I have been on her long enough (not long!) to see the many "Should I Shoot or Let Him Walk?" threads. The answer, ladies and gentleman, will never change!! It is up to YOU and only YOU to make the decision. A few questions that play into it. 1. What kind of hunting pressure is there on the land I hunt? What are the chances he will survive the season? The competetive factor plays a major role. 2. Is he a trophy in MY eyes? No one else can determine if YOU like the deer. Some people like those crazy bucks with character and some like those massive 6's (guilty believe it or not). 3. Finally, am i willing to use a tag on him? Most people get 1. Make it count! Im not going to lie though, it's still cool to see all your trail cam pics!!!!! Just my two cents.
You got that right. The threads will never stop. And the answer will never change. Most of the time I am pretty sure the hunter wants to kill the deer, but is looking for "approval" from their peers. Since the internet got to the point it is, and trophy hunting got so big, some people think they will be judged for shooting a "small" buck. I think most times though when that deer walks by, the hunters true emotions kick in, he forgets about the judgement he is afraid of, and takes the shot. And Im one of the excited ones waiting to see the picture, spike or 200" monster!
If it doesn't make the grade but you still want to shoot it you could label it a "cull buck " or "management buck"
Great point! The acceptance of others is what people are looking for. I'm just as happy for the guy who shoots the spike as for the guy who shoots the bruiser.
So funny to see this post and read those "3 Questions" to ask your self, because I am wrestling over a deer I call "Minnesota Fats," and that is not because of his antlers. He is 3x3 Mulley, not very wide, but good height and mass. Here is the thing, he is huge (really fat, been eating that good corn), massive neck and body. I am really struggling over if the opportunity presents itself, because he will probably not make it out of rifle season, because he has antlers But if he does... oh man! Just written about it, I am going back in fourth in my head:0
