I was trying to stay out of this but couldn't.
Kobear,
I applaud you for your efforts. The moment someone even remotely tries to share thier opinions about letting younger bucks pass they get crucified. It's a shame. About your buddies razzing you, just keep firing back. When they bust on you for not getting anything, throw out all the ones you passed on that you COULD have killed. And when you do shoot one, make sure they know it. Make sure they know that with some patience and sefl control, you all could have a chance to be shooting nice ones. Good luck. I remember the 1st time I told my Dad I wasnt going to shoot the 1st buck by. He looked at me like I just told him I was going to eat the family pet. It was incomprehensible to him.He just couldn't understand why. 3 mounts on the wall later and he's got a good understanding of why I do it.

I've run into several guys who see some of the nice deer I've killed and say "I been hunting 30 some years and never took a buck like that." But they've alwaysshot the 1st one by themin those 30 years.