If its just going into a book, I wouldnt do it. I feel that is for people who need there egos stroked every now and then.
But if a citation for the wall came with it then I would only because when I look at my fishing citations, they trigger some great memories that I normally wouldnt think about.


AllenC

Having my name in a record book means nothing to me. If I do get a record deer just knowing I did the work to get it is enough for me. And a picture or two.

I personally wouldn't care much about the record book entry, but I would enter anything above 180 because it's big enough to give my state some credit for having some big deer. New York isn't known for producing a lot of monsters, but I think the potential is there if we could get a few more past the year and a half stage. This past season, a guy took a 190 class buck only about 40 miles away. I enjoyed hearing about it and was happy to know that the potential for that size rack existed in the area. Actually, the "Luckey" buck (NYS typical record) and the NYS non-typical were both shot only about 20 miles from where I live so the potential is there and it gives me a little more anticipation in my hunts just knowing it. On the really big ones, I think other hunters want to know about them.

Great posts everyone, I have enjoyed reading.

For me I feel a lot like Straight, and for the most part have a lot of the same philosophies as many of you. I really could care less about entering a book deer, except for giving credit to the buck and the state.

One thing....I wish there was record book that strictly focused on "gross score" Why? simply because its my personal feeling that if an animal grows it he ought to be recognized for it. I wouldnt mind a typical category, but would like to do away with the nontypical category since main frame imperfections in symmetry are still deducted. Not for myself, but for the bucks that often are tremendous, yet dont do well in the current scoring system.

I do like looking at bucks and bulls and knowing their score, BUT the thing I like to know most about a book class deer or elk is learning to whom and how the animal was harvested. I love reading or hearing about the "hardcore" hunter who works his tail off getting a nice animal, versus... the one who simply does the shooting. Hunting is more than just making a good shot. Just my opinions.

IHW,
Shed

bump

I do like the idea of a record keeping institute and it does make for some interesting reading. My home state gets alot of credit for monster non typicals but in over 20 years of dear hunting in this state I have never seen a true non typical buck-big or small. As far as the book goes I think they should up the minimum standards. A 125 buck is not that big or that unusal. Just look at the number of lower end deer that make the book each year. With the trends we are currently experiencing in numbers and quality, I think a 150 would be a more appropriate score for the book. Reguardless if a deer makes the book has nothing to do with it being a trophy. Some of my best memories are of small bucks or does were everything worked out perfect or the first two bucks my sons took with their bows on our own property.

to me it dosn't matter, the books mean nothing to me. I am just happy to have the right to hunt & enjoy the chance to get to do what I love to do. to me the greatest honor is just the fact I got the animal and that God has given me the abilities to hunt.