I made 140 or better tree estimate my goal for this season. I have had several now in the 130 (tree estimate) range I reluctantly have let pass thru without an attempt at shooting them. There is always that you stupid idiot feeling when you see that 10 point walking away and you kept your hands in your pockets. Theres plenty of venison in the freezer from does but I still don't like not filling my buck tag. I'm not as confident in my decision at this time but I am going to do my best to hold out.

I try to keep my standards at 8 pts. or wider than the ears.I won't use the standard of needing to be bigger than what is on my wall only because last year I shot a 150' 8pt. with my bow. That may be the biggest deer I ever shoot.I have passed on some smaller deer this year though.one was a basket rack 8pt. If he had been a bit wider I probably would have taken him.I just shot a nice doe last night so it won't bother me to much if I don't get a buck.I have 5 days left to get it done.

What happened with me, is it got to a point where I felt like the bar was too high and I was losing my edge. During that timeframe, I wasalwaysable to find bucks and had many within range that got a free pass.These were some solid PA bucks that most anyone here (Pennsylvania)would shoot and I'dlet them walk with the hope that somehow, some way they would make it through our crazy gun season and be there for me next year.

In retrospect,at the least, I should have been practicing drawing down on those deer to stay in the game and keep that edge. For me, unless I draw on an animal within range, I can't say with any level of certainty I could put that animal on the ground considering that an undetected draw is such a critical aspect at crunch time. I also screwed up by not taking a few does along the way which would have helped keep me in the game too.

All that added up to me losing the edge and I didn't like the feeling.

No, I didnt score a buck because I didnt see any. Except the last day when I jumped an 8 point. Would have gotten him with a gun but I havent mastered shooting a runningdeer with a bow.

I am not really a trophy hunter but have set the bar up there the last 3 years & ate the tag. I have done this in the past but then this is the start of my 51st year Bowhunting so I've stacked up a few assorted animals.
I have been trying for 3 particular Bucks I have seen. MichaelH, I have passed several like the one in your pic. I also passed on a couple Bucks decent Bucks last year only to see them taken during gun season. I passed on 15 different Bucks last year & 3 different ones this year. I "HAVE" seen 2 of those I "WANT"...
I am hoping the Bucks I pass on my Daughter will get a crack at-this is her 2nd year of Bowhunting (she don't get out to much) & ANY BUCK she takes will make me proud OR DOE....Good Luck in whatever you go for. They are all trophies.

I am still "buckless" so far this season. I have no problem with it. I would rather not shoot a buck that is not mature. There is nothing wrong with shooting any deer and any animal taken with archery equipment is a trophy. Each of us has to decide when to take the shot. I will take a doe as the season starts to wind down to fill my freezer. I think it is a good idea to take a doe anyway. They taste pretty good too. I really don't care for tag soup. It is kinda bland no matter how you try to spice it up.

Vikes, these are my feelings to the T. I was actually sitting in my stand lastnight, and I had a button buck come to within 5 yards of the base of my ladder stand, (and I was only up about 10'). I had ,y drag rag hanging right at the base of my tree, and when he cought the scent, he came right to my tree, lip curling and everything, boy I had to restrain myself from not shooting him just so I could have some meat in hte freezer.

i have passed so many deer this season becuz of standards. i passed multiple bucks and does. i passed a bunch of does this morning even 2 that were with in 6 yards and a 5 point within 8 yards this morning. and i ground hunt without a blind

This was the first year in a long time I am buckless. I knew it would happen eventually as I raised my standards. I had 4 shot opportunities at legal bucks, one of them being the nicest buck I have ever passed on. It is weird not getting one, but I don't regret passing.
I still have some hunting time to spend in the woods, so all is not lost yet. But it probably isn't going to happen this year.

I think Jimimac's philosphy isa very good one. A person has to evaluate the hand that is dealt them and then set the bar accordingly.

I have passed on around 10 bucks this year and have not scored on a shooter

Thank goodness I DON'T shoot a buck every year. The taxidermy bills would kill me not to mention finding room for the mounts.

I only shoota buck if he is big enough for my wall.

I honestly feel sorry for anyone that feels that their season is a failure if they don't shoot a buck.

I enjoy watching deer as much as I do shooting them.

I say fillthe freezer with doe meat and let the young bucks go so they can grow.