I have always been an archery hunter primarily for elk with a deer tag in my pocket just in case I came across a nice buck during the archery hunt. Then, every year, I go out on the any weapon (rifle) hunt for a big buck. Back when I was a kid and even as late as 10 years ago or so, it seemed to be understood that adults hunted for really big bucks and the 2-points, 3-points, and small 4-points (under 25 inches or so) were for the kids to shoot.
We could hunt areas and be the only ones up there and pass on little bucks all day in search of a "wall hanger."
I took my 12 year old daughter out on opening day and had 9 trucks drive in and park behind us. And it wasn't that big of an area. What ever happened to the unwritten rule that if someone is in the spot you plan to hunt, you move on to another area? That's what I always do. I was taught that was just common courtesy so you don't mess up the other hunters' hunt.
Almost all of these clowns drove up onto every ridge and saddle on ATVs (in an ATV restricted area), walked 50 yards off the machine and sat and waited for someone else to run a deer past them. The honest hunters who hiked in there were essentially the brushers for the slob hunters who rode in and were too lazy to walk 100 yards.
We saw 6 2-point bucks and lead was flying all over the mountain. I was embarrassed to be out there among them.
We went to another area and ran into two Utards that were packing out a small 20-inch 4-point. The guy that shot it was just as proud as a peacock for shooting that deer on a general hunt. I had to bite my tongue so that I didn't cuss him out for not letting it grow a few more years.
OK so I know that the little bucks are generally better eating and I have even shot a 2-point buck with my bow from time to time just to get some tender vittles in the freezer. But there honestly can't be that many rifle hunters out there strictly hunting for meat that they are willing to kill every small buck they see. I would never even consider shooting a small buck with a rifle unless my family was on the verge of starvation. These guys with a brand new Powerstroke, a trailer full of Razrs, full suits of Sitka, fancy spotting scopes, expensive rifles, etc. can obviously afford all the beef they can eat and ought to be ashamed of themselves when they have little 2 and 3 point bucks tied up high for all to see.
These guys come from out of state and complain the whole time they are here that we don't have any big bucks like we used to when they are the ones killing the little bucks before they even have a chance to grow big. It drives me crazy. We saw over 40 trucks the other day and not one other Idaho plate besides ours.
I am fed up with it and have pretty much decided to hunt deer on the late archery hunt from now on. At this point, I couldn't care less if I ever hunt deer with a rifle ever again. In my mind, IDF&G is doing a poor job of managing our deer (and elk too). It is evident to me that they only care about making money and not managing our deer herds. I am done. Is there anyone else out there that feels the same way? What is the solution?
I feel the same way. People these days are very rude and inconsiderate. Next time don't bite your tongue. Tell them exactly what you think. Its our own fault for not standing up for what we believe is right and wrong. By not letting them have the "what for", they think what they are doing is right. Same thing with the wolves, we all bitch about it but nobody is out hunting them.
One of the biggest reasons I started archery hunting was to get away from people and a valley full of hunter orange.
The late archery can be a zoo, also. It is funny what a 30-inch buck will do to a person's ethics. I've seen multiple guys chasing the same deer around in the same draw. Maybe they were all together. Who knows.
Thanks for being a good example. All big deer were once little deer, so I've never quite understood the "let's go kill all the forked horns" management style. But I better stop before I hijack your thread.
Really? The guy shot what you consider to be a small 4 point and you had to bite your tongue?
What size deer does someone need to shoot so you don't have to bite your tongue when you see it? If the guy that shot it is happy, why would you think about cussing him out.
Who cares? It got him and his friend off "your" mountain so they wont be shooting "your deer"
That being said, I hunt primarily with a bow, on foot and not 4-wheeler. No need for anyone to rude in the field, but it happens. had my tire slashed last steelhead season because I had apparently parked next to a local's personal hole. No place for that crap among actual outdoorspeople.
A couple thoughts come to mind with this statement.
1. Do you only shoot PY bulls with your bow, because anything less is not a trophy and should be left for kids who hunt with their bow.
2. Rifle hunting in general should be left for kids. Why don't you man up and just hunt with your bow. How do you like that opinion?
A couple thoughts come to mind with this statement.
1. Do you only shoot PY bulls with your bow, because anything less is not a trophy and should be left for kids who hunt with their bow.
2. Rifle hunting in general should be left for kids. Why don't you man up and just hunt with your bow. How do you like that opinion?
Says the guy with a 2-point in his "trophy photo" section...
Sarge
However, you need to remember that hunting means different things to different people. It's a challenge to shoot a big game animal with bow. For many people, myself included, it's all about the hunt and the experience. Granted, if there were that many hunters in one locale, I would leave. However, it isn't your or my decision to judge what one person shoots vs another. Legal is legal. Meat is meat. Not all of us are looking to tack a head to the wall. I'm sure you understand this and probably were very frustrated at your experience when you wrote that thread.
