I believe that it is the vast reduction in available hunting land that is leading to more farmers leasing their land out and more "oufitters" showing up more than the supposed growing desire to shoot bigger deer. I honestly do not think that my tendencies would be a bit different if the hunting shows praised shooting small bucks. I have always been into hunting for 2 reasons. The first is to enjoy the outdoors and bring home some meat (does preferably here) and second for the challenge. I could literally shoot a small buck opening weekend almost every year if not every year. So, to me it wouldn't be fun without the extra challenge of having to shoot a mature buck. Notice I did not say record book deer. The rack is insignificant to me. I want an old, smartanimal that I have to work for.

I can't believe the slams against QDM on this thread. Practice it for a few years and I bet you change your mind. QDM doesn't mention rack size one time. It mentions age and buck to doe ratios. It encourages taking does. Also, taking a mature deer is not doing much to the herd because the 1.5 and 2.5 year olds do almost all of the breeding (over 90%). I don't know, I just guess that for an experienced hunter I can' tunderstand why so many would think my desire to challenge myself is corrupting hunting.

Sorry for the rambling. I wish EVERYONE luck in the coming season.