Then we really disagree. I've probably killed more deer than just about anyone I know with a bow. I've probably kiled deer that most wcould only hope to get.
Considering the company you're in....this is either mighty cocky.....you're old....or it's true. Even if it's a combination of all three.....I'll take you for your word.
I say we're now growing deer for "ME".. "Macho" more than we are to enjoy the hunt.
I'm not sure what your point is here, David. I don't particularly "enjoy" the killing part. I particularly wouldn't enjoy taking a young buck. If I'm going to take a buck....I'd like to think I was taking one of the "more" mature deer in the HERD I hunt. I am VERY fortunate to hunt in an area that is deer-rich. If I just chose to kill deer.....ANY deer.....my hunting season would be days....not months (and I have 6 tags). I harvest what makes me happy. You do, too. I think most peopledo this. NOW.....when someone else starts telling me what and what not to take....then I have an issue with that. When they belittle MY harvest....I take offense to that, too. If this is what you speak of....I AGREE.
Hell, you're going out to kill the damn thing. For what reason? Exactly, you don't give a crap about the animal, it's all about hunting. If you really didn't want to degrade him you'd build him a house and plant a biologic field to live in until he was older than me. Standards haven't changed... hunting has. Hunters have. Don't begrudge the guy who doesn't agree with your let 'em grow so I can have big horns. I hunt to kill. I do it when I choose. OH, and Bully for you.. you've seen a 180 class deer. I tend to find that most of those turn up to be a lot less when the die. And where you live does make a difference in what you see.
David....seriously....why are you so angry? I let 'em go/grow. I have TREMENDOUS respect for the animals I pursue. I don't begrudge ANYONE for taking ANY animal, either. I DO hate to hear someone say they shoot everything......and then tur around and say there are no mature animals in their woods. Wonder why????......lol
Any doubt as to why Bill Jordan and all the TV guys head for Kansas. It's not their skill that's for sure. It's deer. There were big bucks in Kansas long before QDM came on the scene. We have people that talk about their skills and then talk of seeing 20 or 30 deer a day. I've been to those places. It's easy to pass on deer and easier still to kill one. Come with me to the heart of the Adirondacks after a 250 inch year of snow fall and talk QDM. Don't preach to me about QDM and your hard work. A deer in the Adirondacks will migrate 3 times as far as the size of the land you hunt just for food. And there's not a herd of him to cull. But when he shows up, you can bet that mountain huntercanwhack him, QDM or not. It's not rocket science here folks.
This just smells of "sour grapes". and youracute ability to be flat-out condescending. That's exactly what it sounds like.
I hunt for mature bucks. That's what I enjoy to do and that's really all I care about. If someone else wants to kill any ole deer...great. I could care less. I used to be one of those guys20 years ago when you were lucky to even see a deer in the woods.There's a lot more deer now where I hunt, so to challenge myself, I hunt for mature bucks. In most cases, it does cost money to hunt these days. Why? Supply and demand. There are more hunters today than there were 20 years ago but the same amount of land. It's unfortunate, but that's the way it is. I'm pretty sure people are having fun hunting. At least I am.
And how can you argue with THIS way of thinking? It's wonderful. It's truthful.
We just ALL have to realize that we put different things into this passion....and we expect different things out of it. David....I agree with MANY of your points. You have to see that there's other ways to skin a deer, though. I didn't deer hunt when you were growing up. I might not have liked it. Don't diminish the fun I'm having at it, now. I never said I was Fred Bear. I say I'm having fun (and I know you didn't accuse me of anything.....just a figure of speech).
I told my wife (and people here on the board) that I didn't care anything about going where THE deer are.Someone posted a thread askig what 5 states everyone would love to hunt in. You know the ones that got the most hits.....they're the ones with the biggest deer. I stated then that I wanted to hunt NC. That's where I live....and I said I would find more satisfaction in taking the biggest deer in MY woods. I think I did that, Saturday. He's the biggest one I've seen, all year.
I'm NOT against you David. Like I said....you make some good points. People don't need to be fooling themselves. If you live in Iowa......let's just say the odds of you taking a deer bigger than mine are HIGH!....lol You know what??? GOOD FOR YOU!! I hope you get him!
Just be true to yourself. Be respectful of the animals. Do things ethically. Do things legally. Have fun.
Oh yeah....and don't shoot the dinks!....lol
Jeff