ORIGINAL: goherd1111
ORIGINAL: SBGobblers
I started hunting deer in 2005 in mid October. I took one shot at a doe in the late season of '05.
So far, this year.....I've taken 4 deer with my bow. I'll likely take another. I don't know now whether or not I'll enter the HNI buck contest next year. I'll be a different hunter, next year. Like HCH....I don't think I'll ever shoot another buck I'm not going to mount. I shot one Saturday......extenuating circumstances......but I don't regret it one bit (and I won't have that one mounted). I think he was the last one that I'll ever shoot that doesn't go on the wall. That's my plan, anyway. I may not be a good teammate, next year.
I've got PLENTY of doe opportunities. I'll take them....because they need taking, here. I'll also take a buck that is RIGHT FOR ME. I second-guess EVERY kill. I wonder did I do right by GodAND that animal with its taking. It's a tough question I have to answer......but I respect these animals SO much. As long as I'm putting the meat to good use (I am)....and I show them the respect they deserve.....I sleep pretty good.
Hunting is VERY personal. The choice in the taking of a particular animal.....although it's sometimes made in a split-second.....is a tough one. I just hope I never regret my choices. I hope you don't regret yours. Only you know that answer, though. Good luck with your dilemma.
Jeff
SB, I couldn't agree more. You said exactly what I feel. To be a second year deer hunter you are way ahead of the game my friend.
I had the honor to share his house and his woods and he's right on the money and what you just wrote, I told him last weekend in person. Jeff gets it as do many and why I'd love to have many of you share my woods, others, not so much.