First time for me....

[pass-thru]

....passing a 2 year old 8 point. It has been a few years since I shot a really good buck. I have taken a couple 2 year old 8 pointers in the mean time, but not this year. So this fellow came in and lingered for the last 40 minutes of shooting light. Nice big body but I don't need the meat. He was somewhere between 80-100 inches. The season ends here Sat and it is only muzzleloading. So he should make it, and hopefully I will have a great 3 year old next year. Passing yearlings had not been a problem for me, but for some reason it has been difficult to pass 2 year olds. Hopefully, after breaking the ice it will get a lot easier. I think it was the buck on the left in this photo.

 

[Mike Belt]

It gets easier and eventually the payoff is worth it. If you don't need the meat and get a bigger thrill with a bigger buck then go for it.

 

[Solo Hunter]

It does get it easier the more you do it. Like Mike said if you don't need the meat then it'll be a bigger thrill when you do connect.

 

[mathews338]

Cool, maybe you will get a chance at him next year and it will be worth it.

 

[deerhunter10]

It gets easier and eventually the payoff is worth it. If you don't need the meat and get a bigger thrill with a bigger buck then go for it.

x2

 

[Nealmeally]

It's very rewarding in the long run! Patience is the key...

 

[cecil30-30]

Im in the same boat as you. I can pass yearlings but i just cant pass a 2.5 yr old up.

 

[BlountArrow]

Yep, would have and cuurently do the same. It does payoff and for me its the right thing to do - no question about it.

 

[easy45]

Good job

 

[luvtohunt]

It does get easier. I let my biggest ever walk this year....a 115-120in 3.5yr old 8 pnt. I had already killed a good one and just decided to let him go. So far, no one else has killed him that we know of. He should be a dandy next year if he makes it.

 

[wobblegobble]

Im in the same boat as you. I can pass yearlings but i just cant pass a 2.5 yr old up.

Same here, I've got better this year.

 

[Winchester]

Congrats, and if its good bucks you want to shoot, its imperative you pass the youngsters.

 

[hitek7]

My 7 year old daughter passed a 2.5 year old 9pt Saturday afternoon. He gave her every possible shot with the crossbow but I explained to her that he was 2.5 and would be even bigger next year and should be as big as the one I killed earlier in the season the next year. I told her I was not going to tell her no but I would leave it up to her. She was very understanding and sat back down. I sure hope she is rewarded for this in the future. She said "it was cool to have him right there in the red dot, he was as good as dead".