JNTURK

Statistically I would say those who hunt back east (due to the fact that most hunt private lands, unlike most persons who hunt out west) are more inclined to "claim a buck". I apologize for making it sound like "all" eastern hunters do this because I know for a fact that is not true. But I do think that there are more back east who do that then those out west. And to prove my point how many people on this forum say, " i finally got him," or "3 years of passing him pays off." To say that those out west don't claim bucks I know is not true either, but I am simply saying based on statistics I would say MORE persons hunting out east are likely to "claim a buck" then those hunting out west.

that aside, Pope stick with those deer and good luck getting one soon!

125py

7:30 Why so late getting there? just asking

IL-Cornfed

Aahhhh, sounds like a typical midwest style deerhunting day!!! Sad but true!

Pope94/IA

Im not really sure why. I would like to get out alot earlier like I do bowhunting but that doesn't go over to well with my group. We get breakfast at the town restraunt at 6:00 then meet at my grandparents house to get the game plan. And by then its around 7:00-7:30.

Jeeze the first page of replies were kinda harsh. Thanks to you guys who understand why im posting. Im just trying to vent a little. Im sure most of you guys have complained about another persons way of hunting.

You can't really find any public hunting in Iowa that somebody else doesn't hunt. Building a high fence isn't hunting in my opinion.
Everybody just ignore that I tried claiming that buck... I know its not my buck and anybody can shoot it. Many other bucks that I have gotten on trail camera were shot too.

Todd1700

I have said the following in another thread but since you must have missed it I will repeat it here.

I like to hunt for big bucks too. And in that pursuit I pass on the small bucks on my land and try to wait for the older bucks. But that is purely a personal choice on my part. It is not the "Right" or "morally superior" reason to hunt. Hunting to put meat on the table is something that humans have done for thousands of years. It's the reason humans started hunting in the first place. And remains the primary reason most people still do it today.

The lust for big horns or the perception that killing a big buck is the most desirable outcome of a hunt is a relatively new concept. One pushed hard by the TV shows and outfitters of the hunting industry in this country. People that want you to "lust" for killing something with big horns bad enough to come pay anywhere from 3000 to 10,000 dollars for the honor. Gee, no wonder they promote big horns as the end all be all of hunting huh?

MOhunter46

Pope, i think the main reason this thread ticked me off is because you live in IOWA! Theres more big bucks runnin around im sure. And theres bad hunters everywhere, its just the way it is. I know my post earlier was a bit harsh, but c'mon man, suck it up and hunt, just sayin.

JNTURK

There has got to be some NF or BLM or wildlife areas somewhere in Iowa?? If not, then try and do what you can to keep the deer on your side of the fence or learn there escape routes after the loggers go and shoot opening morning.