How many have not scored because standards not met?
 

I was just curious about how many of you have passed on deer that did not meet your goals and are OK with being buckless?

RE: How many have not scored because standards not met?
 

I've done it so many times, its frustrating at times, specialy when you see them same bucks you passed up to get bigger only to be hangingfrom someonesmeat pollduring the gun season! I will continue to do this though, this year it paid off big for me!

RE: How many have not scored because standards not met?
 

I'm ok with being buckless, but at this point I'm deerless! I've let a couple 1.5 spikes, and a 3.5 half rack walk right by me, earlier in the season. At this point I need to start thinking, fill the freezer!!

I love tohunt mature deer, but I don't know what I would do withNO venison in the freezer! The young ones taste better anyway!!

RE: How many have not scored because standards not met?
 

I'm buckless and ok with it (kinda [8D]). I've passed onseveral different bucks that I would have shot last year. One I regret and probably should have shot. He was bigger than I thought at the time he was in my shooting lane and I passed. Confirmed by a sighting of him a week later [:@]. Actually I think I've had more bucks in bowrange this year than ever before. I lost count on how many 1.5 year olds I've seen. I raised the bar a notch for my standards this year. Hasnt' paid off for me obviously, but it sure is fun and I'm learning a lot more. Who knows, I still have 5 days to go for bowseason.

RE: How many have not scored because standards not met?
 

Shoot a doe. I shot 2 does early on for meat in the freezer. The rest of the season I dont' worry about meat in the freezer. I just hunt for antlers on the wall.

RE: How many have not scored because standards not met?
 

Belive me I've been trying!!! I've had6inside 30yds, one at 6yds(on the ground), but I haven't been able to close the deal!!

RE: How many have not scored because standards not met?
 

I've lowered my standards to reflect what's going on in my life at any given time. I ate tag soup for 5 years straight because I set the bar too high and the taste was getting old. PA is a tough place to trophy hunt unless you have mucho time to put in on a great piece of land.

I'll continue to pass up small onesbut when abuck shows up that reflects about the best I can expect given my circumstances, he gets an arrow.I'm done with only gunning for one that is better than my best to date, although I will continue to look for him.

If I lived elsewhere, my thought process would be pretty much the same except the bar would be higher.

RE: How many have not scored because standards not met?
 

Interesting thoughts jimimac. I was wondering if my standard would lower again if I went 5 or so years without scoring on such a high standard set. Or if I will be able to accept tag soup knowing I could have killed a lot of those bucks I've passed. Time will tell I guess.

RE: How many have not scored because standards not met?
 

I do it all the time.

I actually just ate Tag soup for the first time in a while...

I passed up this nice young 8 and never got an opportunity on anything bigger.

RE: How many have not scored because standards not met?
 

My family doesnt care for venison so I mainly hunt for antlers.We keep some of the meat for burger but otherwise donate it to needy families. The wasted money and time eats at me if I go tagless but I cant justify killing something just for the hell of it. It has to be worth dealing with to spend the time and money of dealing with a kill.

RE: How many have not scored because standards not met?
 

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.

RE: How many have not scored because standards not met?
 

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.

RE: How many have not scored because standards not met?
 

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.

RE: How many have not scored because standards not met?
 

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.

RE: How many have not scored because standards not met?
 

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.

RE: How many have not scored because standards not met?
 

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.

RE: How many have not scored because standards not met?
 

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.

RE: How many have not scored because standards not met?
 

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

RE: How many have not scored because standards not met?
 

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.

RE: How many have not scored because standards not met?
 

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.

RE: How many have not scored because standards not met?
 

I've passed on a number of bucks this year, and I"m OK with not having a buck yet, but only because I still have gun season and late season to hunt still. If I don't get a buck by the end of late season I'll be pretty disappointed that I didn't make it happen.

RE: How many have not scored because standards not met?
 

it upsets me, but it would upset me more to let myself down on my standards.

i have drawn only to let down on atleast 15 different bucks this year. all 1.5 or 2.5 year olds and all 6 point or under. i at first set my bar at around 120 (past two years) knowing the deer that come from my area (195 brute killed 700-900 yards away last year). i passed a few 8 pointers that would top at around 100 just from my field estimate and they were young deer. this year i have lowered my standards to anything with 8 points or better, just so i can get my first with a bow, but i havent seen a 8 pointer yet this year[&:]

this weekend was the opening weekend for gun season. i hunted with my bow saturday morning anyway though. had a six pointer pass right under my stand that i let pass. he crossed the creek, walked up this big wooded hill. i lost sight of him and about 5 minutes later BOOM! neighbor shot him. drove by within sight of me (unknowingly) draggin the little guy behind his fourwheeler smokin a cigarette. he had friends in from alabama and they were shooting all morning long. im pretty sure that area has had SEVERAL 1.5 yo deer wiped out this weekend. LOL

RE: How many have not scored because standards not met?
 

It has been over 11 years since scoring on a big buck with my bow. Just like being in the woods. When I was younger I scored on several big bucks and my standards started then. I have let so many bucks pass over the years, I couldn't begin to count.

RE: How many have not scored because standards not met?
 

I passed on dozens of shots on bucks this year.I'm just not seeing anything above P&Y minimun.I just prefer not to shoot younger deer,and try to keep it atleast at that minimum.I've ate tags before,but will stick one for my team this year.He may not come from one of my normal hunting areas,but I'll stick one for my team.

RE: How many have not scored because standards not met?
 

I mainly hunt the gun season and will pass on all does the first 2 days of hunting(3 day season). I will also pass on anything smaller then a 8 pointer. Shot a 8 2 years ago. Last year i passed on what would have been a nice 6 pointer if one side wasnt missing. He came by like clock work every morning and night. I am hoping i see him again this year with a nice full rack. I am hoping no one shot him because of missing one side last year. If i dont see any nice shooters by close to the end of shooting hours on the 2nd day i will take a doe and let the small buck go by. I really dont need to get one for meat in the freezer hunting with my dad and brother.

RE: How many have not scored because standards not met?
 

I do a lot of travaling/hunting from state to state. Logistically, it's impossible for me to know exactly what I should hold out for (I'm not present...i.e. it's hard to observe what is available). Time is also a determining factor. I tend to hold out more the longer I'm in any given location. I do take notice of what others have mounted (most hunters are eager and proud to show their trophy rooms).I use thisinformation. I try very hard to find a good "representation of the species" deer from that region.For the most part, an immature deer is easy to recognize. I let the little ones walk...He's got to be at least an eight for me to get excited (generally speaking of course). I eat plenty of tag soup.

RE: How many have not scored because standards not met?
 

It has been tough to do, but I have stuck to my goal of only taking a 3.5 year old deer. I passed a few 2.5 year olds this year and last year, and it was frusterating, but as an extreme optimist I will be bearing the cold for our second season and trying to pattern a big boy looking for food to revive himself after the rut.

RE: How many have not scored because standards not met?
 

I've passed several buck this year. I would rather shoot a doe than a small buck.

RE: How many have not scored because standards not met?
 

I have not shot a buck this year althought this morning i drew on the biggest buck i have ever saw in the woods but nvr go out of the thicket! i kinda have a standard right now of 140+ then as late season aproaches i go to 125 althought i still have yet to get a pope N young! I say someone should set there standards at wat they ARE HAPPY w/ NOT what other ppl are HAPPY WITH

RE: How many have not scored because standards not met?
 

I've passed on two 3 pointers a 4 pointer,a 5 point, two 6 pointers, and a 8 pointer. I've only seen one shooter 10 point that was chasing a doe passed my truck by only ten yards as I got out to walk to my stand.[:@] Now that the big boy is chasing, there are 7 new tree stands in my area. I quess I'm not the only one to see him.[:@]

RE: How many have not scored because standards not met?
 

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.

RE: How many have not scored because standards not met?
 

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.

RE: How many have not scored because standards not met?
 

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

RE: How many have not scored because standards not met?
 

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

RE: How many have not scored because standards not met?
 

Exactly my way of hunting!

RE: How many have not scored because standards not met?
 

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

RE: How many have not scored because standards not met?
 

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.

RE: How many have not scored because standards not met?
 

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

RE: How many have not scored because standards not met?
 

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.

RE: How many have not scored because standards not met?
 

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.