For the most part, I understand where you are coming from. The only place I differ is the aspect of where you mention that it wasn't fair to the buck.

I regret a buck I shot last year that was probably a 3.5yo scoring in the high teens or low twenties. I say probably because I never bothered measuring the rack or aging the teeth. But on a lot of standards, he would be considered a nice deer regardless.

But my reason for "regret" isn't because I didn't enjoy the hunt and the venison and the thrill of shooting and recovering an animal. My regret is thatmy goalis to shoot a 140"+deer andI shot one of the prime future prospects.

I knew he wasn't a 140" when I pulled the trigger, but I did think he was bigger than he was. So my regret wasfor selfish reasons and acknowledgement of lack of discpiline on my part.

But as far as the deer is concerned, I don't know how it is any more or less"respectful" to the animal whether or not I jump up and down in excitement and start calling all my buddies or if upon successful recovery, I look at him and wished I would of just shot a doe instead.

Only when the meat is wastedis it disrespectful to the animal and therefore not "fair" to the animal. At least that is my opinion.