Saw 20 different deer this afternoon, but not the big one. I manage the herd for health, but I am a trophy hunter. If you want provisions, get up and go to work. Hunting in this modern age for provisions is usually just an excuse to shoot the easy ones. Just my perspective. I shot a lot of young ones when I was less experienced, but if you keep at it, you can fill the freezer with mature animals. Trophy hunting and good wildlife management are quite compatible. Hunting is a sport in the US, and that is why we still have wildlife. Commercial hunting for food exterminated whitetails in most places.
RAH, I know we've hashed this over before, and you know I respect and value your opinion. But the comment about not needing to hunt for provisions in this modern age just illustrates how far removed you are from a few miles south of your location. Easy is absolutely the way to go when your family is counting on meat for the freezer. I suppose some adopted the lifestyle by choice, while others were born into it. I believe that makes a difference.
I will never understand the wisdom in removing the best genetics from a population of anything, just for the sake of pride, but that's okay. We all must do as we see fit, and there are certainly plenty of deer to be had.
