I started hunting in '82 and can honestly say that FOR ME the thrill is still the same. You see in 82 I was only 12 years old and anytime I was fortunate enough to see any deer I got that special feeling that only deer hunters understand. Never once did I let myself believe that a deer of a lifetime couldn't walk right up that trail. Today I'm 40 and will have to admit I STILL get that same feeling no matter if its just a little doe slipping by or a buck I intend to try and get a shot on.

I agree. The only difference between now and then is: what constitutes a "buck of a lifetime." Back then it would have been a 100-class 8 pointer. Now realistically it would be much, much larger and older!

Our deer populations have gotten to the point where simply killing a deer is little if any challenge. Most hunters have grown up these days with lots of deer to hunt, and as they mature they begin to get more selective. They then pass that selectivity onto their children.

I don't miss the slaughter days, I far enjoy the way I hunt now and I don't find it complicated, it is still simple and enjoyable to me.

IMO far too many folks who shoot smaller bucks worry about the other folks who focus on bigger bucks too much.

I completely agree.

I too think we are in the good ol days right now, atleast considering the 30 years that I have deer hunted in TN That is. People still have the choice to shoot and be happy with most any deer they see, thats what it is, a choice. Nobody here has had any type trophy hunting stuffed down their throat at all, as their are no AR's or earn a buck, etc. in place for the Statewide TN deer seasons. Hunters here still have the wide open choice to kill and be happy with whatever floats their boat! The only way you could be negatively affected by how others hunt these days is if you choose to let it bother you, as the rules are the same (actually better) as you can still hunt exactly as your Dad and Grandpa did many years ago. I think if everybody just hunted to the level that makes them happy, and quit worrying about what anybody else is doing, we would all be much beter off! I dont think its too complicated, and I definitely enjoy it as much as I ever did, as I still hunt with family, and we all still shoot anything that makes us happy!