I like the way you think Hick I have no doubt you will shoot some fine bucks because it seems you have the dedication, skills, attitude and instincts.

I do however have to disagree about not being a very good hunter for taking bucks under 3, I will try to explain the best of my ability(limited). I consider myself a "good" hunter not "great", but "good". I have taken one buck over 3yrs and had several within range or borderline, but decided not to shoot because of no shot, bad angle, low light or on the fringe of my comfort zone. I can find deer, set up on deer, make the shot and track. I am very concious of the outdoors, put the hours into scouting and practice enough to group grapefruit size groups at 30yds. I shoot equiptment that performs for me, keepmy broadheadssharp and am very scent concious.

Here is the part where it gets hard to explain. I usually shoot a buck and a doe each year (foratleast the last 10yrs anyways), now remember I said I've only shot one deer over 3yrs. I've shotanything from a fork to an eight in those years. The years I've shot smaller deer I have passed up bigger???? Shot the fork and had passed up a 7 and 8 that were only2 1/2yrs and chip shots. Don't know why except sometimes a deer catches my interest and I just think this is the one I want.

This next sentence isn't meant to sound mean or disrespectful to what your opinion is so please don't think I am beinga jerk. I don't care what people think about me or my hunting style or preferences. They are my tags (we get 2 + doe permits), time, money, and decisions. I hunt for me, it is my passion and my relaxation. I hunt whenever I can in almost any conditions. I guess what I am trying to say is that I have never shot a deer that I regret shooting so if I am happy with it so be it.

I always get upset when someone degrades someone for shooting a "smaller" deer especially younger hunters. I think what if they were as proud as a peacock when telling their story and posting the pic and get replies that take away from their accomplishment and turn them away from this great sport??

I am holding out for a "trophy" on the federal hunt this year and next year in MN, the last time in MN I let some smaller bucks go and went home empty.

Sorry for the rambling and vent, but I thought I needed to express my hunting style because others may be kinda like this. Again, I hope I didn't come off as rude becauseI didn't mean to. I really do like your expectations and goals. You have a great future in huntingand I hope you takethe biggest deer of your life this year for the contest

Chris