Let them walk.

[Deleted member 123841]

Out of the shadows…been lurking a long time. This thread encouraged me to finally sign up. Glad I could contribute.

 

[MSURunner]

I do think there is a character conclusion to be drawn from those that are willing to let non-trophy animals walk. Though it is infinitely more complex than the way I presented it. Though that simplistic presentation was not accidental. Those that have the tiniest bit of respect for me, knew that, and responded with it in mind. Those that are on here every single day spewing trash and willing to be hostile toward anyone at a moments notice... didn't. I didn't label them. They labelled themselves. That's what this is all about.

Sir, I sincerely hope that you read this for what it is. I am deeply faithful. Having said that, my faith does not preclude me from making mistakes. I would venture a guess that at some point in your hunting lifetime you have misjudged an animal's size after the trigger has been pulled. I know that I have. I would also guess that at some point you have engaged in some sort of behavior that you would reflect back upon and feel convicted. I know that I have. I would also say that I have felt the desire to "bring others up to my standards" in the past. This standard you're choosing is one of your own volition that has no clear cut definition. Is has nothing to do with faith. It also makes a bunch of assumptions in how you originally presented it. By admitting that here, you acknowledge that at some level you are looking for people to respond so that you can judge their responses. I hope that you can see that we are called in faith to meet people where they are at, and not in judgment. Jesus always met with sinners and offered his presence. What you are doing now is seeking to find those that you disagree with and pushing them away with an ignore button. In the off chance that something I've said previously has already caused you to do this with me, then so be it. But in doing so, you are essentially cutting the opportunity for the civil discourse you state you wish to have.

I would suggest that a better means of having such a discussion would be centered around, what do you folks determine is an acceptable standard and how can we educate new hunters and landowners to management techniques? As it stands, I feel this thread has completely derailed, and, unfortunately, has turned into a you vs. me discussion as to the right and proper way to have a debate, which is also not Biblical. If you wish to continue such a discussion with me, you are welcome to do so via PM. I don't think this back and forth with myself, or any other member is productive to any other cause other than to seek out those for whom you can apply an ignore label to.

 

[WYO300RUM]

I agree. Here in Southern CA the deer are small. I'm in favor of a moratorium for a few years so the deer can grow.

Be good for D14 and D16...

 

[338 dude]

I'm ignoring, have no use for trophy hunters!

I don't have anything against trophy hunters, to each his own. I just don't like what is being pushed on me what I am being called it is downright insulting!

 

[Deleted member 123841]

Justcountry got banned for complaining about Nancy pelosi…lol.

Got to throw that money around to post ridiculousness without fear of reprisal.

 

[bultinkle]

I shot this trophy back a few years ago and I couldn't have done it without letting him walk for 2-3 years

You gotta let 'em grow

 

[Big Trouble]

Now that the OP is ignoring me I will tell a story. I got serious about archery hunting 20+ years ago and learned everything on my own by trial and error. I decided to hunt Ohio on my own and after 5 days of dark to dark hunting I connected on a buck. I took him to the check station and was belittled by another hunter for shooting a small buck. He was 125". I returned to Ohio yearly passing up 140" deer to prove that I could shoot a 160". After 3 years I decided to shoot a smaller buck since I was the only person that needed to be happy with my harvest. Pic below is my 140". I refuse to belittle anyone for a legal harvest!

Nice deer!
Though you might get a kick out of this. First buck i shot after 20+ years of hunting. Always let bucks go by, was strictly after freezer meat. Nice healthy, as well as tasty deer. I do believe it is just about an exact match to yours. 139 7/8

 

[338 dude]

I shot this trophy back a few years ago and I couldn't have done it without letting him walk for 2-3 years
View attachment 376754
You gotta let 'em grow

Priceless!!!!!

 

[asd9055]

I shot this trophy back a few years ago and I couldn't have done it without letting him walk for 2-3 years
View attachment 376754
You gotta let 'em grow

I love it. I think you should send it to the OP to be mounted. Perfect for his wall!

 

[Deleted member 115360]

I shot this trophy back a few years ago and I couldn't have done it without letting him walk for 2-3 years
View attachment 376754
You gotta let 'em grow

I just used this picture to start a farmers only dating app profile.

Bro, we've got dates all week, and one of them said her dad had a section!

 

[WYO300RUM]

Is the cancel culture in this forum now?

A good Christian doesn't judge or is disrespectful, he may disagree but respects the other person's point of view, regardless how wrong he/she is. Ignoring someone because they disagree with you? I think you need to join Brandon and the democratic party then.

Now, to the let them walk part. Yes, it would be nice for everyone to let the small bucks walk, but that's not the case. If I get a decent 8 pt deer in my crosshair, he is going down. I prefer 8 pt bucks or larger, but in the last day of the season, a 6 pt will be just fine to fill the freezer.

In some states letting them walk won't work. There aren't enough game animals.

The memories that come from the hunts, whether there is a kill ir not, those are the trophies, not he animal that made it to the freezer.

Now, will I celebrate with a kid that his first deer was a spike or 4 pt forkie, heck yeah I will. I will do what I can for that kid to feel awesome about his hunt, but also, I would make it more about the memory and the experience than the antlers/horns.

If you feel like it, ignore me, I won't judge you or feel offended

PS.... As mentioned already multiple times, your delivery method could've also been different and received a more positive response. Honey not vinegar, as the saying goes.

God bless

 

[WYO300RUM]

I just used this picture to start a farmers only dating app profile.

Bro, we've got dates all week, and one of them said her dad had a section!

 

[WYO300RUM]

Whatever dude. I'm glad you're passionate about it. You're not going to change many minds. I mostly agree with you, but am at the stage where it's more about the experience then the trophy. My favorite thing is sharing this great hobby with my friends and kids.

The real solution is for fish & game departments to care more about the animals than the revenue hunting provides. I'm in Idaho and their primary goal seems to be to sell tags. 99% percent of critters have no chance to get old. Managing a few of the areas as genuine trophy units would be nice, but that requires far fewer hunters in those areas. That has drawbacks too. You and I might not ever get a chance.

One thing you ignored is environmental and genetic potential. In some areas animals just don't get that big even when they get old. Waiting for a a B&C pronghorn in Idaho might be a bit frustrating.

 

[WYO300RUM]

We have enough people in our life telling us what we can and cannot do. We don't need any more. I am no longer a trophy hunter, I said it before, I can not eat antlers, they keep chipping my teeth. I harvest in Texas and hunt for the experience and adventure elsewhere.
If I am hunting public land I only have to follow the State rules and my own.
If I am hunting private land, I have to follow the strictest for the State and Land owner rules.
The rest, it is everybody's own concience. You don't have to asnwer to me and I don't have to answer to you. Plain and simple. If this earns my an ignore, so be it!