GR8atta2d

I've heard the statement "Never pass up a buck during the season that you'd be proud to shoot on the last day of the season" or something similiar to that.

I don't agree with that statement (for me personally) and I'll state why. But I'd like to hear other replies..either for or against this statement.

My reasons.
In Ohio it is a very long season (Last weekend in Sept to Feb 4th.) Obviously hopes and expectations are high at the seasons beginning. I generally look for a "Wall Hanger" in my area that's say 120's and up.
It never fails that I pass up a few 80-100 class bucks prior to rut. the rut this year seemed non existant in my area during daylight hours due to temps?? or what-ever.
So a wall hanger was not seen from the stand.
Now, we're well into small game season and have been through most of gun season with the only the 16&17th left. Then Muzzle-loader comes in. The deer, and especially the bucks (those that survived this long) are awful spooky.

If that same 100 class buck wandered into range now I'd take it without hesitation and be proud of it. This is not to say I wouldn't have been proud of him in October, but I'd have robbed myself of many hours in the stand. Like most of you guys, it's being there, never knowing what will ultimately happen that makes it fun. The kill is the ..call it.. reward, and final payment on your time and efforts. Lack of a kill, does not make the season a failure.
I took a doe for meat earlier in the season with my bowand enjoyed every part of that hunt. I took a buck in Pa Rifle season and enjoyed that also.

But the fact that I still have a buck tag and thus the opportunity in Ohio keeps my senses sharp and my desire high. But you guys know the late season is TOUGH and also time afield is limited due to available daylight and Holiday activities etc.

I would view an opportunity at a higly alert and heavily pressured buck differently now than I would have say in Oct.

Anyway this thread wasn't for any real reason or justification of anything..I just am curious to the thoughts of others.

I guess I could see that statement having merit in a much shorter season. Where the up and down, swings are not so great.

GMMAT

I've let bucks walk that I might or might not shoot if I get the ooportunity, again. I don't find anything wrong with this, at all. What I won't do is shoot one of them....JUST to say I filled a buck tag. I'm not saying you said that, either.

jeff

buttonbuckmaster

I see your point of view. My standards stay the same throughout the season, if I won't shoot him onopening day, I won't shoot him on the last day.

Killer_Primate

I agree 100%. Like I tell my kids - there is nothing wrong with hunting, there is nothing wrong with not hunting. There is also nothing wrong with deciding not to kill something that you previously decided would be a taker.
I know exactly what you mean, well sort of, since we get 3 antlered and 3 antlerless tags in VA, I'm rarely out of buck tags, since I try to be picky. But where you only get one tag, to fill it early, is to be done hunting! And it may sound out of place, but of all the things that revolve around hunting, whether it be scouting, planning, shooting, killing, butchering, taking photos, showing off photos, bragging or whatever else - nothing is as fun, as the actual time hunting. Not sure why, but that's how I feel about it...

huntingson

My standards don't change throughout the season. I certainly don't see anything wrong with doing so, though. Just the way I am I guess... stubborn.

huntingdiva1

I have only hunted two whitetail seasons now. Last year I got a nice 8-point, this year a 9-point. Also, a doe. Anyway, back to your question; for me, I will only take a buck that is as good as or better than what I have already taken. I would rather let them grow to be bigger for next year. If that means that I might not get a buck some years, so be it, I would rather only take an animal when it is at its best. I do not just want to kill something just to kill it. That said; I think every hunter must decide for themselves what works best.

-Hoytgirl

Killer_Primate

You go girl!

Kind of ironic that a lady had the cawhona's (sp) to start this argument again!

Let'em go, and let'em grow baby!

JESUS loves archers

It will be interesting to hear what atlasman has to say about this.

Germ

I think I will sit this one out!

GMMAT

Atlas has intelligent arguments to thwart the "let 'em grow" forces.

It's the "if they be brown...then they be down" theory. He's one of the US's most prolific vealison dealers.....and I'd probably give $1K just to meet him.

Jeff