As someone that has not many mature 3.5 y/o+ bucks to his credit (only 1), I still can understand what buckeye is trying to say here.

I think what he is trying to say, is that the price we pay in areas such as central/east/north PA, NC, etc...........areas that don't hold as many big deer because of general age class and genetics, may be much higher, however if we really want it we can still overcome those challenges, pull ourselves out of our comfort zones, etc........to find, pattern, and kill mature deer on a somewhat consistent basis. To say we didn't kill one because they aren't here is an excuse in my opinion. To say that the price to find one, pattern one, and put yourself in the position to kill one was too high and not worth it, is more of an accurate statement.

I can relate to that. I choose to hunt in Otsego County, NY and Bradford County, PA. Areas not really known for big bucks (at least not on a national basis). I hunt them because that is where I have the most fun because of family and friends that can also hunt with me there, and because I have the ability to manage the deer herd there. If killing big bucks on a consistent basis was my #1 priority I would take more time to find them outside the areas I hunt now, pattern them outside the areas I currently hunt.......and I would probably kill more of them as well but that price is too high and not worth the fun I have at the locations I currently go to.

Just MHO. [8D]