Even if I knew the deer would survive until next fall, I still wouldn't be remotely proud of getting skunked. That wouldbe a year-long festering wound, and I would not handle it very well.

Amen.

I've eaten buck tag soup a few years but admittedly am not as prone to do the same as I used too. Age and hunting unmanaged land can do that to you. I still try to hold out for mature bucks and would rather take a doe. Up until a few short years ago I would absolutely pass up all bucks for a chance at a 150 class or better, but circumstances in my hunting areas have changed, specifically a guy renting a house off a property owner the last 5 years.[:'(]

By the way........the new Illinois deer permits do not taste nearly as good these days and they tend to stick in your mouth before going down.[8D]

I think you're missing the point of the thread. NOBODY is "proud" to get skunked. "Some" are proud they didn't lower their standards to shoot "A" buck. That's ALL I was saying.

I totally understand your point Jeff....You're saying, a guy starts the season with the goal of a 120" 8 point......and on the last day of the season he still hasn't done that, and a 100 8 point gives him a good shot. he doesn't take the shot because he won't reduce his goal.

All that said......I wouldn't know....[&o][8D]

I think some folks are getting wrapped up in the big buck vs. small buck arguments that happen here. Jeff said "your" buck. If that happens to be any legal buck and those are your standards, then you will avoid eating tag soup and get "your" buck.

Me personally, I would rather hold onto my tag than shoot a buck that I would wouldn't feel good about shooting. I'm not proud of it and view it as a failure, but I'd rather eat my tag than lower MY standards. (Note, I also will not push my standards onto others).

I'm not "proud" of any deer I take. I am thankful for a safe, productive hunt that maybe taught me more than I already knew. Thankful to God that I was able to hunt one more season. Thankful my son and daughter got to be with Dad in the woods and learn what my Dad taught me. I will always be thankful for the hunt and the meat provided, but never proud. That makes it sound too selfish to me. Horns are nothing more than a conversation piece, of memories gone by. Pictures can relate the same memories. Horns or no horns.

LT

Exactly, Mobo.

Really??

Wow, I must be getting old or something...I just don't sweat the smaller details anymore...killing a buck or not killing a buck is so trivialin the whole scheme of things.

Maybe it's just me because I'mlike this with most things that are past times or sports. For instance, I know folks who are absolutely fanatic about football and must watch "their team" play. (I'm sure everyone knows some one like this)You see it everySunday, some dude is painted from head to toe with their team colors and acting like if "his" team looses it will be the end of the world for them. Me if I catch a game here and there I'm fine, hell I'd rather watch iton myTV than go sit in the stands....And I played in the NFL!

I'm as competitive as the next guy but if I don't kill the deer I want I won't kill one just to do it. That being said, I've killed deer many here would think should be passed on but I was just happy to be out hunting so it all depends on what I'm after when I set out hunting. It's fun and relaxing for me and I plan to keep it that way.

I set goal to kill mature deer. I ate tag soup last year after a few close encounters with good bucks and countless 2.5 year olds that made my heart beat but were short of my goals. I am really getting anxious but I plan on holding out.