|
Penny for my thoughts?? Heres a dollars worth!
Gentlemen, especially those that are, or fancy to be, Trophy Hunters. Indulge me, a few moments of your time.
Having chased these wiley critters for more years than I care to admit, I became selective when it comes to squeezing the release. I let many "shooters" go by, waiting on those far and few between "Trophies". I have a few, but I've eaten my share of tag soup too, as our section of NE Ohio isn't Southern Ohio or Illinois, or Wisconsin. But it does hold some whoppers, like most areas do. So for the past 2 years I went Buck-less, I had many amazing encounters and throroughly enjoy the hunt. But this year, I was feeling pressure, mostly internal but also some external pressure, to put a buck on the ground. In the week prior I passed on no less than 15 Bucks. Small ones, not even a question of shooting. I did have a marginal shooter at 15 yards but legal time was past, even though I could have made the shot. Sunday Morning found me on a field edge, when the 90" 8 point walked by me (see Team 2thread), I made a perfect shot and a quick recovery. There was joy, but, upon putting my hands on him, there was as much regret. I didn't get the "high", the lasting effect of killing a truly big buck, even though I shot the biggest one I'd seen during this season. Now many people would be exstatic about this Buck and thats great. You may be the lucky ones. I took a great animal and am blessed for the opportunity, yet I knew I settled. Thats wasn't fair to me or the Buck. Inhindsight Icould have been just as happy coming home and telling the tale of the buck that I had at 11 yards from the ground stand, and didn't shoot. But you know what? As hunters we are not judged on encounters. We are judged by animals on the ground, and our walls. I got caught up in the impression, and I'm not saying I'll never shoot another small buck with my bow, but if I do it will be special for another reason. I've felt this way since Sunday, I've known all along that I shot a buck I normally wouldn't. I went Hunting Sunday afternoon and Monday and tonight. No time off to enjoy the satisfaction of a well planned and executed hunt. Because I needed to be out there. With only a Doe tag. (we are a 1 Buck State) Tonight Karma came full circle, I saw the buck of my dreams, the local legend. I watched him, texting my wife the whole time. A 10 point came into the field on the heals of a doe. They fed in the cut corn. I watched him for 20 minutes. I ranged him..to be honest alot of things went through my mind. I'm on a private farm and very close to home. I could have taken the doe, it never entered my mind. I watched them feed out of sight in the setting sun. He was a solid 150 class buck. Wide solid main beams, with 5 tines on the left and 4 upward tines on the right with a drop-tine. My dream buck. To be a Trophy Hunter is a commitment, many won't understand or desire this type of hunt and thats fine also. I basically liveWhitetails 24/7 from Mid August through Christmas. There are many worse things than still having a tag in your pocket. I guess this year was a stepping stone, a realization of the type of hunter I desire to be. This doesn't make me any better than anyone, and it's not a debate for what is a good buck, it's just one man's journey. Tag soup ain't for everyone....but I have some good recipes. |
RE: Penny for my thoughts?? Heres a dollars worth!
I feel your pain. I've experienced some of this myself over the last week.
Try to be happy for yourself and not minimize it too much. Taking a big game animal with a bow is always a good accomplishment. There are many guys who would swap places with you... |
RE: Penny for my thoughts?? Heres a dollars worth!
A trophy in my eyes doesnt always carry a big rack on its head. I think its unnecessary that the big buck culture has you feeling "negative" about taking what im sure is a beautiful buck. I know and understand your motivations and truly believe that what each man/woman decides to shoot is solely their own business and should not/can not be judged by anyone else. That being said your motivations and your own convictions will play a huge role in the overall satisfaction you get from hunting. This further defines the old "to each his own" adage. I hope you find middle ground and get yourself in a situation that has you feeling positive about the pursuit of these great animals. Goodluck.
|
RE: Penny for my thoughts?? Heres a dollars worth!
Hell, I too live in a one buck state,and I've ended enough years with tags to make a world class batch of tag jerky,its chewy but I find itreally lacking in much flavor.[:-]
Your buck is a great buck and you will remember him as special in his own way. And the jerky from him should be done in time for PA's opener.:) |
RE: Penny for my thoughts?? Heres a dollars worth!
when you dont get the high why let it die? I am by no means a stand out or nor do I want it to be taken that way. I live in some really good deer country in east central Illinois. I will not shoot less than a 140 on my first tag and anything less than a 150 on my second. I know that eating a tag is a high possibility but it is worth it. I would rather hunt evey day of season and end up empty handed than to shoot a deer I am not happy with. I passed several 140s and a couple 150 last year and ended up with a 169 however it could have easily went the other way. I know that I am my own worst critic and I push myself sometimes until hunting isnt fun I hold high standard and there is a great sense of accomplishment when I fullfill those goals. when I dont fill them I work that much harder. I have started scouting in january and go thru until season.
|
RE: Penny for my thoughts?? Heres a dollars worth!
Good summation of how I feel, and I have yet to kill a buck...Ive passed alot of bucks in the low 100 range over the past 3 years, including this year...But this year was different, in order to get one down,I decided I would slack on my standards of what I wanted for a first and "settle" for any basket case 8 pointer. Ive seen some monsters, and several 8s from stand this year. I knew the hunt would have to be special for me to shoot though.
Just like 2 weekends ago, My buddy who I dont get to hunt with much tagged along to get some footage for the TV show he films for, we were covered in action. Had probably 11 deer within 50-60 yards in a matter of 5 minutes. Bucks chasing does, bucks chasing bucks, does leading fawns....it was a hard morning to film, simply because it was difficult to pick which deer to film. I had a doe being dogged my a buck sprint directly under my platform. Wally followed the doe on camera but looked up to see me drawing on a small 1.5 8 point. He didnt see the buck (7 yards behind tree from him), and thought I was fixing to shoot a doe. I only had a basketball sized hole in foliage to get it done, so I touched the release. To make a long story short, an unseen twig sent my arrow off, missing him nearly two feet high. The hunt was memorable, he fit my new criteria for a first buck, and it just felt right. I had passed that exact deer 3 times before that morning, and 2 times since, all within 20 yards. These hunts just didnt feel right for me to take a buck below my standards. I am torn, I want a buck with a bow bad, but I dont want just any buck...Ive been waiting 3 years for a biggun, why stop now? In order for me to take a smaller sized buck (still 8 points or better), the hunt has to be special to me, and it just has to feel right. That hunt was chaotic and action packed, and I would have been beaming to tag a buck with my buddy filming on such an awesome morning. I decided I wont take him this year, no matter how many more shots I get. I would have been pleased, but in hindsight, am just as pleased the arrow deflected too. Before the rifle hunters hit the woods, there was a nice 110-115" 2.5 8, a mid 130s buck, and a PIG high 150s, maybe 160" 10 maybe 12 pointer roaming these woods that I have seen during daylight. Itll take one of these three or an equivalent for me to shoot. May go a 3rd (technically 4) year bowhunting without taking my first buck with my bow, but when it finally happens, it will be either the right buck or adecent buck on the right hunt. Trust me, I understand tag soup all to well.:D My last buck I have killed was my 2004 rifle kill (118" 8), been bowhunting ever since that one. Killing a doe with my bow got me more shook up than him, I can only imagine what a buck like him with my bow would do.:) |
RE: Penny for my thoughts?? Heres a dollars worth!
To be a Trophy Hunter is a commitment, many won't understand or desire this type of hunt and thats fine also. I convinced myself I'd take a 6 pointer I saw yesterday...if he offered me a shot. I didn't see him, tonight. I saw him this morning....WITH a bigger 8 than I've ever taken. I told myself I'd take either of them this evening and be happy with either one. Somebody made an analogy about fishing, once, here. Sometimes we lose the joy in taking a 1wt flyrod and catching a lot of bream. We think the only thing that'll make us happy is fishing for trophy bass with a baitcaster. I need to dust off my flyrod. I'm tired of WORKING at hunting. I saw a cool deer tonight. He was probably an 8....but EVERY tine he had was broken off. I'd love to have taken him. I will if given the opportunity. I've second-guessed almost every decision this year on where to hunt. Wind? I don't recall a time I've NOT played it in a LONG, long time. Last year....(my best ever), I never recall stressing over it. I played it.....but not like I have this year. Have I ever regretted taking one, though? No. I hope I never do. I wish you didn't feel this way about yours, Bob. I can't imagine that. I'm tired. I'm tired of working at this. I'm gonna have fun from here on out.....and if I dont' take aother deer...that'll be just fine. If I shoot a buck in the next 4-5 weeks.....it'll be one I'll be proud of. He might not be my biggest or the oldest deer out there....but he'll be mine. Good luck in your hunting, Bob. Hopefully you'll get the one you really want, next year. |
RE: Penny for my thoughts?? Heres a dollars worth!
I understand where you are coming from TEmbry, but you'll be better prepared to take that buck of a lifetime if you get a few bowkills under your belt. Just a thought.
|
RE: Penny for my thoughts?? Heres a dollars worth!
Wow, I could feel the highs and lows as I read that. I like your views of this experience. I had an opportunity to shoot a nice 2.5 year old but screwed it up with a miss but I wasn't dissapointed or sick about it since it wasn't really what I was after. Sometimes fate "if that is what you want to call it" seems to taunt us. Maybe now I still have a chance a true "trophy". Your story has boosted my confidence
);self.focus();) |
RE: Penny for my thoughts?? Heres a dollars worth!
I hope this doesn't make you feel worse about the situation and only helps you in your quest to be "the kind of hunter" you say you aspire to be. But...
The definition of integrity is: [*]Steadfast adherence to a strict moral or ethical code.[*]The state of being unimpaired; soundness.[*]The quality or condition of being whole or undivided; completeness. [/ol] I hope to oneday be an aspiring trophy hunter as you. As of this date I haven't the skills neccessary. My hat's off to you for realizing and moreso admitting that you did something you otherwise would not do. Let back to back tag soup year's not deter you in your quest. At the same time, rejoice in your buck. It is a trophy nonetheless! |
RE: Penny for my thoughts?? Heres a dollars worth!
Hey Gr8,
Good read, seems like you have hit on what many of us are struggling with. I let a terrific 6 point with a very wide & heavy rack walk last week at dusk, only to see him a few days later in day light. He made me sorry I did not take him. I watched him fight off 7 different bucks while tending a doe and I set my sights for him... since then I let a great 7 and an 8 and a couple smaller 6 pointers walk. Now I am wondering if I will have another shot at him ... what will happen tomorrow morning if one of those other bucks comes into range? Commitment? You better believe it. For everyone? I say no way. Good read man. Thanks for your thoughts. DW |
RE: Penny for my thoughts?? Heres a dollars worth!
As hunters we are not judged on encounters. We are judged by animals on the ground, and our walls. I would beg to differ. I won't be judged by any deer I choose to take or let walk. To do so gives power over my own happiness to someone else. That's a sure recipe for a miserable life. That's not what it's about. Now, to be honest, I don't think there's a person on this forum who would take a smaller buck or doe if they could be certain that with patience, they would get an opportunity at an exceptional buck. However, not everyone has the same area, amount of time to hunt, and that's what's great about this time of year. It's a constant gamble, and to nobody's surprise the odds aren't in our favor. I'm fairly confident that if I had the resources and time to travel to many different states, and buy guided hunts, I could have a wall full of shoulder mounts.....the problem is, being a father of 3, with a full time job, I've seen my free hunting time go down every year. I'm not complaining.....there will come a day when I may be able to do those things, but I won't trade spending time with my kids, supporting them in their activities and taking time to teach them about the outdoors, for a few deer. It's not worth it to me. Does that make me any less of a hunter than the guy who does? I say no. You do what you want, and be happy. That's what it's about....you being happy. The heck with what anyone else thinks....;) By the way, I'm not saying that a guy who can travel to different states on guided hunts is any less a hunter than I am.....he's just not any better! GH |
RE: Penny for my thoughts?? Heres a dollars worth!
hunting mature bucks isnt for everyone nor does everyone have the ground or location to do so.
|
RE: Penny for my thoughts?? Heres a dollars worth!
ORIGINAL: Grasshopper13 As hunters we are not judged on encounters. We are judged by animals on the ground, and our walls. I would beg to differ. Sadly, you are wrong for the most part. We as hunters are judged (mostly by other hunters in this regard) by animals on the ground or on the wall. When is the last time you've seen printouts of encounter stories on the wall being marveled at by hunters? I think what you are saying and what the guy you quoted is saying are two different things. You don't judge yourself based on wall decorations but a good deal ofpeople judge you that way. |
RE: Penny for my thoughts?? Heres a dollars worth!
ORIGINAL: Jimimac I understand where you are coming from TEmbry, but you'll be better prepared to take that buck of a lifetime if you get a few bowkills under your belt. Just a thought. Ive already been at full draw on a nice shooter buck probably 6+ times over the past 3-4 years, they just never have panned out for a shot I was comfortable taking....I dont loose my cool for some reason. I stay calm and collected during the shot process, it is after the arrow releases that I unravel...and unravel I do...after I release an arrow, i usually begin shaking and just loosing it all together. My friend was worried I was going to fall from the tree after I shot at that small 8 this year, LOL. I did the same on my pronghorn buck.....made over a 2 mile stalk, finished off the last 400 yards tippytoeing and on hands and knees, got to 15 yards, never once got overly excited or nervous...I was rock solid through the shot...but after he ran off and tipped over 30 yards away, suffice it to say there was a lot of shaking and a solo party out in the prairie.:) |
RE: Penny for my thoughts?? Heres a dollars worth!
I know exactly how you feel. I sometimes think I've been a victim of my own success. I've put a couple of nice bucks on the ground but this year I've hunted extremely hard, and have been winded more times than I can count and so far sucking on my tag. I can't explain it. I try to be as scent free as possible and hunt stands for the right wind but deer don't always cooperate. They'll come where ever they want to come from. I saw the biggest deer of my life two days ago that would go 160's. He was behind a stand I sat in earlier this year. I went to get my game camera at noon and he was bedded down behind the stand. Took off like his ass was on fire. He is the deer I've been after. I just can't seem to be in the right place at the right time this year. Oh well that's hunting and I still love the anticipation of the next moment.
|
RE: Penny for my thoughts?? Heres a dollars worth!
Excellent post and thoughts I have struggled with even this season.
The 2 things that keep me going are 1. Last year I didn't kill a buck and nothing bad happened to me. 2. One year I did lower my "standard" and felt bad for shooting a buck that only made me happy for 15 minutes. At times I wondered if things had been luck in the past, and if my goals were too high, but I suppose if you are going to dream, dream big. |
RE: Penny for my thoughts?? Heres a dollars worth!
We as hunters are judged (mostly by other hunters in this regard) by animals on the ground or on the wall. You're probably right....just because you can't control someone else's perception of you in that regard. But, the only way it has any power is if you accept it. Once you start shooting or passing deer because someone else might think you're a stud hunter or a poor one, as the case may be, you have given that other person power over you. That doesn't have to happen if you refuse to accept it. That's the point I wanted to make. GH |
RE: Penny for my thoughts?? Heres a dollars worth!
I'm not really sure what direction my hunting path is going to take. In 2006 I took my first maturebuck with a bow, that was a feeling I'll never forget. Last year I didn't get a buck with the bow, but killed my best buck to that point with a shotgun. Fast forward to this year.....I was seeing very few deer at all until November 1st. I missed a 140+ 8pt, talk about sickening.:(At that point, I just wanted to kill any deer. Then last Saturday, by total luck, I killed my best buck ever with the bow. Sometimes I think I'm getting better at this game, but then when I analyze things, I realize that I'm hunting better ground than I ever have before. Something about location.:D
Even after killing that buck Saturday evening, I still have a buck tag left. Tonight a 3pt came in after a rattling sequence......and I was as pumped up as I could possibly be. Luckily he never came within 30 yards, I'd like to think I would have let him pass, but my trigger fingerstays really itchy. Sometimes you just have to drop the string.;) I'm not a trophy hunter and I never will be. For me its like a night at the bar, everyone is looking for the perfect 10........ until last call. Then all that is required is a heartbeat.[8D] |
RE: Penny for my thoughts?? Heres a dollars worth!
I have learned that I do not hunt to fill anyone elses expectations. I hunt for myself only.I set a standard that I want to meet and if I don't shoot a buck within that standard then there is always next year. I have eaten a little tag soup for four years now, but I don't regret one bit of it.
|
RE: Penny for my thoughts?? Heres a dollars worth!
Couldn't agree more with the first post. I like it. Just helps to reinforce why I'm passing up on these nice 3.5 year olds. Took cell pics this morning of a nice 120-125" 3.5 year old ten point. Just learn to enjoy the moment and the opportunity. And be patient.
|
RE: Penny for my thoughts?? Heres a dollars worth!
For the most part, I understand where you are coming from. The only place I differ is the aspect of where you mention that it wasn't fair to the buck.
I regret a buck I shot last year that was probably a 3.5yo scoring in the high teens or low twenties. I say probably because I never bothered measuring the rack or aging the teeth. But on a lot of standards, he would be considered a nice deer regardless. But my reason for "regret" isn't because I didn't enjoy the hunt and the venison and the thrill of shooting and recovering an animal. My regret is thatmy goalis to shoot a 140"+deer andI shot one of the prime future prospects. I knew he wasn't a 140" when I pulled the trigger, but I did think he was bigger than he was. So my regret wasfor selfish reasons and acknowledgement of lack of discpiline on my part. But as far as the deer is concerned, I don't know how it is any more or less"respectful" to the animal whether or not I jump up and down in excitement and start calling all my buddies or if upon successful recovery, I look at him and wished I would of just shot a doe instead. Only when the meat is wastedis it disrespectful to the animal and therefore not "fair" to the animal. At least that is my opinion. |
RE: Penny for my thoughts?? Heres a dollars worth!
I do nothave the luxury of looking over every buck in the woods. My travels take me from state to state-mostly on DIY hunts. 50 good representations of the speciesfrom each state isplenty enough for me. That's my goal and I'm sticking to it...Think what you want of me.
Gr8, you have taken your game to ahigher level. I respect you for that. Can I ask though, is killing a trophy buck that much harder than killing a shooter buck-take away the fact that there are fewer of them? How much, when you boil it all down, does right time at the right place factor in? In both cases, each deer must be within range, and you will need to go through the same mechanics. Is a trophy buck that much smarter or harder to hit than a shooter? If so, to what degree? Just asking. |
RE: Penny for my thoughts?? Heres a dollars worth!
ORIGINAL: GR8atta2d Gentlemen, especially those that are, or fancy to be, Trophy Hunters. Indulge me, a few moments of your time. Having chased these wiley critters for more years than I care to admit, I became selective when it comes to squeezing the release. I let many "shooters" go by, waiting on those far and few between "Trophies". I have a few, but I've eaten my share of tag soup too, as our section of NE Ohio isn't Southern Ohio or Illinois, or Wisconsin. But it does hold some whoppers, like most areas do. So for the past 2 years I went Buck-less, I had many amazing encounters and thoroughly enjoy the hunt. But this year, I was feeling pressure, mostly internal but also some external pressure, to put a buck on the ground. In the week prior I passed on no less than 15 Bucks. Small ones, not even a question of shooting. I did have a marginal shooter at 15 yards but legal time was past, even though I could have made the shot. Sunday Morning found me on a field edge, when the 90" 8 point walked by me (see Team 2thread), I made a perfect shot and a quick recovery. There was joy, but, upon putting my hands on him, there was as much regret. I didn't get the "high", the lasting effect of killing a truly big buck, even though I shot the biggest one I'd seen during this season. Now many people would be ecstatic about this Buck and that's great. You may be the lucky ones. I took a great animal and am blessed for the opportunity, yet I knew I settled. Thats wasn't fair to me or the Buck. Inhindsight Icould have been just as happy coming home and telling the tale of the buck that I had at 11 yards from the ground stand, and didn't shoot. But you know what? As hunters we are not judged on encounters. We are judged by animals on the ground, and our walls. I got caught up in the impression, and I'm not saying I'll never shoot another small buck with my bow, but if I do it will be special for another reason. I've felt this way since Sunday, I've known all along that I shot a buck I normally wouldn't. I went Hunting Sunday afternoon and Monday and tonight. No time off to enjoy the satisfaction of a well planned and executed hunt. Because I needed to be out there. With only a Doe tag. (we are a 1 Buck State) Tonight Karma came full circle, I saw the buck of my dreams, the local legend. I watched him, texting my wife the whole time. A 10 point came into the field on the heals of a doe. They fed in the cut corn. I watched him for 20 minutes. I ranged him..to be honest allot of things went through my mind. I'm on a private farm and very close to home. I could have taken the doe, it never entered my mind. I watched them feed out of sight in the setting sun. He was a solid 150 class buck. Wide solid main beams, with 5 tines on the left and 4 upward tines on the right with a drop-tine. My dream buck. To be a Trophy Hunter is a commitment, many won't understand or desire this type of hunt and thats fine also. I basically liveWhitetails 24/7 from Mid August through Christmas. There are many worse things than still having a tag in your pocket. I guess this year was a stepping stone, a realization of the type of hunter I desire to be. This doesn't make me any better than anyone, and it's not a debate for what is a good buck, it's just one man's journey. Tag soup ain't for everyone....but I have some good recipes. Great thread and expierence Bob!! Things happen for a reason.:) |
RE: Penny for my thoughts?? Heres a dollars worth!
Consider yourself just lucky to have so many bucks around. Most people, except for the corn belt states, don't and won't see the numbers of bucks you passed this year in several years of hunting. Do what you want. We don't care.
|
RE: Penny for my thoughts?? Heres a dollars worth!
GR8atta2D- I can relate to your views completely. I reached a turning point 3 years ago. Up to that point, I had always been proud of my harvests regardless of size and had been happy for the opportunities that were provided to me. But at the beginning of that season I had made a commitment to begin a quest to harvest only mature bucks with my bow from then on.That fall, Iregretfully pulled the trigger on a nice although not mature buckin amoment of misjudgement, impatience, and self-induced pressure to fill my tag. The resulting feeling ended up being less desirable than the feeling of passing on a deer altogether and eating a tag for a year. That feeling stuck withme for quite some time as well.
I get all the meat i can use from party hunting during slug season with my friends, and I get to have fun taking deer of all sizes in the process. Bow season was to become my personal quest to outwit the smartest and most evasive of all deer. After breaking my own rule that season, I vowed to learn from the experience and realize that the major source of satisfaction was in the hunt itself, not the harvest. I enjoyed the encounters just as much as the actual taking of the deer, so it bacame easier to let the subordinate bucks pass. The next year I passed ona few nice deer andharvested my first truly mature five year oldbuck. Later that season I happened upon another true brute of a mature buck close to my home. I spent the last part oflast season watching him and plottinga strategy to perhaps have a chance to hunt him this year.Early this spring I secured permission to hunt part of his home range, scouted the entire year, and this season I was finally blessed to encounter him several times early on before being presented with a shot at him, which upon harvesting himwas the highlight of my hunting life to date. The satisfaction and thrill ofreachingthe bar which was set so high by myself and mother nature outshadows any other deer I've ever harvested by quite a large margin. It was exactly as I envisioned it would be and was well worth the all the hard work and time invested ten times over. That being said, 'trophy' hunting absolutely isn't for everyone. I wholeheartedly believe the size of a deers antlers or the annual rings in his teeth shouldn't be the criteria for all hunters. The hunt should be a personal choice and should be appreciated by all parties involved no matter the size of the animal or the methods of the harvest. Hunting is a very personal endeavor and should remain exactly that, a personal endeavor. For those of you holding out for 'the one', good luck these next few days. For those that have already filled their tags or plan to fill them soon with whatever deer presents itself, enjoy that moment to its fullest as we are all trulyblessed to live in this land where we can continue to chase our dreams. |
RE: Penny for my thoughts?? Heres a dollars worth!
ORIGINAL: StrikeTrue A trophy in my eyes doesnt always carry a big rack on its head. I think its unnecessary that the big buck culture has you feeling "negative" about taking what im sure is a beautiful buck. I know and understand your motivations and truly believe that what each man/woman decides to shoot is solely their own business and should not/can not be judged by anyone else. That being said your motivations and your own convictions will play a huge role in the overall satisfaction you get from hunting. This further defines the old "to each his own" adage. I hope you find middle ground and get yourself in a situation that has you feeling positive about the pursuit of these great animals. Goodluck. I agree 100%...isnt all about the headgear...its bout the hunt and the experience and if you like it....take it! |
RE: Penny for my thoughts?? Heres a dollars worth!
Couldn't agree more with the first post. I like it. Just helps to reinforce why I'm passing up on these nice 3.5 year olds. Took cell pics this morning of a nice 120-125" 3.5 year old ten point. Just learn to enjoy the moment and the opportunity. And be patient. I'd ask Bob the same question. I'd like to know what you're "Passing" on (or....not attempting to shoot). |
RE: Penny for my thoughts?? Heres a dollars worth!
I've hunted deer for over 40 years and have "trophy" hunted for the last 18. I have probably experienced most of the things that you have written.
But this year, I was feeling pressure, mostly internal but also some external pressure, to put a buck on the ground. Pressure, applied from within, can be a good thing as long as it remains realistic. It can drive you to learn and to fine tune your methods which will cause you to grow as a hunter. Too much self pressure will have the opposite effect and actually harm your hunting progress. when the 90" 8 point walked by me (see Team 2thread), I made a perfect shot and a quick recovery. There was joy, but, upon putting my hands on him, there was as much regret. I didn't get the "high", the lasting effect of killing a truly big buck, even though I shot the biggest one I'd seen during this season. But you know what? As hunters we are not judged on encounters. We are judged by animals on the ground, and our walls. To be a Trophy Hunter is a commitment, many won't understand or desire I'm not trying to bust your chops, just showing you my perspective. Good luck! |
RE: Penny for my thoughts?? Heres a dollars worth!
To be a Trophy Hunter is a commitment, many won't understand or desire Hunting's personal....and what we take from it is "ours" and "ours" alone. Doesn't matter what anyone else thinks. Two year sin a row I've tried to go a certain "route" with my hunting....and taken the fun out of it....two years in a row. Talk about regrets;). I'll figure it out, yet:) |
RE: Penny for my thoughts?? Heres a dollars worth!
ORIGINAL: GMMAT To be a Trophy Hunter is a commitment, many won't understand or desire Hunting's personal....and what we take from it is "ours" and "ours" alone. Doesn't matter what anyone else thinks. Two year sin a row I've tried to go a certain "route" with my hunting....and taken the fun out of it....two years in a row. Talk about regrets;). I'll figure it out, yet:) |
RE: Penny for my thoughts?? Heres a dollars worth!
ORIGINAL: GMMAT Couldn't agree more with the first post. I like it. Just helps to reinforce why I'm passing up on these nice 3.5 year olds. Took cell pics this morning of a nice 120-125" 3.5 year old ten point. Just learn to enjoy the moment and the opportunity. And be patient. I'd ask Bob the same question. I'd like to know what you're "Passing" on (or....not attempting to shoot). |
RE: Penny for my thoughts?? Heres a dollars worth!
It's suppose to be fun. If it isn't, do it differently.
|
RE: Penny for my thoughts?? Heres a dollars worth!
It's suppose to be fun. If it isn't, do it differently. You've made a very good point and it should go without saying that obviously the ability to harvest 150+ class deer depends on geographic location. While here in Iowa I can pass on P&Y deer multiple times a season while holding out for a giant, that very deer I'm passing may be a giant in your locale and you may only get a crack at one like that once in a blue moon.A trophy is based on where you live, how much time you have to invest in hunting, and the average age of the deer population on the land you have permission to hunt. Although this stuff seems like common sense, they are good points to include in this thread. |
RE: Penny for my thoughts?? Heres a dollars worth!
Great original post gr8atta2d, and some great comments made to it. It is all about what makes you happy. I wish you the best of luck in the future!
|
RE: Penny for my thoughts?? Heres a dollars worth!
ORIGINAL: davidmil It's suppose to be fun. If it isn't, do it differently. |
RE: Penny for my thoughts?? Heres a dollars worth!
GR8,
Great post. really makes you think while reading it. I have 5 deer on my wall. My best "trophy" is not there (i'll get back to this one). When i go into my den and see the deer on the wall what comes to mind is memories of the hunt that put them there. When people ask about them i find myself getting into the story of who was with me, the odd thing the deer did, how i got so lucky etc. I give thanks for every deer that created those memories. I have no idea what they would score Now, my best trophy. I would trade all of the deer on my wall for a doe that i didn't even shoot myself. My first hunt ever was with my 12 year old daughter on a youth hunt. We went out all day and she took a doe at 125 yards at last light. It ranks up there with the best days of my life. I should have mounted that doe. It's the story i think of and tell the most about hunting. |
RE: Penny for my thoughts?? Heres a dollars worth!
I just had this conversation with myself last week. I set out Saturday with one tag left in my pocket and a plan to use it only on a nice rack. Well Iwas in my tree and ready at 6:40.At 9:15 I see a deer come through a field about 130 yards in front of me. I see that it's a young buck. Well he starts to leave the point that I'm on so I grab my can call turn it over a few times. He hears it and comes inon a string. At 28 yards I stopped him and heart shot him. Afterward I set there and thought that wasn't the buck that I had set out to kill but I was extremely happy. I came to the conclussion setting there that I'm not cut out to trophy hunt. I have gotten to where I can let little bucks and does walk but I've always been just a bowhunter not a tropphy bowhunter and Lord willing I'll stay that way.
|
RE: Penny for my thoughts?? Heres a dollars worth!
I agree i was raised to hunt for the meat and every now and then u get a nice buck that walks past ya.
|
RE: Penny for my thoughts?? Heres a dollars worth!
GR8,
Great post!!! I came to realization a few years ago that I was a trophy hunter, i aspired to not just shoot that monster buck, but earn it. I watch many of smaller deer walk by everyday i hunt. In my youth i would have shoot those deer, now just years later i have learned to let them walk and grow. the other day i watched a 120' 8 point walk by. An hour later a 170 to 180 10 point came in on doe, I didnt get a shot with my bow, but i learned that deer was there. It gave me the motivation I needed to continue my quest for the season. I have passed up my fair of bucks and eat my fair share of tags, but the feeling you get when you see a shooter walk in is priceless, when my stomach flips i know its on. I have shot my fair share of small bucks, and as my friend said once you 've shot a spike whats the point of taking another. Some might not agree but how will we ever have big bucks if everyone keeps shooting them when there young. Its a mentality issue!! If you want meat, shoot a doe!! just about every state would love to see doe kills go up. That small buck has potential. I was dropping off a buck that my dad shot this weekend at the butcher and all the guys stood around it asking how it got so big, i told them as they were standing there with there fork horns, we let them grow!!! Now we see good deer almost every sit, the other morning i saw 9 bucks. Sure the meat hunters argument is i shoot it for meat, but that meat hunter will show off a nice buck just as much as a trophy hunter will. Im with GR8 |
| All times are GMT -8. The time now is 06:44 PM. |
Copyright © 2026 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.