I've been hunting nearby Public land almost exclusively for the past 7-8 years due to my previous spots being sold or the owners allowing relatives first dibs as they became of hunting age.  So, the state public land I hunt has a rule that you must take a doe before you are eligible to take a buck.  I'm losing track of the times I've passed on nice bucks because I hadn't taken a doe yet. You wouldn't think it would be that tuff to take care of the doe requirement,  but it never fails, I'll have bucks on top of me and no does.  I finally get a doe and the bucks disappear.  
The picture below isn't very clear, but I had this dandy 10pt,  point blank at 6yds Sunday evening.  Milled around my tree for a good 10-15 minutes and didn't have a clue I was there - argh!!!  The only positive thing is, I've gotten real use to being around nice deer and watching them. I guess the adrenaline might start flowing if I knew I could actually shoot them.
We don't have to physically check in deer anymore in Illinois , it is all done online.  I know there are a lot of guys who sacrifice their doe tag and register online the first day or two of season as though they have shot a doe even though they haven't.  Then they go after bucks.
I've thought about it,  but I guess I'm just the kind that plays by the rules.  
   
   

Playing by the rules ain't a bad thing.....  

At least you're seeing deer.  My public land I have access to close to home is either open to the public during my season or its open to pheasant hunting the other days.  Yeah, deer are scarce around these parts.

I feel your pain.

Jeremy

You will sleep with a peace of mind that those others will never know.  Observing the conservation laws, even when personally challenging, is always the right thing.  Hang tough - you are doing it right.

Burnsie, your a better man for playing by the rules. Those others that don't are only after bragging rights or just need to kill. I'm sure it's tough but rules are the rules. The good thing is your seeing deer. Good luck and happy hunting!

I've had that happen here in WI numerous times during those years we had similar rules.  One in particular was maybe the second largest buck I have ever seen while hunting in WI.  Oh well, you got to see him up close.  Good job
ChuckC

Thanks guys, I've been thinking about that one all day long.

Ouch.

Good for you Troy! Would be nice if everybody followed the rules and it would be a level playing field.

If they cheat, they have to live with it and the lie every time they look at the great buck they cheated to get.

Sort of like paying to shoot a fenced deer and having to make up a story to go with it......

Yeah, I know the feeling.

Thank you for doing the right thing. It's not easy. Hang in there. Your turn will come.

Wow!  If only we had such rules...  I'm jealous.

I know the feeling. The public lands I hunt at one time had the same rule. We finally got them to change it but it took some doing

Mr. Twain wrote" Do the right thing. It will gratify some people and astonish the rest." Your high standards are thankfully common here on Trad Gang.

Good for you for playing by the rules. I had a similar problem last year. My son and I had a dandy on our trail cams but had never layed eyes on him. I took a 2 1/2 year old 8 point, then had to take a doe before I could take a second buck.

Could not FIND a doe! But wouldn't you know it, the big buck appears out of the fog one morning 15 yards from my stand!

I "played by the rules". We also check in electronically. Does that are checked in but not actually taken are referred to as "phantom does".

I'll continue to "play by the rules".

haven't had a doe hunt in AZ, for over 15 years I think. would love to get a chance. one deer a year total... I live in the wrong state.
I envy your problem.

I agree with what Kenny wrote, I would think it would be hard to be truly excited about killing a nice buck and telling all your friends about the setup, shot, etc when you know that it was killed without following the rules.  Thank you for respecting the hunting laws of your state

Rodney

Nice job Burnsie. As I would expect.
You'll think of that one often , but it will be with a feeling of pride for doing it right rather than guilt for breaking the rules.  No matter how great the buck, taking one illegally would  (or should)  leave a bitter taste every time you think of it.

Good for you Burnsie. The ability to sleep at night with a clear conscience can't be bought at any price.

The rules are put in place for a reason good thing your a man of integrity. It will pay in your favor I'm sure! Good luck!