I understand it isnt all about the kill, but if byt he end of the season I didnt kill I feel like I failed. Lets not forget that we are hunting to kill in the long run. If we wanted to just watch animals and spend time in the woods then we wouldnt even need a weapon. I love to sit int he woods and watch animals as much as the next man, but eventually I want to shoot something..

I rely on venison for meat. I pretty much don't want to eat commercial meat, for moral, ethical and environmental reasons. However, I try not to get caught up in the idea that I must kill deer. Like most sports, you can't force the action. You have to "let the game come to you", and it will. I just focus on making a decent effort, enjoying the hunt, and knowing that enough venison will be provided. I honestly can't remember the last year that I went without killing a single deer. Some years skunked with bow, some with gun, but can't remember being skunked altogether.

bawanajim I couldn't agree more.One year at deer camp in my younger daysI exclaimed " now the presure is off" after having got my buck. My uncle looked at me and said " what presure would that be Ken?" He walked away and let it sink in and eventually it did. In my last seven years as a bow hunter I've passed on many bucks and does and endedsome seasons with my tags still intact.No regrets, none. This year I did not get adeer yet I consider it one of my best yearsever. I got close to or saw more big bucksthan ever before in my years of hunting save one. As others have said, it is aboutso muchmorethan getting a deer.

I know how you feel i try and get at least one a year. I do feel pressured if it the season has gone on awhile and not gotten one

lol nope. Some just choose not to pull the trigger. Im always waiting for the right buck. Which I absolutely SUCK at getting close enough too.[:'(]

It seems that in my case one of two things happens every time I hit the deer woods:

1. Im not in the mood to take a doe and am strictly buck hunting; offered numerous shot oppertunities on does.
2. I decide I feel like sticking the next doe I see for the meat; i see not a single doe.

In both scenarios the not so smart 4 and 6 pointers practically live within bowrange seemingly taunting me.

summary of my season.[8D]

No I'm not. That's like saying investing money to make money is all the wrong reasons. I'm out there to take game, I can save a pile of money and time and still spend time in the woods all I want if taking game isn't why I'm out there.

6 is what I'm after, 5 is acceptable, 4 and I'm feeling pressured, 3 I'm humbled, anything less and I'm feeling low.

Were you hunting on my property in Minnesota

I can relate to you!I've always loved Whackin & Stackin[8D]

Dan

Some of us are only allowed one deer per year.

And yes, it does suck when that tag isn't filled by the end of the season.

x3