I enjoy letting the little one's walk. To me that is pretty much as good as taking them. I started letting them walk about 6 years ago...holding out for a big one, and shooting does. I haven't killed a buck with my bow in the last 6 seasons. Sure have passed alot though. I have killed a few bucks with a gun in the last few years. This season I saw 33 <u>different</u> bucks total, (archery, m/l, and rifle) and could have taken 25 of those. I only shot one. Some of the bucks were pretty nice racks...14-15" 8points. I enjoyed letting them go. Hopefully they will make it and be much better next season. Anymore to me, it's more about management and personal fulfillment, than killing a buck. Last thing I want is to shoot one, then say to myself....man, what did I shoot that one for.
Trophies are also in the eye of the beholder. Some areas are just flat better than others, no doubt. To one person, a 100" buck might be the biggest they can ever expect to see...others see 3 or 4 that size each trip out. I guess you have to be honest with yourself when setting your expectations. In the areas I hunt...it is rare for a buck to reach P&Y size...even if they live 4 or 5 years. Still, I'm holding out for 110"+, and hoping someday that a 130"+ will stroll by. Alot of folks I know, do the same now.
My suggestion, if it makes you happy(big or small)....go for it! But if it won't make you happy to shoot it....Let em go, so they can grow. <img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>