Good read about killing a smaller buck or doe.
- Thread starter rsmith
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So many times I️ see people post crap like “not the biggest deer” or “not a buck on the hit list” like just get out, enjoy the hunt, and if something comes in and gets your heart racing and your nerves jumping than by all means let one fly. No need to justify shooting a deer to anyone, especially because you just took that deers life, honor it with pride not shame.
Sgt Fury
Sgt. Spellchecker
I love helping someone track their first deer. The look on their face and the excitement in their voice is priceless.
Well timed read for me! Especially this portion: "Take the time this season to revisit your hunting roots. Remember the excitement that came with success in those early days."
Bingo! Just have fun.
Yesterday I shot a doe. In the rut! (Insert shocked gasp sound here) "You don't shoot does during the rut!?!" And you know what? I liked it and would do it again.
Just hunt and have fun. It's that simple.
Yesterday I shot a doe. In the rut! (Insert shocked gasp sound here) "You don't shoot does during the rut!?!" And you know what? I liked it and would do it again.
Just hunt and have fun. It's that simple.
What you did yesterday embodies where I'm heading with my hunting. I miss the adventure and excitement that comes with uncharted territory. I had that 18 years ago when I was just starting out, but it's been lost as I mire away in a mundane existence trying to cram a round peg in a square hole on our farm. I need to get back to exploring and just enjoying the adventure. Whatever meat I may take home as a result becomes icing on the cake!
tpierce
Junior Member
I couldn't agree more. I'm 60 yrs old, and never got a bigger buck than 7 pts. When I shot that 8 pt 3 days ago I could not have been happier. I have seen much bigger deer, and not had a shot, which to me is just as big a thrill as killing one. In the end, what matters most to me is spending time in the woods with friends and family, or by myself. As tough as it is to get up at 4am and trek long distances in tough conditions, I wouldn't trade it for anything. To see deer when I go out is always a special thing for me. Yesterday I shot a button buck and doe in 10 minutes. Both down quick. It happened fast and I made 2 difficult shots. I was as thrilled with each of them as I was with my buck. I have hunted many years and not harvested a deer. Any deer I harvest is a blessing and a rush regardless of sex or size.
Part of the reason that I pass younger bucks early on in the season is that I don't want that chase to end so quickly. It also comes down to what I'm carrying that day. I'll pass a smaller buck with my crossbow that I may not pass with my traditional bow. Still looking for that first trad kill.
Another thing that we get caught up in is that a "small buck is easier to kill than a mature buck" so excuses are made if a small buck is harvested.
Another thing that we get caught up in is that a "small buck is easier to kill than a mature buck" so excuses are made if a small buck is harvested.
Last year I killed my smallest buck to date. I was so damn proud to put my hands on him and still am.
“The thrill of the hunt”
As time has changed i have changed as well. With that my goals and expectations have changed. I live this experience every time I see a deer...I’m never sure of the outcome when I lay my eyes on a deer, any deer. They all freak me out and get my heart thumping! Shame? Hahaha, only fools deal with shame. Man up, own what you do and live without regret. Who cares what Billy down the road does.
I think the area a lot of guys fail in this is in “expectations”. “I did this and that.” “I invested this much time...” blah blah blah. Good for you buddy, them deer don’t owe you a thing! I used to be caught up in this...Bobby Bushay’s momma says it best “trail cameras are the devil”.
“The thrill of the hunt”
As time has changed i have changed as well. With that my goals and expectations have changed. I live this experience every time I see a deer...I’m never sure of the outcome when I lay my eyes on a deer, any deer. They all freak me out and get my heart thumping! Shame? Hahaha, only fools deal with shame. Man up, own what you do and live without regret. Who cares what Billy down the road does.
I think the area a lot of guys fail in this is in “expectations”. “I did this and that.” “I invested this much time...” blah blah blah. Good for you buddy, them deer don’t owe you a thing! I used to be caught up in this...Bobby Bushay’s momma says it best “trail cameras are the devil”.
Dave really hit the key buzz word with "expectations". At some point, I want to spin that off in to its own thread. I had, and still do on occasion, some skewed expectations. Sure makes for some frustrating moments.
I'm finding that I like to find a buck that I want to kill, and try like hell to get it done. If I don't, oh well, I'll sit in a pinch point and enjoy the view. I've been lucky the last 4 years, that luck is sure to run out. I shot a 120's 8 point last year that wasn't very old. That hunt was bad ass, got my blood pumping and that's what it's all about. Shoot what you want, and be happy about it.
And what always happens when you hold something that high? Only one way to fall...
Agreed. It's a constant struggle for certain personality types and I know you get that. Hence why I still struggle at times!
I have never understood how ppl lose focus on their roots for hunting. It’s an activity based on traditions and one must always keep them front and center from hunt prep to stacking that meat in their freezer or hanging one on their way.
Jesse, expectations or measurement systems. A topic we have gone round and round about for years lol!
Jesse, expectations or measurement systems. A topic we have gone round and round about for years lol!
Measurements...my success should have nothing to do with yours. Inches shouldn’t even be a part of measuring.