Darn it, still kicking myself after I had an encounter with a large P&Y whitetail buck and a shot at 12-15 yards broadside but couldn't legally shoot due to being tagged out on bucks for Oklahoma!
This is the second year in a row that I have had to pass on a P&Y Whitetail in the late season after tagging out with a young buck and a decent sized one.
     
I am really grateful for the encounter but wishing I would have had the confidence to pass on those younger bucks on public land.

It comes down to getting a good feel for what you want and what is important to you.  If you need to fill your tags, then you'd better shoot what shows up cause it may very well be the only one.  If you want a truly big one, you gotta wait.

If you want to fill your tags, don't beat yourself up for doing it.  You done good.
ChuckC

Hate to hear it bud. In Ms. we dont even have a tag procedure just an honor system allowing 3 bucks a year.

I suppose the only way to feel better about it is to put a buck-less buddy in that stand!    

you know I'm hoping too!

Had a similar situation here in WV. Purchased 2 extra bow deer tags ($43). We have a 3 buck limit this year (all weapons/all seasons) but for the first time we had to "earn our second buck" with a bow by taking a doe. I took an 8 point and then set out to shoot a doe so I could hunt a big non-typical we had on trail cams.

I've never had so much trouble getting a doe!!! Had to pass the big buck at 15 yards as I had not got the doe. Once I got the doe I never seen the big boy again!

I know how you feel!

You have had a great season.  Glad you got 3 kills on video, and had this experience on top of it.  That is awesome for public land hunting.

QuoteOriginally posted by Michael Arnette:
you know I'm hoping too!

I know you are! Thanks again!!!  

I did the opposite, I let some smaller bucks pass hoping for a couple of big guys I got on camera and now my buck sightings are nonexistent. Still have some time so I'm hopeful.

I hope things look up Jeff!

I have not shot a deer for quite awhile with my bow because I have had the opportunity to hunt where there are some pretty nice deer. And I only get one license per year, so I prefer to not take a deer and lose the chance at a really nice one.

This year I easily had over fourty opportunities to shoot deer at 15 yards or so.  Mostly does and fawns, but approximately 6 bucks.  There is still a really nice high 5X5 out there, so I hope to get out there in a week or so.  If I don't connect,  it's ok.  Still enjoying being out there trying.

That's Murphy's Law in action..  

Glad we get 2 buck tags in Georgia   :cool:

...But the Odds of coming across a P&Y Whitetail in NW Georgia, Remote..   :rolleyes:

I'm sure it's going to happen to me now , used my last Tx. Buck tag today. It's ok though they should be even bigger next year.....

,,,Sam,,,

Every now and then I get discouraged after firearms season and the harvest of so many big bucks during that season.

Then a buddy reminded me that the buck I would be hunting next year, is still alive right now!

Some years I feel like shooting anything. Oh never mind. I never know till a deer is standing in front of me!

Next year hold out for the big one! Late season in Wi. the big bucks are all shot or pressured by our gun season.

I think you have done well.  You filled your tags when the opportunity presented itself, have a freezer full of meat, and had an encounter with a big one you were able to catch and release.

Congratulations Michael on a fine season. Seeing a critter like that had to sting a bit. Better luck next season.


Denny

I feel your pain Brother. Was out today and like you, buck tag less. Had a 150" stud walk right under me. A crappy cell phone pic is all I  took from him. About all you can make out from the pic is his massive right beam.