Blinded by inches...what mature really is.

so i guess i would label myself as a trophy hunter but i consider a ''mature'' buck, regardless of antler size to be a trophy. that buck lived that long because he has become better than all the others, which to me doesnt get much better.

 

Sorry I didnt really give an answer Ty. It is hard to say because I feel like I do a combination of things like Pat. For me it also is kind of in the moment, and I am not saying start of season or last day more like what I think at the moment I see the buck.

 

I dont have the land to hunt just mature bucks yes iv seen them but the 10 acers i hunt i appreciate what ever walks bye. I let the little bucks go but have yet to figure out the difference in a mature small rack and a large young rack. So anything say mid 120's and up is introuble! Good hunting!

 

tynimiller i loved this post and i too have been guilty of the big rack philosophy. In my opinion i think all this trophy talk completely ruins the hunt. Last season i busted my butt all year hunted every day and had multiple opportunities to take what many would call sub par bucks but i held out for the big one. That is not my true character and honesly im ashamed that i too succumbed to the peer pressure. I remember when i first started hunting i didnt care what the deer was if it was brown it hits the ground. thats what was the most fun for me anyways. Last year i kept feeling like id be less of a hunter if i didnt shoot a big buck. The true trophy is what it means to you and what you get out of it, not just gloating and showing your pictures around fishing for compliments. Everyone wants to sound like they are pros passing on bucks and what not. But did you pass the buck because YOU didnt want to shoot it because of your priorities or because your friends would make fun of you? But this year im reverting back to my roots and hay day when i hunted because it was fun, not to impress anyone. Im not knocking on the guys who wait for the big ones, everyone has priorities, i just think that people need to reassess themselves and do what truely makes them happy.

 

So i guess im going to be a freezer filler but if the big guy walks past im blessed! just out to get some horns this year reguardless of size.

Besides, inches only really matter to your girl right

 

Your problem with mature buck hunting is obvious. You weren't hunting for yourself. Bowhunting is personal not a team sport. Only you matter in how you hunt, your friends (so called) and peers have no say in the matter.

You are right..... hunt for yourself, do what makes you happy. There should be no peer pressure. It's no ones business but your own.

Also, hunt to your capabilities. Not everyone is capable or cut out to be a selective mature buck hunter. To do so requires quite an investment of time and effort which a lot of people just can't do. Unfortunately this is usually when the excuses and whining start. Sadly, this is one of the sports that brings out jealousy.

 

Great Post!

 

Agree with Bruce...GREAT POST!

 

I also agee, great post.