I've heard the statement "Never pass up a buck during the season that you'd be proud to shoot on the last day of the season" or something similiar to that.

I don't agree with that statement (for me personally) and I'll state why. But I'd like to hear other replies..either for or against this statement.

My reasons.
In Ohio it is a very long season (Last weekend in Sept to Feb 4th.) Obviously hopes and expectations are high at the seasons beginning. I generally look for a "Wall Hanger" in my area that's say 120's and up.
It never fails that I pass up a few 80-100 class bucks prior to rut. the rut this year seemed non existant in my area during daylight hours due to temps?? or what-ever.
So a wall hanger was not seen from the stand.
Now, we're well into small game season and have been through most of gun season with the only the 16&17th left. Then Muzzle-loader comes in. The deer, and especially the bucks (those that survived this long) are awful spooky.

If that same 100 class buck wandered into range now I'd take it without hesitation and be proud of it. This is not to say I wouldn't have been proud of him in October, but I'd have robbed myself of many hours in the stand. Like most of you guys, it's being there, never knowing what will ultimately happen that makes it fun. The kill is the ..call it.. reward, and final payment on your time and efforts. Lack of a kill, does not make the season a failure.
I took a doe for meat earlier in the season with my bowand enjoyed every part of that hunt. I took a buck in Pa Rifle season and enjoyed that also.

But the fact that I still have a buck tag and thus the opportunity in Ohio keeps my senses sharp and my desire high. But you guys know the late season is TOUGH and also time afield is limited due to available daylight and Holiday activities etc.

I would view an opportunity at a higly alert and heavily pressured buck differently now than I would have say in Oct.

Anyway this thread wasn't for any real reason or justification of anything..I just am curious to the thoughts of others.

I guess I could see that statement having merit in a much shorter season. Where the up and down, swings are not so great.