kgkoon, while I only shoot does and big bucks(140" and up)I certainly enjoy hunting for all the same reasons as you do! I get the most enjoyment from just watching everything there is to see while on stand. I love listening to my hunting buddies stories from their days hunt. I really enjoy seeing a young hunter shooting a deer, any deer to make them happy.
As far as trophy hunters being "competitive hunters", perception is a funny thing. I can objectively look at this statement and see your point. I could also make the same statement about a seasoned hunter with many kills under his belt and say that they are the competitive hunters. They MUST KILL a buck, any buck, no matter how small, to prove they can kill.
Perception is a funny thing.
And before someone gets the wrong perception that I feel superior to anyone because I shoot "trophy bucks only" allow me to point out that I took over 50 small to medium sized bucks with a bow before I decided to hunt the way I do now. For me, it was the best decision I ever made. I no longer feel the need to kill a buck just for the sake of doing it.
One other plus is that it is a good excuse for not tagging out, as big bucks don`t usually walk past you on the first morning of the season opener.<img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>I get much more time in the timber now, and really enjoy it more.
If you enjoy shooting small bucks, if that is what truly makes you happy, then that is what you should do. My way has sound game management behind it, but the herd will survive without everyone jumping on board.

NRA,UBP,BASS Member
New Stanton,PA