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This is my backwards thinking on this subject. I have a stand where I've had success shooting many nice Pope & Young bucks. I won't shoot a doe at this spot until after the rut. I figure if a doe feels security in a place then she might bring a buck in with her during the rut. Also, shooting a doe after she's been bred is essentially the same as shooting one before the rut to help keep the population in check.

The first deer I ever shot was a doe that was about 17 seasons ago. I let alot of does walk only because you could only shoot one deer here for a long time. So I would just hold out for a buck. Plus I never even would put in for my doe permit. I would shoot a doe now the funny thing is since changeing my ways I never see any does that are mature enough to harvest I can't bring myself to take fawns.

Will smack the first doe I see opening day for sure. Like many of you said it just gets the ball rolling and for myself no matter how many I've shot with the bow that first one of the season is always a confidence booster that I can still do it and that all that practice throughout the year has helped.

My own approach to hunting doesn't always allow me to shoot does very often. Not to say I don't take a doe or two every season.. but my general approach and philosophy while I'm in the field simply just don't give me many chances to take a doe.

I always guess where a mature buck will be bedding during daylight hours nearly every time I am in the woods.. so on those days I do I will not take a doe.. no matter what she gives me.. unless however I know she has learned of my presence (which is often rare.. that I know of) then I am under a "take her" or "never hunt this spot again" kinda approach.

But generally speaking.. I do not shoot does during most trips into the woods.. unless I feel I can get away with it without spooking a nearby buck. Then I will gladly draw back.

You seriously will never hunt a spot ever again if a doe busts you once? You must be runnin outta places man. lol

You forgot choice 2 Tembry.. I will draw if I think she has me pinned and I like my chances there on a buck.

But also.. I don't hunt the same farms every year.. I have new farms every year and often times new public lands as well. For me.. it makes no difference if I loose the spot altogether.. chances are I may never hunt that tree again.

I think the last doe I shot was in the early 80's. I am content just waiting for a buck to come along.

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I'm close to you here. I can't even recall the last time I shot one with my bow, I have killed two in rifle seasons over the last twenty years that had been hit and not recovered in our if its brown fling lead at it free for all some call deer season here in PA.[:@]

I'll most likely get a tattoo before I shoot another.