shoot or not to shoot?

[150 Class]

I think only you can answer this question. For me, I would rather eat the tag than to shoot a buck on the last day of season that I passed on the 1st day. I also won't pass a buck on the first day of season that I would shoot on the last day of season (same thing either way). There are plenty of does to harvest and I'll let the immature bucks have a free pass every time.

 

[BJohnson]

I personally have not shot that many bucks with my bow. This past season I shot a buck that I never hesitated about when I saw it coming into range. The main triggers were (1) first season hunting exclusively public land (2) I had been seeing a good amount of "squirrel hunting" pressure (3) I had not shot a buck in a couple of years (4) it was a ten pt. and my previous P&Y mounts were both eights. I would not have shot the buck for any of these reasons independently but collectively, yes. In the end, I ended up killing my first IA bow record qualifier and largest buck to date. Did it measure up to a 140 or 150 limit, no. But I am very proud of the effort I put forth in a "new area" before and during season to kill that deer in a relatively high pressure area. This coming season I hope to continue to have an opportunity to "raise the bar" so to speak. Good luck to everyone this fall.

 

[SaskGuy]

I think the ? depends on 3 things that have all been touched on. Time, area you're hunting and what makes you happy. The amount of time and the area you are in will affect what makes you happy but ghost said it well, if it makes you happy do it.

 

[Benny]

I would never pass up on a buck that I would consider harvesting later in the season or later on a hunting trip.

If the opportunity presents itself and your heart is pounding, let her fly.