starting my 51st year as a Bowhunter & I have gotten better at tracking but my eyes have gotten worse.I pretty well know where my arrow hit for sure just from the blood & or hair I find & maybe the reaction of the animal when hit.I've tagged some real decent Bucks-some just popped up & other's I worked for to finally get that shot.
Am I a better Bowhunter-well, I say I am a Bowhunter, not really TROPHY orientated but have passed at least 45 Bucks in the past 3 years trying for a shot at one of 3, I have seen on several occassions. They just are smarter or luckier than I. Why do I pass lesser Bucks now & say I am not a TROPHY Bowhunter-I guess having killed 200+ biggame animals make's you just be a little more selective. I was raised "old school" on letting the Does go & still have a tough time releasing on them but I "have" the last 2 years-1st Does for me since 1980. I am just wanting to do my part at keeping our herd healthy as the "Experts" tell me to. I donated them to needy families as I had Elk, Buffalo & Beef in the freezer.
I think it's great when a hunter matures & feels he can pass on a lesser Buck for whatever reason BUT, I would never discourage a new Bowhunter from dropping that Forky. They will mature in time as most do. We are not going to run out of Deer anywhere soon from hunting-maybe disease, but I doubt hunting.
I only hunt the Bow Season so I get only ONE either sex (buck tag). I don't feel bad & now, with the bonus antlerless tags, everyone get's plenty of chances at tagging something.
Good Luck in whatever you draw on & if your in the woods, you may find you are never "experienced" enough.
This is a 1960 Ws. Buck & was I happy.