Ok being new back to the forum I am not sure if this subject has been covered or not, anyways I am just curious.

Would you rather have history on a buck, even just a few pictures or sightings all the way to following them for years. Or would you rather be plumb surprised with a deer you have never seen walking into range.

Now I know that trail cams are a major tool in this subject and also can greatly increase your hunting success as far as patterning specific deer, but is it a pretty big perk to be able to bag a deer you have a good history with.

I am just a broke ole college kid so my wife wont let me spend any $$$ on trailcams, but eventually I will get my hands on some.

The closest I have been since I have been in this area of taking a deer that I had a little history with was an 8 pt that I saw 3 days before season opener, got my heart pumping and I hunted him hard, with the resources I have. Ends up I find his carcass close to the fence between the neighboring property on my side a week into gun season around here. He was a nice buck would have definately been a shooter for me. I was pumped to get to see his rack up close but was kind of dissappointed that noone got to enjoy his as thier own trophy. I have tried contacting the neighbors to see if maybe one of them might have shot him but they are leasors I guess and dont live around here. Haha I told my wife the day I saw him that before season was over I would get to wrap my hands around his antlers and by golly I did. anywas this kindof got off subject but still I am curious if it is a major perk to trail cameras to have history with a deer that you harvest.