The first deer that passed by me at 8:00am opening morning last Nov. was a doe. The first deer that died was that same doe.
The second deer that walked by me was another doe, with the same results.
Sure I like to shoot bucks, but I will NOT pass up a doe and meat in the freezer, for a POSSIBLE buck, just for the horns.
I am fixing to cook the family a venison dinner tonight, and those does sure do taste good.
I just have fun while hunting.
I have long sense passed the days where I had to shoot a bragging type of deer.

Hope you all had a safe and Blessed Easter.

Eric

I hunt for both meat and rack. Most of my hunting buddies admit they really would like to find a huge mulie, huge whitetail buck or bull elk. If like me, they would rather not end any hunt too soon. Opening day kills are, in some ways, disappointing. Afterall, in Arizona just getting the tag is difficult and much preparation goes into the hunt, usually in some remote area of the state.

After the first two or three days, our expectations become more realistic and anything legal becomes more attractive. That said, killing spike or forked horn or rag horns isn't common among us. Those are the most productive males and, often, the most vulnerable and easiest to kill. OTOH, they often are the best tasting. Older game has survived because they have learned valuable lessons and avoid presenting themselves so easily. They are a bigger challenge and, for me, a bigger reward. They usually require more skill, effort and persistence to close within rifle or bow range.

Perhaps, more important is the issue of health. Eventhough a nice set of antlers is a draw, the condition of the animal is paramount, especially post rut when festering wounds can ruin some meat. Glassing and observing the animal can give some good indicators about health and, regardless of rack, I would be inclined to pass on an unhealthy animal.

There is no shame in coming back empty handed unless one cares about what others think. If I look back and feel I have given it my best effort, that is what is most important to me. Antlers adorn the walls and each has a story to tell. I want good stories.

We seldom hunt for meat alone. Factoring the costs of a three to five day hunt would find the total cost of that meat per lb far greater than filet mignon. For most of us, I suspect the meat is a reward but not a necessity. We hunt, in the main, for sport and sport hunting implies higher standards, greater selectivity, better placement of shots.

I do about the same as you on the health of the animal to be shot Handloader.
I have kind of given up on one way to tell of the health though.
They pretty much stand still when I take their blood pressure, but when I put on the rubber gloves, they take off too fast to present a good shot.

Eric

the rest of it is the mountains, outdoors and the comraderee...quote from bushmaster..

Really Bushmaster thought you would be one of those lone bushman
like another I know.

Meat eater here, really dont want comraderee in the mountains well maybe with one.
I'll be hunting for the hide, the bones, and the meat.
Too many people going is just of a cornicopia of cacouphany
dont like people that much anyway. i work with them sure is hell i dont want to hunt with them.
Going into Creator's work and killing anything in it. yep thats how i am supposed to be thinking right??

Tracker said......as far as the outdoors and the camaraderie you fellas mentioned, hey, a bad day in the bush with my bro's is better than a good day sitting in this office, lol

OOOOOOH IS THAT RIGHT RAMBO?

sahkee itin nitsimoos amoo peysis

keetoowah wrote:

Tracker said......as far as the outdoors and the camaraderie you fellas mentioned, hey, a bad day in the bush with my bro's is better than a good day sitting in this office, lol OOOOOOH IS THAT RIGHT RAMBO? sahkee itin nitsimoos amoo peysis

Yes it is, all I need is a rope...Charlie Bronson always had a rope.. and ...kaweeya neehee--iwin nota, ow?

and what are you going to need a stinking rope for?

Kinky.....

ya never know what you're going to need a rope for, but you always wind up needing it.

Possibly needing to tie up wild Montana mountian woman after I catch her

or not......it's up to her.

just keep thinking that professor
you wont catch me.
now what do think is in that little black bag??

p99?

ding ding ding what do we have for him Johnny??

I win a prize???!!! I know what prize I want