RE: Meat or antlers
 

I couldn't have said it better .

RE: Meat or antlers
 

Both. I shoot does that provides for my family and reduces the doe herd as needed. I will only shoot mature bucks and save the smaller bucks for seed. I have 2 boys hunting now ages 10 and 12. My 10 tear old has killed a doe when he was 8 and last year killed a 9 pt 168# for his first buck. My 12 year old has killed a 6pt, 8pt, and 2 does. The year he killed the 8 pt he passed shooting a spike and a 6 pt. He now understands to wait and let the smaller bucks live to get a chance at a larger buck and saving the small ones for next year. My youngest dosn't grasp that yet and thats alright. Look out forky. Given time he will learn to pass the smaller bucks up. I hope most hunters grasp this style of harvest to help the herd and give the bucks some age to maturity. Shoot does for meat and mature bucks only. Kids and new hunters being the exception.

RE: Meat or antlers
 

BnB, I think what you are doing with your kids is a good thing. We need more hunters like you and your kids. Good job.

RE: Meat or antlers
 

what ever i see that is leagal

RE: Meat or antlers
 

Both,a big maturebuck is the best of both worlds.

RE: Meat or antlers
 

Its meat for me.

A big rack is good for bragging rights but I shoot the first legal buck I see.

There have been a few times where I shot the smaller buck out of 2 or 3 because the smaller one presented a better shot or was closer.

Me and the kids really go through the jerky.

RE: Meat or antlers
 

For the meat for me

RE: Meat or antlers
 

I hunt for meat also. Now ifone thats got some nice headgear steps out I'll shoot, but I'll always take the first legal one that presents me the shot.

RE: Meat or antlers
 

I love deer to eat but I'm a trophy hunter also. We can shoot one buck only so I want the challenge of a mature buck. If I had to hunt to survive then it would be different. Not oneof us hunt just for the meat anymore. It's for the sport and fun of it. We can get all the meat we want without hunting. So you can feel superior for being a meat hunter but you ain't fooling me.

I see this question every year along with scoring a buck for the record books. Some always make it known that they are somehow better for having only the most pure reasons for hunting.

It doesn't matter to me why you hunt. As long as we are all ethical and follow the laws then go for it. Just don't judge me and my reasons for hunting.

RE: Meat or antlers
 

Nicely said, KY. I hunt for the enjoymen of being outdoors and in the timber. It clears my mind and rejuvenates me. I hunt for antlers, but the meat is definitely not wasted. There are plenty of needy families out there and I donate a large part of what I take every year. My family doesnt care for the meat, but they do like the sausage and jerky that we get from the deer. Its a hell of a lot better for them than chips and junk food!

I teach my kids not to waste anything and to never kill just for enjoyment. Any life is sacred, and to take it wantonly is just plain wrong. I definitely enjoy the rackhanging on the wall, but I also treasure the memories and the meat that I bring home.