When I started this year I said I wouldn't kill anything smaller than my largest archery buck.

I have so far put down 2 does, and passed on countless number of 1.5 and 2.5 yr. olds. However, it is going to be sad to see most of those deer hanging up after this weekends shotgun season.

sometimes it is hard to pass the 3.5 8pts that could "use another year". Especially when the neighbors shoot at whatever is moving. but then again it sure pays off when those deer get through the season and you get the chance at the 4.5-5.5 year old deer. cant wait to see what gets blasted during bext weekends gun season. last year the neighbors shot 17 does.

You gotta be kidding me? That's the most ridiculous thing I've ever read.

I"m waiting for gun season know to,with all my tags intact.

Exactly my way of hunting!

My standards are basic (no young small bucks) and how high the bar is set it based on where I am hunting. Where I hunt 98% of the time, a good buck is over 100". Expecting to hold out for a P&Y, I'd probably be eating tag soup forever. I did hunt in IL this year...my standards went up. I was looking for a P&Y or better...saw 4, just couldn't make it happen. I've only seen one in 20yrs of hunting my property in WV...and 0 in 10 years of hunting my property in VA. They just are so rare, you can't expect to get one, and certainly would be crazy to hold out for one. (thus my trip to IL) I envy you guys that pass 125's or bigger....you have no clue how lucky you are.

That being said...Istill hold tomy standards. I won't shoot a small one ever. Been there done that. I'd rather shoot a doe or two or three. I haven't killed a buck with my bow in 9yrs...still looking for one that meets my standards. No regrets. The 100" buck in my woods would defintiely get an arrow....but even they aren't readily available where I hunt.These days I mainly enjoy getting out...and now mostly enjoy hunting with my son. He got his first deer last year at 9 (doe)...and we are heading to camp this weekend to try for his first buck. I'll continue trying for a "good one" where I am, who knows...maybe it will happen this year!

-Mike

I have passed on smaller bucks for 2 yrs now. I am not sorry, but find myself wondering why? Before the antler restrictions went into effect here in Pa. I shot whatever was legal.
I guess I am hooked on killing a "good" deer on my own property. It may take a while. If only the neighbors would let the small ones walk it may help. To many people just want to shoot a buck around here it seems.
I may just have to look for more areas to take a good one.

Passed on a young 5 point. Bow season is over now!! hoping to take a shot at the late season when snow hits.. I hear its quite challenging

Being a trophy hunter is hard work. I've been on vaction since Oct. 26 and have been hunting every day. I am beat down and tired. I missed a good 8 ( long story) with my bow and passed up another 8 thats about 20 inches wide but one of his G3s is maybe 2 inches long. Pretty buck but trying to get one a little better. I ate my buck tag last year and may do so this year.

At times I think that I'm turning hunting into work. It would be easier to just shoot a nice buck and stop killing myself. I just dont get a thrill out of shooting little buck however. I need a challenge but where to draw the line is the hard question.

I've passed on a 6 and a small 8 so far. I've done well the last couple of years, so I don't feel as much pressure at the moment as I used to. In Ohio, we have plenty of bruisers and a long way to go before the season winds down.