Atlas, GREAT thread! Well said, and I agree.

While I am admittedly not the greatest hunter, I have been at it over 20yrs...and taken some decent bucks (and some good ones by my area standards - 3.5yr+) and feel like I am a pretty good hunter overall. But I have to agree...location to killing big RACKS is key. In20yrs of bowhunting.....I've only ever seen 1 that would for sure make P&Y....and didn't get a shot at him. I looked up my county in the book a couple years ago...5 bucks EVER entered. LOL, I'm loaded with em! [8D]

I took a trip to IL this year...hunted an area that I had never stepped foot on, nor seen a map of - and hunted by myself. No guides, no scouting till I got there, etc. In one week I saw 4 that would make the book,one was a solid 150. Though I didn't connect...it was a great hunt. Just knowing they were there, and the opportunity was good that I could get a chance kept me excited. I had a few close, but it just didn't work to my advantage. I found it amazing...my whole outlook and mindset changed the minute I showed up out there. I KNEW I had a chance every time I was out. Where I hunt here...it would darn near be a miracle to nail a book deer with a bow, and I don't really ever expect to see one. I probably have a better chance winning the lottery. 100" with a bow here is doing something. I know there are big deer everywhereincluding here, just some areas are very few and far between.

That said, I know I have to play the hand I've been dealt (or go to another area like I did). I have set my standards pretty high here...and haven't killed a buck with the bow in a long time because of it. I have passed hundreds of smaller ones, hoping they will make it and come back as a 110 or better someday. Maybe my goals are too high, butI will continue to try, and continue to let em walk. My friends say I'm nuts to always be letting them walk, but oh well. Better than shooting a 60" buck to me. Those are now for my 10yr old son!

I respect the folks that consistently kill the best deer in the area that they hunt, regardless of the size of the antlers. I hope to someday be that person, but have a ways to go.


Motown....great line, AMEN to that!