Thanks guys for all the positive and moral support. Let me clarify a few things and then answer some of the questions directed at me.
First..I've previously made a commitment that any futurebucks I shoot would be mounted. This one is no exception he is at the taxidermists now. He is a special buck, and his mount will serve me well into the future. I've come to terms with my actions. I did some good things and made a clean effective kill from the ground.
My next point is that I know, I can't hold out for a 150" Buckevery year, thats unrealistic in my area. But in some aspect, be it hunt, companions, rack, method etc etc..the next bucks will be special. (like Diesel said, we once spent a week hunting a buck we called crazy horns, he wasn't huge, oreven big, but his tines shot straight out from his head and y'd like they had to block his vision.) Every ones area is different and each one's definition of a "trophy" differs. My next buck will be a trophy to the only one that counts..ME!
My 3rd point and one that several members have also stated in PM's, is I think I'm done with the "contest". I FULLY understand the fun aspect and getting to know others. I've made some great friends through Team-Mates. I know it's not a real competitive thing. But add the words "Contest" and "winners" and "losers" and those of us who are competitive beyond, casually, desire to win. I don't wish to hunt this way in the future. My wins and losses are too individual and personal to put into a "contest".
Gr8, you have taken your game to ahigher level. I respect you for that. Can I ask though, is killing a trophy buck that much harder than killing a shooter buck-take away the fact that there are fewer of them? How much, when you boil it all down, does right time at the right place factor in? In both cases, each deer must be within range, and you will need to go through the same mechanics. Is a trophy buck that much smarter or harder to hit than a shooter? If so, to what degree? Just asking.
The act of killing is no different be it World Record or Yearling Doe, but you know that. So no the killing isn't harder. The finding, the set-up, the patience, and the intestinal fortitude is different...and luck plays a decent part.
Thats wasn't fair to me
Schultzy I put that line in and deleted it and then put it back again. It wasn't fair to me because I compromised. I doubted my own past successes and sold myself short. Thats was the point I was trying to get to.
Davidmil...Do what you want. We don't care.
Daviddid you ever watch Seinfeld..There was an episode where George thought if every inclination he had was wrong, he should do the exact opposite...Perhaps you should try it!
GMMAT..I'd like to know what you're "Passing" on (or....not attempting to shoot).
Jeff I've passed on many bucks this year, the biggest probably was a 7 point that would have gone about the same as this one 90"-100". I know your theory of building a bridge between passing and putting one on the ground. I understand the premise behind it, but at certain ranges I disagree.
GregH...You must take external pressure out of the equation. It really is no one elses bussiness what you take or do not take as a hunter. I believe that hunting should be done for your own personal enjoyment. Not trying to live up to someone elses expectations.
I do understand this and will strive in the future to do better. It's part of this years lesson. You have had great success, perhaps unequaled success on this board! However if you truly believed it was no ones business..we wouldn't know that about you. I'm not busting your chops, just trying to show that the competitive nature is in all of us.
Way to go congrats on sticking with your goals..many congrats!
Trophy is a strong word and relative to many things..Pride I understand, I will be proud of every deer I shoot in the future, be it Trophy Horns or Trophy Memories. The one thing that remains constant is, I enjoy every moment of being in the woods..perhaps this is the biggest point of all. I LOVE hunting, the kill is only needed when describing success or failure, to others, who don't understand this lifestyle.