does anyone do this??

[colescott1]

That is my approach now that I have taken a buck with each weapon I hunt with (bow, ml, shotgun). I will pass until one significantly larger than the largetst one taken with that weapon presents a shot. Will try to keep taking does until that happens. I plan on taking a camera along with me to hunt the smaller bucks for a photo, but that is it.

[Guest generallee]

Re: does anyone do this??

I do practice this. Ive only shot one buck in my life, but have passed up small ones since then. I cant say the same for my neighbors...ive seen some of the bucks they pull out of the woods.

[Bow Hunter Derek]

Re: does anyone do this??

The only way a little buck becomes a bigger buck is to let it walk. You set your personal standards from there based on what is a trophy or is important to you.

My 6 year old daughter summed it up best. While hunting with me last weekend, she said (un prompted) "Dad, if we see a spike, you are not going to shoot it are you?"

I asked her why I should not shoot it (NOTE: to her a spike is a general term for a small deer, I'm not trying to start a genetics debate here)

Her response was this "Well if you shoot a little spike, how will he ever grow into a daddy deer with big antlers?"

Such a simple concept that even a 6 year old gets it.

Again, there is absolutely nothing wrong with shooting a small deer, it is a personal choice. But again, the only way to get a big deer is to let a little deer walk. I'll let you set the "score" of what you consider a little deer.

Shoot what makes YOU happy.

[Guest psycho]

Re: does anyone do this??

Thats a good idea but can hard to live by if you are a young hunter or only shot a few bucks.