I was a sportsmanon openingand didn't shoot the spike buck that walked underneath my deer stand; hoping he will grow up to be a trophy. Afterwords I found that everyone hunting the woods I was in is shooting spike bucks.

This is why it is called hunting, not killing.

dont beat yourself up about it. Think the bigger picture eventually you will get the chance at a big one then all the ones you passed on over the years wont even be a thought. Let em grow.

dont worry about it that just goes to show the control you have and how trigger happy they are....i know alot of folks that go by "if its brown its down" and i just dont believe in that

IMO you did the right thing even though it's hard to do. I have killed two doe(1 bow & 1 muzzleloader) and have passed on several spikes and forkhorns, so I understand your frustration.

good choice...you cant dictact (unless you are the LAW) what others do...so dont worry about them....just yourself

I have passed on a fork horn and a spike this year. Both broadside within 10-12 yards. And I havent even taken a buck with my bow yet, only a doe. its all about what will make you happy

Passed on a 5 and an 8 today. I always pass little ones. Should probably have taken the 8. He was nice. Velvet remnantshanging from his tines. Was pushing a couple does.

I've past on some small bucks over the years hoping they'll become bigger bucks the following year . Then you hear the guys in the woods that boarders the woods you hunt in to open fire i don't know for sure if they get all that they shoot at but I've never seen them again .One was a small drop tine 7 pter, first drop tine I've ever seen in the woods . This year is the worst year for me ,I've been out alot and only seen 4 doe's and one small 3pter, Normally i have doe's and bucks coming in al around me but not this year just about to hang it up for the year.

let them waste tags on spikes. hunt for a mature buck.