Huntingbry...congratulating someone for consistently shooting immature bucks is kinda like congratulating a guy for bringing home a fat ugly chick from the bar every weekend. There is little challenge in it, they are gullable, they are everywhere, and they come running when you call them in.<img src=icon_smile_shock.gif border=0 align=middle><img src=icon_smile_tongue.gif border=0 align=middle><img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>

Edited by - wolfen68 on 09/04/2002 12:05:54

I agree with Aussie-guy. If it's &quot;only a doe&quot; or &quot;only a small buck&quot;, then let it go.

We each have our own definition of a trophy. If my goal is to kill a doe and I do, then goal accomplished. For me though, it wouldn't be a trophy. I've shot many of them and the sense of accomplishment is not all that great for me. It's not what I'm primarily looking for. With bucks, I'm looking for 2.5 yr or older ones. I just don't like shooting the little ones, but that's me. To each, his own.

Even though your last post was funny, Wolfen68, I'd still reserve judgement on those guys. The reason is that if you're stuck on public land, you almost have to take what God offers you, because you might not get another chance. I may change my opinion after I reach the &quot;trophy hunter&quot; plateau, but for right now, I can't imagine letting my freezer go empty because I'm looking for something better. I think what I'd do is fill the freezer first, then trophy hunt. (Maybe)

<font color=orange>Go #20!</font id=orange>

Hey man, no need to be busting on fat chicks here<img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>
I will congratulate anyone on a bow kill as long as they themselves are proud of it. Don't shoot what you aren't proud of. If you shoot something just to say you did, then that really isn't right. But if you shoot a small buck and it truly means something to you then no one can question why you shot it, they may not understand, but they shouldn't bust on you for it.

Some things are true whether you believe them or not.

I had an awesome year last year, so this year I am passing up small bucks and will shoot does instead. The only problem with this is, it seems like I see all kinds of does, until I decide I want to shoot one.

Hunting is a right, treat it like a priviledge - respect nature

Everyones definition of a trophy differs. I know Wolfen passes on 120 class animals, I'm yet to see one while bowhunting and would never pass on a 120 class animal. Hopefully with our AR, and our own restrictions I should see more and more and perhaps then I'll raise my standards even more but until then. I think this is what happens on public land. Some are satisfied with a 4pt because the next guy will shoot it anyway, however we educate everyone, that might not be the case. I understand the dilemna on public land and I would never condemn anyone for shooting a smaller buck, especially first ones with a bow and new to the sport but if you want larger bucks, you must pass the smaller ones especially with a sole buck tag. So in a way, Wolfen has a point.

I agree that all deer taken with a bow is a trophy, period.

I also think that taking mature doe is harder than taking 1.5 year old bucks.

I think it's a great idea to raise one's standards each year. Success and satisfaction doesn't mean you have to take a animal home every trip or every year. I personally pass up to 10 bucks sometimes many more each year. These bucks are 1.5 year olds. I know this is my area, not public land but....I'd never shoot an older one tagging a young one.

But I digress off the topic at hand. If you shoot it, you should be proud of it and say so. I may even take a young buck this year, with the lack of time etc...but you can bet it will be the last week if I do. If I choose to, that is my choice and I'll be proud as a peacock because I took it with a bow and you'll see the pic and I'll be smiling.!

<font color=blue>Good Luck and Good Shooting</font id=blue>

<font color=red>Rob</font id=red>

wimp, well put.

wolfen, LMAO.<img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle> My point is just what wimp was saying. If a hunter is proud of what he/she shoots, I feel they deserve congratulations. I they shoot something just because they feel the need to kill and then regret it, they need to learn some self control to avoid the regret. Very funny post.

Rob, I agree that to get bigger bucks you must let the little guys go, but if a hunter isn't after bigger bucks and he is happy and proud to shoot a small buck, good for him. I can't condemn him because I want that buck to grow up so I can shoot it. That's all I'm saying.
Good luck to all this year, and I hope we all get what we are after.

Edited by - huntingbry on 09/04/2002 14:41:35

Yep...it's the Halloween buck!!!!! (taken Nov.1....close enough for me).

I couldn't agree more PA. I am as proud of this buck as I could be of any. They are all trophies to me.

Another hot topic form last year....I got my Cardeer neclace and I'm ready to try it out. Thanks cardeer....it will be carried with me on every hunt and I'll value it as long as I'm able to hunt (and even after).

Visit my hunting homepage.... http://www.geocities.com/hogshooter_2000

Good topic, I think every deer harvested is a trophy especially with a bow, I know mine are. The first deer I harvested with a bow was just a lil ole doe, but I was the happiest man on earth. Meathunter awesome buck cant say to much on the hat tho'....lol.

# 24 rules

please dont get me wrong harvesting a deer any deer is great and wonderful and shouldnt be taken for granted. But for me being out in the woods and seeing nature all around me is a most wonderful thing. Taking that doe or buck at 10 yards while your heart is pumping almost loud enough for the guy in the next county to hear and letting that arrow fly. Damn I still have to wait 4 weeks . Im not sure I can wait that long. My hearts pumping as im writing this. Have fun and good luck to everyone.