Right, learning takes place everytime one hits the woods in one way or another. I simply just don't view the shoot anything to get some under your belt blanket advice applies to everyone. I just think everyone, whether a first year hunter or 30 year vet, or most of us inbetween, should shoot what makes them happy.
You are absolutely right. I've been saying this all along. However, the fact of the matter is that a person will become more proficient at killing deer by killing deer. There is no denying that. Everyone is going to learn this lesson one way or another. Hopefully one of the hard lessons won't be on their buck of a lifetime. I try to be as prepared for that moment as I possibly can. This includes being proficient at making the kill shot under all conditions. It would be hard to argue that practice wouldn't help one at becoming a better hunter.
My personal goal is 140 inches or bigger and it has been for awhile now... I have no thoughts of re-evaluating my standards, at least not at this point in my life... things may change as I get older. Over the past six seasons I have taken a deer every other season. I don't personally shoot does either... my wife is new to hunting so if we need a "meat deer" I take her out and let her fill the freezer. Of course if a bruiser walks out while my she's in the shooter's chair it's going to get ventilated! Although we havn't been lucky enough for that to happen yet... just a matter of time. I don't feel the NEED to kill a deer every year to consider it a successful season.
Well taking last year into account.... apparrently 2 I lowered my standards, I had a tough time with that for a while, I learned alot. Every year is different, I'll have solid goals going into this year, circumstances may change those, but if I do take a shot at a buck..my pride will fly along with that arrow.
