I would beg to differ. I won't be judged by any deer I choose to take or let walk. To do so gives power over my own happiness to someone else. That's a sure recipe for a miserable life. That's not what it's about. Now, to be honest, I don't think there's a person on this forum who would take a smaller buck or doe if they could be certain that with patience, they would get an opportunity at an exceptional buck. However, not everyone has the same area, amount of time to hunt, and that's what's great about this time of year. It's a constant gamble, and to nobody's surprise the odds aren't in our favor. I'm fairly confident that if I had the resources and time to travel to many different states, and buy guided hunts, I could have a wall full of shoulder mounts.....the problem is, being a father of 3, with a full time job, I've seen my free hunting time go down every year. I'm not complaining.....there will come a day when I may be able to do those things, but I won't trade spending time with my kids, supporting them in their activities and taking time to teach them about the outdoors, for a few deer. It's not worth it to me. Does that make me any less of a hunter than the guy who does? I say no. You do what you want, and be happy. That's what it's about....you being happy. The heck with what anyone else thinks....

By the way, I'm not saying that a guy who can travel to different states on guided hunts is any less a hunter than I am.....he's just not any better!

GH