Passing Small Bucks????
 

Was wondering who on here has made the transition from deer hunter to trophy hunter?? I used to shoot whatever walked by in my early days of hunting and that was fine then, but a few years ago I got bored with being tagged out by the 2nd week in Oct and started being much more selective on my deer harvest. That was the best decision I ever made. Amazing espescially in a state like Illinois what will come along if you just pass on the young deer. I also harvest does for meat and herd management. With our 2 buck limit I'm after first of all a solid P and Y deer for my first buck. If I get lucky and get that then I'm looking more for a 140" - 150" + buck. Just curious if anyone else on here is out for big bucks only during deer season??

RE: Passing Small Bucks????
 

Amen Brother,
I actually just went and picked up my skull mount from my taxidermist today, He scores in the 130s and I was kicking myself all the way home for shooting him. I hear you speak of progression to a trophy hunter, but i think if this sport is your passion it is your duty to manage the heard. I try not to take any bucks less than 3.5 years old. I too am from IL, and Truly believe it is one of the best places in the world for whitetail but it could be oh so much better if everyone would would do the same. As far as im concerned those who dont or wont, move to WI.

WWW.HABITATHEROES.COM

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RE: Passing Small Bucks????
 

About three years ago I decide I had enough 4 pointers in my pile of racks.I have enjoyed passing on the smaller bucks.NOW, the last two 8 pointers at point blank range have frazzled me beyond belief.BUCK FEAVER

RE: Passing Small Bucks????
 

I have since 89. Just with the bow though! It gives me more time in the woods.

"Semper Fi"

RE: Passing Small Bucks????
 

I started passing on small bucks 3 years ago. Now I don't consider myself a trophy hunter by any means, as even my "nice bucks" that I wait for would probably never be shot by many guys on here.

RE: Passing Small Bucks????
 

I become a &quot;TROPHY HUNTER&quot; every time one walks by. I kind of cycle back and forth between meat and bones. If you're brown, have a whitetail, some horns or a an udder and walk under my stand.... you might be in trouble... or you might not. Depends on my mood.<img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>

RE: Passing Small Bucks????
 

I never used to be a QDM hunter until I picked up a bow. I don't want to get into a peeing match of what type of deer is a trophy for me compared to someone else, but when you really think about it....What does shooting a basket 8 or smaller really do for you?? In my state, we are able to(if hunting in the correct areas) take 4 doe and 1 buck per season. I have never shot that many nor would I ever, cause I can't eat that much meat. I don't know what the hunting laws are through-out the states, but given those types of bag limits or even similar to, Why shoot immature bucks?? To me it doesn't make any sense. Now, atleast to me, it's a different issue if you have never shot a buck before. Then go ahead and get one underneath your belt. We all hunt for many different reasons and correct me if I'm wrong but in a sense we all out there to try and out smart whitetails. In a way it's not about gaining some sort of prestige or pumping up a fellow's ego from shooting a small buck. We all can agree that small bucks are relatively dumb, just like a fawn or 1 1/2 year old doe. In essence.....they are fairly easy to get. Leave the little ones go!! My oppologies if this seems long or jumbled, but just my two cents.

RE: Passing Small Bucks????
 

I shoot only deer with a minimum of 28 inches of backstrap<img src=icon_smile_sleepy.gif border=0 align=middle><img src=icon_smile_sleepy.gif border=0 align=middle><img src=icon_smile_sleepy.gif border=0 align=middle><img src=icon_smile_sleepy.gif border=0 align=middle> This topic is getting too old to turn into another peeing match!<img src=icon_smile_dead.gif border=0 align=middle>



Edited by - bowfanatic on 01/12/2003 20:23:34

RE: Passing Small Bucks????
 

In my area the bow hunters seem to have really caught on to the QDM philosophies. In our local check station they take Polaroids of all the bow kills and place them on a bulletin board. Most of the bucks on the board are mature sized 2 1/2 yr old 8 pts or better. Most of the 1 1/2 are killed by teenage kids that are getting those first kills under their belt which is great. Now once gun season hits it's a different story. In Illinois we have two relatively short firearms seasons followed by a 3 day muzzleloader season. Thats when the weekend warriors come out and do every thing they can to shoot whatever walks bye. I think the bow hunters are by far the more disciplined hunters. I guess it's because the bow season is so much longer that the bowhunter doesn't feel pressured by time to wait for the type of deer he wants rather that settling for whatever happens bye. Has anyone noticed anything similar to this in other states??

RE: Passing Small Bucks????
 

I've never hunted any other way. Since I was 8 yrs old I've been a member of a deer camp that praticed QDM, thats back in the mid 80's when QDM was in its infancy. I'm no trophy hunter, but I've always passed on bucks under 3 1/2 yrs of age. At this camp we were only allowed 2 buck tags per year, one for me and one for my dad. I've let countless basket rack eight and ten points pass. However, I truly believe it has made me a much better hunter than the guy who goes out and kills the first 4 pt that walks by. By passing on deer, you really begin to understand them and their habits. I try not to kill a deer under 120inches, and here in Mississippi that is a pretty nice deer. If only we could all begin to truly practice QDM, the trophy hunting in this country would sky rocket. Just my opinion.

Hunt the thickets

RE: Passing Small Bucks????
 

Never even took a deer this archery season but it wasn't for the lack of opportunity. I passed over a dozen decent bucks looking for the one I wanted and I would rather go home empty handed than to settle for something I honestly didn't want just to say I shot one. If we don't pass the small ones and tag out, we'll never have the opportunity for a larger one. Nothing against those who do otherwise...



Deep down, everyone here is a trophy hunter....if two bucks stood at 20 yards broadside, a huge 10 and a small 4, absolutely no one here would shoot the 4 point....all things being equal....

<font color=blue>Good Luck and Good Shooting</font id=blue>

<font color=red>Rob</font id=red>

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RE: Passing Small Bucks????
 

Amen to what Rob/PA Bowyer said, I think one of the biggest problems with people and QDM is that as the season drags on they tend to lower their standards, resulting in the harvest of countless bucks that they aren't even proud of. Seems pointless to me. The experience is worth much more than the kill, in my opinion. That being said, I think we all agree that kids and adults for that matter who have few deer under their belt should kill whatever they feel proud of.

Hunt the thickets

RE: Passing Small Bucks????
 

About 10 years ago, I began holding out for &quot;mature&quot; bucks. Four or five years ago, it became 8 points or better for bucks. I've been tempted badly by easy shots at broadside, relaxed 6 pointers who wanted to commit suicide, but I've held off waiting for the big guys--who have been successful in eluding me this year. I'm harvesting does for meat until a &quot;biggun&quot; comes along.

RE: Passing Small Bucks????
 

Got to let 'em go and let 'em grow! Been passing up baby bucks since I started bowhunting 11 years ago. I've never shot a buck with less than 8 points and will not shoot a buck unless it is PY. I passed up probably 20-25 shots on immature bucks this year. It gets really tough at year's end to watch a small buck walk by but is extremely fulfilling once the hunt is over and I reflect on the importance of my role in the management process. It is definitely a good thing.

RE: Passing Small Bucks????
 

I will second what David said, with me it is mood and which place I am hunting as to whether or not I let a buck walk or not, there is one place I hunt that holds a monster and as a result I let all of his offspring walk hoping to take papa, there is another place I hunt where if I don't take it during bow it will be gone with the gun season so nothing legal walks as long as it is not a fawn, then another place where the only thing I have seen so far there is a ton of doe and one darn nice 8 point, with the number of doe there and me being the only one hunting it if it is not 8 points or better it walks unless it is a doe. I am basically a meat hunter, but where I am the only hunter I do let the little ones walk.

The Tazman aka Martin Price
Proud father of a Devil Dog

RE: Passing Small Bucks????
 

I started passing on immature bucks about 6 years ago. I usually end up taking a fairly decent buck before the season is over, but this year so far I have not gotten a buck. Ive passed on at least 10 or 12 immature bucks this year and dont have any regrets whatsoever. I get a bigger thrill just having a close encounter with a mature buck than killing immature bucks.
I do most of my bowhunting in Southern Illinois and I know if I pass on the 1 1/2 and 2 1/2 old bucks that they have a good chance to grow to be a trophy buck, the kind of buck that Illinois is known to produce.

hc4runner
Mo. bowhunter

RE: Passing Small Bucks????
 

I pass up all immature deer, whether it be a buck or doe. Both for personal and management reasons.

Good Hunting,
Troy

RE: Passing Small Bucks????
 

I enjoy letting the little one's walk. To me that is pretty much as good as taking them. I started letting them walk about 6 years ago...holding out for a big one, and shooting does. I haven't killed a buck with my bow in the last 6 seasons. Sure have passed alot though. I have killed a few bucks with a gun in the last few years. This season I saw 33 <u>different</u> bucks total, (archery, m/l, and rifle) and could have taken 25 of those. I only shot one. Some of the bucks were pretty nice racks...14-15&quot; 8points. I enjoyed letting them go. Hopefully they will make it and be much better next season. Anymore to me, it's more about management and personal fulfillment, than killing a buck. Last thing I want is to shoot one, then say to myself....man, what did I shoot that one for.
Trophies are also in the eye of the beholder. Some areas are just flat better than others, no doubt. To one person, a 100&quot; buck might be the biggest they can ever expect to see...others see 3 or 4 that size each trip out. I guess you have to be honest with yourself when setting your expectations. In the areas I hunt...it is rare for a buck to reach P&Y size...even if they live 4 or 5 years. Still, I'm holding out for 110&quot;+, and hoping someday that a 130&quot;+ will stroll by. Alot of folks I know, do the same now.
My suggestion, if it makes you happy(big or small)....go for it! But if it won't make you happy to shoot it....Let em go, so they can grow. <img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>

RE: Passing Small Bucks????
 

OK, this thread is just TOO civilized. No bickering or name calling or anything. I'll end it with this..........

It's easy to call yourself a QDM hunter when you &quot;GOT NO VENISON&quot;.<img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle> It twas the Devil made me do it. It had to be said. It was there for the pickin'.<img src=icon_smile_wink.gif border=0 align=middle>

RE: Passing Small Bucks????
 

davidmil, I've got a freezer full of venison, so I quess I'm doing something right? <img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>

Hunt the thickets

RE: Passing Small Bucks????
 

LOL david....couldn't resist could you<img src=icon_smile_evil.gif border=0 align=middle>
...don't blame me, I lowered the population by 6...1 buck and 5 does :)

...and for the folks that didn't get any deer this season, I'm sure you made up for them <img src=icon_smile_wink.gif border=0 align=middle>

RE: Passing Small Bucks????
 

I also forgot to mention that I have a freezer full of venison.<img src=icon_smile_wink.gif border=0 align=middle>

hc4runner
MO. bowhunter

RE: Passing Small Bucks????
 

When I started hunting as a young kid, I was not selective. Now I usually get at least 1 opportunity everytime out at a buck. So I try to hold off for at least a P&Y buck nowadays. Back in Highschool, I remember passing up a lot of big ones, just to get a chance at a couple B&C bucks I saw a lot. Even passed up a good buck with a forked droptine a few years back, which nowadays I would gladly shoot since I don't have near as much time in the woods as Highschool. The way I am is why shoot a basket buck when you can shoot a doe? Does are around every corner, and aren't hard to get a shot at(at least around here)
Visit My Updated Hunting Page

RE: Passing Small Bucks????
 

this was my 4th year of rifle hunting and i finally got my first buck...this coming year i am going ot bow hunt and after the first deer which i hope is a doe instead of a spiker or 4pt i am going to limit myself to what i consider a nice buck for a good hunk of bow season..then after that i will decide when hte shot comes...i think any buck will still get an arrow flung at it for my first buck with a bow even if i already got my first deer with a bow and it was a doe..but i do plan to become more selective after my first harvests with a bow...i see way to many nice bucks in fall turkey season to shoot small ones and while im gutting it see a bruiser walk by..that would be my luck..so i think i will wait but we will see what happens when i see the deer...

RE: Passing Small Bucks????
 

People think I hunt in an area with deer. Lordy... seeing a buck everytime you go out is like Buckmasters or Realtree. If you see 10 or 12 in a year here you've done really well... and that's if you hunt about 50 days. Lordy, we go lots of times and don't even see a deer, doe... fawn... roadkill... NOTHING.<img src=icon_smile_shock.gif border=0 align=middle>

RE: Passing Small Bucks????
 

I also made the progression from any buck to at least something in the 120 class. This year I was satisfied with a nice doe in the last week of archery season as no shots presented themselves at a large buck although there were numerous oportunities at smaller 6 and 8 pointers. It iritates me to hear the guys I work with tell about all the buck their group got during gun season when none of the bucks were anything but basket racks. My part of Iowa would have loads of trophies if these guys would take does for the meat and let these small bucks mature another year or two. To each his own though I guess. If some hunters are happy with taking these bucks I try to persuade them to see my opinion without being critical of thiers.

Jon
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Your source for Double Bull blinds.
Customer satisfaction is our #1 priortity!
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RE: Passing Small Bucks????
 

Hey Tophy Hunter, you are right on. Not only do you let the smaller bucks walk but next year they are not smaller. We try only to shoot what we intend to mount. Live in Randolph County and see or shoot 130-140 class every year living by this.

RE: Passing Small Bucks????
 

DM, I'll trade ya places.....

QDM = quality doe meat?
Quick Draw McGraw?
Quite da midget?
Quite a dinky measurement?

~Will Hunt For Food~

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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RE: Passing Small Bucks????
 

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

I pass up alot of bucks every year, but have taken a couple that may not be &quot;trophy standards&quot;, 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 &quot;dominant&quot; 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 &quot;fun&quot; 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.