GVDocholiday,
It seems that you are a little contradicting in your post. I' m sorry but I have to stick up for badatta2d. You' re prerequisite for a hunter is he must enjoy venison?? If that' s the case then why do you have standards for the bucks you shoot?? It' s venison isn' t it? What drives you to pass on a spike or a small 4? The trophy??
Personally I like venison, but my reward is much greater by taking a big buck. It' s about the sport. The scouting, the stand placement, the persistence, etc.....
You said you pass on spikes and forks.................isn' t that venison?? why would you pass on them?? Waiting for something bigger?? A ummmmmm Trophy?
Because my reasons or other peoples aren' t just for the meat, doesn' t diminish our capacity as hunters. In fact, it improves it. I love the animal I hunt. I have the utmost respect for the animal I hunt. If I' m frying the meat of a nice buck in a pan doesn' t concern me as much as my accomplishment as a hunter. Knowing I hunted the animal I was after (hence: hunting).
I dont' care who agrees with me or not. I know deep down inside, the true hunters have a pure passion for HUNTING!! Meat??? don' t get me wrong, it' s great and I really do love venison, but why are you really out there? why not go to the supermarket?? It' s the sport and the game and don' t kid yourself.