You're right Steel. I was responding to BB's statement stereotype that success is measured in antler inches, I responded with two factors that, for me, go much further in defining success. Enjoying time in the outdoors is what it's all about, I think we can all agree on that. And in regards to ethics, if you're not doing it ethically, then get the he// out of the woods.

I don't think I would have had an "unsuccessful" season if I harvested that buck. However, going into the season I made a personal decision to not harvest a buck under 3.5. I made that decision because, for me, the challenge of harvesting a 3.5 yr old buck is so great that when I finally am successful it will be well worth passing up 2.5s. So if I would have shot him, I'm sure I would have felt successful, esp. if I had double lunged him and got to see him go down. However, I think ultimately I would have been disapointed for not following through on my personal goals. You can say I'm stupid for being disapointed about harvesting a great 2.5, but the disapointment wouldn't have came from the deer, it would have came from failing to meet my personal goals. I think we all feel some degree of disapointment or regret when we fail to meet self imposed goals...so I think many will understand where I'm coming from.

The last section of your post brings up a good point. Maybe I should not have said that a quality buck is "3.5+ yrs old" because it contradicts a lot of what I believe. For instance, I do not feel this buck is inferior in any way shape or form. On the contrary, if he is indeed 2.5, he's the best 2.5 I've ever gotten on film at this location. I know ultimately that I will get a lot more enjoyment out of getting this buck on film again next year, and possibly getting a shot at him, then I would have if I drew my bow. So getting back to your main point, yes there are a lot of factors above the age of a deer that define success, especially enjoyment. But when I measure my own success age will supercede antler score 100% of the time.