the only way to make sure this type of thing never happens is to live a life patterned at following the rules. Doc I know you are for real and hunting is a major part of your life judging by your posts. Even if you did kill a monster and got away with the crime, the good doc would know in his heart that he cheated and that would be a hollow victory in most true sportsmen’s eyes. If you try to follow the rules the stumps will show themselves.