I’m not a trophy hunter. That buck would be a shooter. Last night I passed on a doe and fawn. First time I have passed on an eligible target in 40+ years of hunting ( We have a first time hunter joining us next week and would like to have that new hunter have best of opportunities) Had I not passed, I would have chosen the fawn. It’s enough meat for me, and leaves a breeder in the woods.
Great post. I think it all depends on what land people are hunting. If the numbers are low they are probably playing the 'if it's brown it's down game'. I know guys that hunt bucks only and other than shoot anything other than fawns. I fall in the middle. The farms I hunt hold some good numbers of deer so there is no need to shoot a fawn or a small doe unless it is a first deer for a new hunter. Early bow we shoot large does and bucks, then for the controlled hunt we try to get new hunters on deer (anything) and by the end of the controlled hunt we usually have 3-4 deer down. For late season bow we then transition to a targeted deer - like this one and will pass on does/dawns and small bucks.
......and there are years like last year where I was fortunate enough to harvest a nice buck AND my targeted buck on the same hunt from the same stand 3hrs apart!
Reply With Quote
