Like I said in 2005 I didn't fill my tag... I had many opportunities at decent bucks in 05and I know full well there were good mature bucks in the area (from stand sightings and even a couple I videoed out of my stand) I just did not get it done. I was almost in the right setup to capitalize a few different times but never closed the deal. Whose fault was it, the whitetail's that didn't cooperate or mine????
100% my fault.
Let me ask you a question, Scott....since I'm still learning. If I told you I spent thesame amount ofquality time on stand that you did back in '05...in my '07 (upcoming season)......and I DIDN'T see a buck bigger than the one I shot, last year. Would it still be my fault if I didn't tag one? I know we hear "I can't kill what isn't there" a LOT. I'm aware of that. But....every once in a while....it's true. YES....there are mature deer in my woods. I know that, but not "the" deer that many might think. As much as I hunt.....and as little as I hunt some places.....I just think I know my woods.
My "gut" tells me there's abuck out in my woods that I'd be proud to harvest. I already know, though....that I'm doe hunting, this year. If I get that buck, this year....BONUS.
Because of the approach "I" have chosen, THIS year....."I" will take all the blame if I don't get the big boy. But.....I can tell you with ALL sincerity....I hunted and scouted hard, last year. I put the time in. When I tell you I don't think there are large racked bucks (abundant)in these woods.....or larger racked bucks than the one I shot, last year......I don't know why one would choose not to believe me.
I trust what you've told me about your season 100%. I wasn't there. You were.
Good luck, this year.