I had an ag teacher in high school that was doing his student teaching. his family operated a deer farm. he had plenty of pictures of naturally grown high nutrient deer. His family kept genetics closer than any dog breeder i've ever seen....and annually sold multiple "class A bucks" to texas ranches. 125 lb deer growing 180+ antlers. The ranches would leave the buck alone in a "safe zone" for a breeding season, then turn it lose to "try it's luck". This ensured they had good breeding stock, and plenty of trophy bucks. Average cost spent by these ranches to him???? 8 grand a buck. 10 for the big ones. I personally would alot rather kill a 140 inch buck in the wild. If i patern him, know his routine, and put a good hunt on him, that is my trophy. I don't care if i ever break 150 inches....If i can guage my hunts by something else such as a perfect shot at 600+ or a perfect spot and stalk with my bow....then i'll be a happy fellow. To each his own, but when any ranch buys genetics....I feel like it's tilted the spirit of the hunt. Just my .02 again, and take with a grain of salt. Not trying to rub anyone the wrong way, because i respect everyone on this forum that has more experience in their little finger than i do. I may have a different view on things if i'd grown up with more land to hunt and didn't have to settle on what ever walked by. Again, off my soap box.
Nimrod
