RE: Passing Small Bucks????
 

If a legal deer offers a shot, and I feel inclined to fill a tag right then, it's in serious danger of being taken. Big buck, forkhorn, or doe.

JRW

RE: Passing Small Bucks????
 

I guess that one of my main goals every season is taking two deer for food. There are many does around here, so that is really hardly ever a problem. 99% of the time I will let anything less then eight points walk right on by. But if I have not gotten two deer (does) by the last weekend of the season, I will take a smaller buck (but not under six points). That doesn't happen often though. I think maybe once in the last seven year.

RE: Passing Small Bucks????
 

I'll always be a meat hunter. First good size deer within 30 yards of my stand is in the freezer. I wouldn't care if I ever shoot one worth mounting. For me it is about filling my freezer and my hunting partner's freezers. When those are full the meat goes to Hunters Feeding the Hungry.

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[Deleted by Admins]

RE: Passing Small Bucks????
 

I like the statement, "shoot what you are proud of". For some its a forkhorn, others its a 130 class 8 point, for others the "hunt" might dictate the "trophy".

I pass up alot of bucks every year, but have taken a couple that may not be "trophy standards", even to myself, during that time. Generally my goal is a 2-1/2 yr old buck or better.

I had an excellent bowhunt this fall where I had 4 bucks in a batchelor group, none very large around me at the same time. After 2 hours of watching, and passing a couple obviously yearling bucks, I was able to call the largest of the 4 to the stand with a grunt. Its rack was heavier, and was the "dominant" deer in the bunch - though definitely not the whole area. I made a clean 8 yd shot, and even though it was only a 5 point, I was very proud to take that deer. It turned out it was 2-1/2,just small, but I would have taken it if it was only 1-1/2, due to the circumstances of that hunt.

Had the same deer passed by alone, I probably would have passed it.

I think its important that we set goals, but I also think its important to realize that hunting should be fun. We should not be blinded by our goals, and should be able recognize what makes a hunt truly enjoyable, and hunt accordingly.

I had more "fun" taking that smallish 5 point, than the 160 lb 9 pointer I took a couple years before when a quick shot was offered. and I was successful.