RE: Is the obsession to shoot big bucks corrupting bowhunting?
 

I don't think corrupting is the word I would use, but I do think the big buck obsession has effected hunting in general.

I don't blame anyone for managing the herd on there land to produce bigger deer if that is what they want to do. It takes a lot of work, patience and will power to be able to do that.

There are some hunters out there that look down there noses at anyone who shoots a 1.5 year old buck as if he/she is less of a hunter. This atitude is what bother me. The TV shows are part of the problem when it comes down to realistic expectations fo the hunt.

I watch them as if I were watching a movie. Entertainment, but not reality...............for me anyways;)

RE: Is the obsession to shoot big bucks corrupting bowhunting?
 

I really could care less what someone might think of me for what size deer I shoot, tho I prefer to shoot matures bucks and does. For the initial question.......................................... .................................................
I do believe the quest for big bucks in itself is a fine idea, BUT this quest is causing many problems such as, increased leasing and outfitting( I only mention outfitting because some outfitters have no business calling themselves outfitters). This in turn leads to reduced opportunities for many hunters and increases pressure on public lands. Its also increased trespassing because the temptation to shoot a nice buck overrides common sense in some people. I have also known friends to become non-friends over a big buck, because they both thought they were entitled to that buck, simply forgetting they are players and that deer on un-highfenced land is the public's deer. JMO.

RE: Is the obsession to shoot big bucks corrupting bowhunting?
 

Interesting topic. Do I think its corrupting? Not at all. I have shot several dozens of deer with the bow and now I find myself just looking for a particular deer with a good set of horns. This goal allows me to spend more quality time in the woods as compared to 1 to 3 days of hunting, shooting a small buck, and then no more hunting.

I hunt my own private land and I always have a couple of shooters running around. It is a special feeling to scout and figure out the special routes these bruisers use. They don't get big because they are stupid. I spend countless hours scouting these deer and enjoying the woods.

There are some out there that thumb their noses at hunters that shoot little bucks. Thats pure baloney. Personal goals are just what they say, personal. If someone belittles one that shoots a smaller buck? Then he is no sportsman in my opinion.

I know, I ramble at times :D

RE: Is the obsession to shoot big bucks corrupting bowhunting?
 

First....I won't criticize what another hunter takes....or passes on. It's his business.

I live in Wesern NC.....and the tracts "I" hunt are relatively small compared to what some of you guys are hunting (anywhere from 24 to 200 acres). I've already scouted 2 8's on one tract that are "interesting" to me. One moreso than the other.....and he's not the largest racked buck, there. He's the most mature.

I work "fairly' diligently to make sure my son and I have places to hunt each year. I was out working a tract, last night.

I'm a man....but I don't mind saying when something bothers me. I know guys around here that pay big $$ to go (________________) to hunt whitetails......and they typically have a few very large (compared to a LOT of deer around here) mounts (that were SHOT WITH A GUN.....from 250 yds......). I bust my tail......cultivate relationships with landowners.....scout.....do my in-woods time (and believe me....this is the part I LOVE).....and yet everyone will look at the trophy rooms of my friends and assume they're "HUNTERS". I'd be lying if I said that didn't bother me.

I don;t want anyone to think I have ANYTHING against gun hunting, either. I don't. I just happen to believe (And I'm entitled to my opinion).....that the feeling of walking into the woods with a bow....and becoming the ULTIMATE predator....is a feeling like NO other. It's also (again...in MY opinion) THE MOST sporting manner in which to pursue these VERY WORTHY adversaries.

My"trophy"...I hope....will be evident when I watch my son teach his......the things I taught him. These deer........they're each VERY personal...and they're ALL "trophies". There's a LOT more that goes intothe harvest of an animal than an accumulation of inches and a photo. I want to see MORE of those 4 pointers with the man and his son/daughter BOTH in the photo. NowTHERE's a TROPHY!

Jeff

Jeff, WAAAY back in the old days, we had a little honor that moderators would bestow on someone called the Honorary Award for Outstanding Post or something to that effect... Consider it awarded. ;)

RE: Is the obsession to shoot big bucks corrupting bowhunting?
 

Corruption is a good word for it. Here in the west, the fixation on rack size by a minority of hunters has had 2 corrupting effects. First, it has put a cash value on wildlife, turning trophy animals into a commodity rather than a resource. Second, it has altered state management objectives and practices in order to produce trophty racks rather than healthy herds. The net result is that hunting is fast becoming a rich man's sport.

RE: Is the obsession to shoot big bucks corrupting bowhunting?
 

Outstanding post SB. I couldn't agree more.

RE: Is the obsession to shoot big bucks corrupting bowhunting?
 

SBGobblers,

Great post. I know exactly how you feel.


Zach

RE: Is the obsession to shoot big bucks corrupting bowhunting?
 

How is the obsession to kill a big buck any different than the obsession to kill a little buck? The guys that kill the little bucks have the same obsession, except for the fact that they kill a little one instead of a big one. The guys that kill big bucks probably kill far less bucks than the other guys. What's the matter with selective hunting? I think that when you choose to be a selective hunter the obsession to just KILL is far less. I guess this is where i am supposed to say i don't have anything against someone that wants to shoot a small buck.

RE: Is the obsession to shoot big bucks corrupting bowhunting?
 

I feel exactly like this. I must add that although the pics I post are of the mature bucks that I shoot, I also shoot a lot of does. I'm guilty of not posting any doe pics. I don't think I've ever seen a thread titled, " Lets see those does." I strive to shoot at least one doe for every buck I take. Every deer that I take makes me happy. If it don't, I will not shoot it. It is a personal choice for every hunter. No one should be criticized for what they shoot.

RE: Is the obsession to shoot big bucks corrupting bowhunting?
 

mlo:

I think the point is the "perception" that some people have that their(____) in. buck is somehow superior/inferior to the other guy's deer. I know for a fact that my son watches the bucks on TV......and compares them to the ones we have around here.

Here's a test...(and I mean ABSOLUTELY NO disrespect by this comment)......

Go watch some porn with your wife/girlfriend.....and let's have another discussion about "perception".

Remember to tell her, though.....they're ALL trophies!!

Jeff

(Once again....this was TOTALLY in jest....but helps bolster a point)