A story of frustration, and a less than awesome solution

[Mortenson]

 

[Bill Loser]

Same here. With many - it's a competition of sorts. The guys who shoot deer every year are "good hunters" - while the guys who don't "fill their tags" are lesser woodsmen. It's a macho thing really. (I'm referring to MY home hunting ground - not everyone else's !! )

When I was younger, I wanted to kill deer every year, so other guys would think "He knows his way around in the woods." I took pride in my filed tags back then. But after a few years of shooting basket-racks with a big 10" spread - or a really big 12"-er - I wanted something worthy of a taxi-man visit. Once I shot a wallhanger, my tastes changed to pursuing the bigger, mature ones ............ older bucks. Consequently, I've passed on a number of "avg." bucks the last few years - which I would have killed some years ago. I LIKE the feeling of letting them walk for another year, hoping they grow to make me - and others - slobber next fall. I'm not about "just meat" anymore. I take pride in trying to grow a better age structure, with more mature bucks prowling the woods. But that's just me - not condemning others' views.

Alot of this is true, but there is also the fact that not everyone has the same goals. I havent seen a buck on here that i would let walk, anywhere, ever.
My goal is to get meat first, not because i need it to survive or am under the misconception that its cheaper than beef,but because i love venison. I really dont put a whole lot of stock in horns, they hurt my teeth!
That being said, i have never killed a true wall hanger, my biggest to date is a maybe 130" 12 I shot 10 years ago. Maybe I would change my mind if I started seeing/getting bigger deer. I dont think so though.

 

[jsasker007]

Meat can be found on does also

 

[Bill Loser]

Yes it can. So?

 

[Tree Spud]

Meat can be found on does also

That is a foreign notion to many. Most likely why they never see a mature buck as they keep shooting 1.5-3.5 year old bucks and not a doe for meat.

 

[Bill Loser]

That is a foreign notion to many. Most likely why they never see a mature buck as they keep shooting 1.5-3.5 year old bucks and not a doe for meat

Some dont care if the meat comes on a 3 year old 8 or a 5 year old doe .
I certainly don't care what everyone else shoots. I have never and will never judge anyone for their choice of what to shoot. I simply pointing out that not everyones goals are your goals( not you specifically tree spud) . What i have seen is all trophy hunting does is divide the hunting community more. To much judging, and "educating " the neighbors to only shoot what i want them to shoot. If you and your neighbors want to only shoot trophies thats great. If my neighbor wants to shoot every 1 year old he sees, thats his prerogative ( im a bit more picky myself ) . What im saying is why not let evry hunter decide what makes him happy and be happy with that?

 

[roymunson]

Bill, I think what the others are saying is if you're hunting for meat, why bother with a young buck?

The main difference in bucks and does for huntability is the antlers. If you really have blood lust (Which I do sometimes) take it out on a doe and let that 2 year old walk.

Delaying a little gratification is good for people.

That said, if it's legal, I may roll my eyes, but i wont stop you. Have fun out there. I just wish people could see the other side where hunting a mature buck is so much more fun than putting a 2 year old buck on the ground, like you have for the last 5 years.

 

[Mortenson]

No fault to any given hunter, but I think it's a curve that many guys are on, to bag some racks and have a collection. Eventually many just want something bigger, but many don't also. I'm just out of room and don't want any more racks unless it's a shoulder mount. Most of my subpar racks collect dust, although my kids do love playing with all of them. I know of one buck this year I'll probably shoot and not mount, if given the chance, because of some history with him and his age and uniqueness. He's on his downhill slide, but I still like his rack. If would've turned out being a busted up scuzzy lookin 5 pointer, then no I'm not burning my tag on him just for his jawbone and bootleather meat.

 

[BenAllgood]

Also, I know i'm set up to win if theres no baiting. I have 10+ acres that I could brushhog corn and own the area if there was no other baiting. So I'm not some victim here, I'm just talking about options.

What if you cut some of it and left most standing? Then overseeded the cut parts with cereals and/or brassicas?

 

[Bill Loser]

Bill, I think what the others are saying is if you're hunting for meat, why bother with a young buck?

The main difference in bucks and does for huntability is the antlers. If you really have blood lust (Which I do sometimes) take it out on a doe and let that 2 year old walk.

Delaying a little gratification is good for people.

That said, if it's legal, I may roll my eyes, but i wont stop you. Have fun out there. I just wish people could see the other side where hunting a mature buck is so much more fun than putting a 2 year old buck on the ground, like you have for the last 5 years.

I know what everyone is saying. Doing that is your choice , if that makes you happy then have at it. Myself, i dont much care about racks , if i see a deer and i feel like shooting it, I do ,if I dont ,I dont. I have 0 regrets either way. What i take exception with is the trophy hunters saying only their way is the right way.

 

[PatinPA]

I personally don't care what anyone else shoots or wants to shoot. If you need/want the meat. By all means shoot. But I've said before on here I have to talk my dad out of shooting the first legal 1 year old every year. He's someone who gives every deer he shoots away so the meat is not important. He's killed the two biggest buck of his life in the last 5-6 years. And he buys a doe tag every year but refuses to shoot a doe, even though I've told him I'd like some doe shot off because we have way too many.

 

[roymunson]

What if you cut some of it and left most standing? Then overseeded the cut parts with cereals and/or brassicas?

We've discussed that. But cutting it and having some stand won't hold deer all season like dumping it will. I cn be strategic about where and when I put it out.

Loser, That's fine. No one is saying that's the "only way to do it"

But the instant gratification and inability to strive for more is frustrating.
What's also frustrating is the guy who'd gladly shoot the first basket rack he sees for meat, who happens to be there when a deer that's a year off, or even one of the big 5 year olds happens to be the first thing past him.

We're not saying someone can't do that, just blowing off steam.

 

[Bill Loser]

We've discussed that. But cutting it and having some stand won't hold deer all season like dumping it will. I cn be strategic about where and when I put it out.

Loser, That's fine. No one is saying that's the "only way to do it"

But the instant gratification and inability to strive for more is frustrating.
What's also frustrating is the guy who'd gladly shoot the first basket rack he sees for meat, who happens to be there when a deer that's a year off, or even one of the big 5 year olds happens to be the first thing past him.

We're not saying someone can't do that, just

Oh, i hear what you are saying. You just arent hearing what I am.
You dont say someone cant, but complain when they do, its the same thing.
You can plant and cut and plan all you want , that doesnt change the dact that these aren't your deer, or mine, or the states. If i had a 5 year old roaming around that i knew of anf my its brown its fown neighbor got it I would be happy for him . Truly i would be. I know for a fact because it happened last year. I get the idea that some would be pissed if someone else got their buck before they could.
Im not trying to change any minds, hunt how it makes you happy, all i ask is dont be judgmental towards those who choose to have different goals. Its counter productive to the sport and we need all the help we can get.

 

[MadMadHoosier]

I get the tradition, and used to do the same. I did not start hunting until my 30s, and my first buck was a 4-pt. My goal was “mostly” to always shoot one larger than my last, but would often succumb to shooting anything good that stepped in front of me. But 5 years ago I shot this guy, and I’m now happy to shoot does until something bigger comes along. PS, unusual, but we watched this deer for 3 years b4 anyone got a shot at him.

 

[roymunson]

Oh, i hear what you are saying. You just arent hearing what I am.
You dont say someone cant, but complain when they do, its the same thing.
You can plant and cut and plan all you want , that doesnt change the dact that these aren't your deer, or mine, or the states. If i had a 5 year old roaming around that i knew of anf my its brown its fown neighbor got it I would be happy for him . Truly i would be. I know for a fact because it happened last year. I get the idea that some would be pissed if someone else got their buck before they could.
Im not trying to change any minds, hunt how it makes you happy, all i ask is dont be judgmental towards those who choose to have different goals. Its counter productive to the sport and we need all the help we can get.

So a selective hunter can't be frustrated with brown and downers, but you can be frustrated with selective hunters. See how that logic goes both ways? I see your side. I just wish more people would challenge themselves.

I didn't say it was illegal nor did i knock the guys doing it. Primarily if its a kid or new hunter.

My buddies and I talk about "climbing the ladder"
Whether that's an older/mature deer, or bigger, etc...
My son shot a deer this year and last year that I wouldn't have even looked at my bow for. but I'm thrilled for him. Hopefully he continues to aspire for more, for the sake of challenging himself. Not for anyone else.

I hope the same thought holds true for him in school, youth sports, life, work, etc
Don't strive for more just to impress people, but strive for more for yourself. An unchallenged life doesn't move the needle.

I am talking about the guy who shoots that 2 year old every time he sees one. His prerogative, I just hope for more from myself and those in my circle.

 

[Bszweda]

To play devils advocate aren't those brown and downers neighbor making it more challenging for you? So they are unknownly helping you push yourself.

 

[Bill Loser]

So a selective hunter can't be frustrated with brown and downers, but you can be frustrated with selective hunters. See how that logic goes both ways? I see your side. I just wish more people would challenge themselves.

I didn't say it was illegal nor did i knock the guys doing it. Primarily if its a kid or new hunter.

My buddies and I talk about "climbing the ladder"
Whether that's an older/mature deer, or bigger, etc...
My son shot a deer this year and last year that I wouldn't have even looked at my bow for. but I'm thrilled for him. Hopefully he continues to aspire for more, for the sake of challenging himself. Not for anyone else.

I hope the same thought holds true for him in school, youth sports, life, work, etc
Don't strive for more just to impress people, but strive for more for yourself. An unchallenged life doesn't move the needle.

I am talking about the guy who shoots that 2 year old every time he sees one. His prerogative, I just hope for more from myself and those in my circle.

Dont get me wrong, not frustrated with you at all, im really not. I want everyone to hunt the way it makes them happy. Just dont pull the trigger on anything you'd regret.
My 12 yearold shot a small spike ths year. It was his first buck. I passed that deer with the bow at least 6 times , not because i wanted him to grow but because I wanted my youngest or his older brother to have a crack at it. (The older one hasn't got a buck yet either. Hes a tad jealous i think lol). Low and behold he got his chance opening day and got it done. Next year it will be up to him to hold out for bigger or not. Either way I'll be good with it.
In all honesty, with a bow I passed a few bucks this season , because a small part of me maybe does want a bigger one than the last one.
Im not by any means a brown its down guy. Im actually becoming pretty picky about what I shoot. Just not for the same reasons as some of you, im trying to rebuild numbers. So i have 2 does that every year have twins or triplets that are off limits..... to me. The neighbor will do what he wants. Which for h will be shoot first ask later. Not a fan but his prerogative.
My main concern is not alienating other hunters, as long as its done legal. We need to all be united, or someday we will all fall.

 

[Howboutthemdawgs]

A large part for me is the challenge. I’m not very blood thirsty, I can wait years before killing the right buck. A one, two year old buck is stupid. My wife could go out and kill one every year and she doesn’t hunt. I like to hold myself to a higher standard of selection. I want to take a buck at his prime and a true testament to his species. I also manage my property to get the most out of it. A young buck is not that…
Outside of family, hunting is my life. I dedicate a ton of time to refining my passion. Personally matching wits with a mature buck is the pinnacle of success.

 

[Bill Loser]

A large part for me is the challenge. I’m not very blood thirsty, I can wait years before killing the right buck. A one, two year old buck is stupid. My wife could go out and kill one every year and she doesn’t hunt. I like to hold myself to a higher standard of selection. I want to take a buck at his prime and a true testament to his species. I also manage my property to get the most out of it. A young buck is not that…
Outside of family, hunting is my life. I dedicate a ton of time to refining my passion. Personally matching wits with a mature buck is the pinnacle of success.

Your wife is a better hunter than me then!
I often wonder if i had better land if my goals would be different. Probably not but maybe.

 

[roymunson]

So i have 2 does that every year have twins or triplets that are off limits..... to me. The neighbor will do what he wants. Which for h will be shoot first ask later. Not a fan but his prerogative.

This is my sentiment exactly, but in regards to age structure. So we're both doing the same thing. I don't hate the neighbors for it, but being selective on what I kill is for the challenge since we already have the deer numbers.

You're challenge is to have more deer on the landscape and the neighbors playing by a separate set of rules puts a sour taste in your mouth.

If you can feed more to preserve those does, you will. That's what I'm doing, but directed at ages on bucks.