When I first started hunting and I was able to grunt in a buck my heart pounded with excitement. I think that is a great feeling for any bowhunter to realize. As I have matured as a hunter I realize that does need to get shot also for management purposes. I also haven't seen a trophy buck in a couple years while hunting. Consequently, I approach every season as trying to fill the freez and after that I may focus on trying to kill a trophy buck.

Up until that point I totally focus on does. To me, the meat is better, and as far as a challenge goes; a young buck becomes the easiest deer in the woods to kill. During the pre rut they drop all defensive traits and seem to come running into my calls, scents, etc.

In the end though, I think a buck resembles more of an achievement given the rack symbolism. Whatever makes the hunter happy I guess as long as ethics remain in the process.