I pass alot of smaller bucks every year. Do I take big trophy bucks every year? No. Do I take my fair share of does? Yes.
I am trying to do my part of equalizing out the herd ratio the best I can. The neighbors that hunt the properties surounding mine, do the same thing also. We have seen a drastic incline in big buck sightings in the 3 short years since we all got together in our 5 mile square, and decided to practice Q.D.M. the best we can. Now, I am almost as excited to see a neighbor take a nice trophy buck, instead of myself.
Just knowing that bucks of quality are in my area excites me. Now I know, that it is my own faults and errors for not taking a big buck knowing that they are around, instead of going thru the motions knowing someone else with level that little basket rack. Shooting small bucks should be left to the young or inexperienced hunters who have yet to take a deer, so as to get them into the sport and spirit of the outdoors.

Answer this question for me; Do you all keep a small 1/2 lb. bass?

I doubt it for the most part. It is the same for bucks. Big bucks get big because they have time to grow. But it doesn't work if you don't stick with it.

I have argued this point until I am blue in the face with 3 guys down at work. But yet, when somebody else but themselves, shoots a nice buck, they are the first to complain and say they never see trophy bucks.

It's true, you can't eat the antlers, but you can't mount a stick of summer sausage on the mantel either!

Those that say that they just want meat, go ahead and take the does.

It seems to be the only excuse small buck hunters use when they shoot a small buck. But they have no answers when you suggest they should take only does.

Once again, smaller bucks are fine for young or inexperienced hunters.
But experienced hunters should try to pass on smaller bucks.