ORIGINAL: quiksilver
Sorry, but not being able to get off an ethical shot doesn't qualify as a "Pass." Hell,I'm sure we've allhad some awfully nice deercruise throughout of range, andcould've easily launched a Hail Mary at them...
But I don't go around pretending that I let them walk by out of my own volitional will.
If you attempted to find a lane or get a shot - you didn't pass him up. You screwed up. Big difference.
Gotta give it to the king. Well put. Ive had a few bruisers come through easily within bow range, either no shot, he was running, etc. I sure as heck wasn't "passing" on him or "choosing not to shoot". I didnt get a shot.
I chose not to shoot a decent 90 ish 7 pointer this year. 10 yards, wide open lane, bow in hand standing up....decided to not pull back. That is the biggest buck i gave the pass while bow hunting. Im happy with sticking to my standards, even though i REALLY want a first archery buck.