Originally Posted by
Screamin Steel
Here's a definition for you: "ANY DEER HARVESTED UNDER FAIR CHASE CONDITIONS IS A TROPHY IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER." When my son begins hunting THIS is what he will be taught to gauge his success by. Obey the rules, excercise personal ethics, and at the end of the day, it doesn't matter at all how big or how old your deer was...or even if you killed one. Anything less than this is superficial. I would never think of imposing any limitation upon him other than those imposed by the law. If he wants to gladly shoot every legal yearling buck that waltzes down the trail, it's his choice. If he decides at some point to limit himself, good for him, but it really doesn't matter to me in the least, as long as he enjoys what he's doing, obeys the laws, excercises ethics in the field, and continues to spend time outdoors with his Dad.
I honestly could not agree with you more. I think this is the foundation that everyone should incorporate into their opinions. I will never look down or judge anyone because they shot a yearling spike. Everyone gets something different out of hunting. Some go out the first day and thats all. Success should always be measured on an individual basis. Case and point, my 12 yr old sister started hunting for the first time this yr. It was in the same place that I passed up the 2.5. Was he a shooter for her? OF COURSE. So were all the yearlings. Did a little part of me hope that the 2.5 made it through, yes (that was probably selfish on my part). But would I have been upset if my sister got him...NOOO. It would have been the most rewarding day of the year for me. I know we disagree on some topics, Steel, but I want you to know that my word means a lot to me, and everything above is how I truly feel.