Whats the difference?

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I was thinking to myself recently, why do some people look down on folks that take smaller bucks??? And that question was followed by, Do they eat the big ones, or just make trophies outta them??

I keep hearing the talk about, “I wont shoot anything less than…”

So heres the real question, Whats the difference between fishing and hunting??? Now, I personally wont keep a big fish, only the eaters, as many of you also do.

This is purely for conversational purposes only, and I dont want to judge anyone else, as much as Id not want to be judged. However, I will not shoot anything I dont intend on eating. And since Ive heard that the old boys dont taste so great, are we hunting the big ones just to kill?? Doesnt the same principle of a strong breeding stock apply to deer as well??

Just food for thought…

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Its in the gene pool. A buck doesn’t have to be 190″ to pass on good genes.

I agree with Lip on the management of the different states. In IA I have always said they manage the buck population, and MN manages the deer population. Ia hunters also have a different take on shooting smaller buck, most don’t do it IMHO.

I have decided that where I hunt in S. MN, that I will allow smaller bucks to walk. I hunt a mix of public and private land, and many of the guys in our group “hunt deer” meaning if they get a shot, they take it. I can’t tell them to not shoot small bucks because that is their choice, but I don’t want to do it anymore. I can shoot does for meat, and maybe that same deer I passed on today will give me an oportunity in a few years.

I understand your take on eliminating deer that are in their prime. This is another reason I like the way other states (IA, ND) have their season later and after the rut. This allows the bucks to pass their genes along before hunting season eliminates any quality genes.

Does eliminating one 3.5 year old deer effect the overall quality of the deer herd any more then eliminating a 10 lb walleye will effect the overall walleye population? I don’t think so. But we should do what we can to keep both populations healthy, if that means releasing big walleyes, or shooting more does, then that is what I will do.

I agree with Lip on the management of the different states. In IA I have always said they manage the buck population, and MN manages the deer population. Ia hunters also have a different take on shooting smaller buck, most don’t do it IMHO.

I have decided that where I hunt in S. MN, that I will allow smaller bucks to walk. I hunt a mix of public and private land, and many of the guys in our group “hunt deer” meaning if they get a shot, they take it. I can’t tell them to not shoot small bucks because that is their choice, but I don’t want to do it anymore. I can shoot does for meat, and maybe that same deer I passed on today will give me an oportunity in a few years.

I understand your take on eliminating deer that are in their prime. This is another reason I like the way other states (IA, ND) have their season later and after the rut. This allows the bucks to pass their genes along before hunting season eliminates any quality genes.

Does eliminating one 3.5 year old deer effect the overall quality of the deer herd any more then eliminating a 10 lb walleye will effect the overall walleye population? I don’t think so. But we should do what we can to keep both populations healthy, if that means releasing big walleyes, or shooting more does, then that is what I will do.

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And since Ive heard that the old boys dont taste so great, are we hunting the big ones just to kill??

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If we are being honest with ourselves IMHO putting meat on the table is not the main reason that most of us hunt, sure the venison is great but even if I could not eat deer I would still hunt them, it is the hunt I enjoy the most and (being honest here) the kill.

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And since Ive heard that the old boys dont taste so great, are we hunting the big ones just to kill??

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If we are being honest with ourselves IMHO putting meat on the table is not the main reason that most of us hunt, sure the venison is great but even if I could not eat deer I would still hunt them, it is the hunt I enjoy the most and (being honest here) the kill.

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And since Ive heard that the old boys dont taste so great, are we hunting the big ones just to kill??

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If we are being honest with ourselves IMHO putting meat on the table is not the main reason that most of us hunt, sure the venison is great but even if I could not eat deer I would still hunt them, it is the hunt I enjoy the most and (being honest here) the kill.

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I dont think so……………..

My group (Mom Dad and I) Took 6 last year. We butchered them ourselves. Made some really good tasting Brats, It. sasuage, breakfest sausage, burger meat, steaks, roasts, jerky…………etc. Ate the last pack of Brats last night. Freezers are empty.

I still honestly believe a lot of guys ( Old timers) still meat hunt. It would be a sad day for me to see guys only looking for Mr. Big.

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And since Ive heard that the old boys dont taste so great, are we hunting the big ones just to kill??

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If we are being honest with ourselves IMHO putting meat on the table is not the main reason that most of us hunt, sure the venison is great but even if I could not eat deer I would still hunt them, it is the hunt I enjoy the most and (being honest here) the kill.

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I dont think so……………..

My group (Mom Dad and I) Took 6 last year. We butchered them ourselves. Made some really good tasting Brats, It. sasuage, breakfest sausage, burger meat, steaks, roasts, jerky…………etc. Ate the last pack of Brats last night. Freezers are empty.

I still honestly believe a lot of guys ( Old timers) still meat hunt. It would be a sad day for me to see guys only looking for Mr. Big.

For me, I like the meat alot. To be honest , I hate the kill and will likely quit hunting when my dad stops. I enjoy bass fishing too much right now, but can not give up time in the woods with dad for it. I want as amny years with him as I can. The best trophies for me are the ones he shoots! I shoot mostly does, but will shoot a buck if I get a chance at a good one. I am not a person who will hang one on the wall though. Just me.

Love these discussions though, great topic

For me, I like the meat alot. To be honest , I hate the kill and will likely quit hunting when my dad stops. I enjoy bass fishing too much right now, but can not give up time in the woods with dad for it. I want as amny years with him as I can. The best trophies for me are the ones he shoots! I shoot mostly does, but will shoot a buck if I get a chance at a good one. I am not a person who will hang one on the wall though. Just me.

Love these discussions though, great topic

Heres something to maybe think about too for anyone that needs something to do, I’ve thought this over and It seems reasonable. Say theres 10 bucks and 2 to 4 of those bucks hold the genes that won’t ever produce nice racks. The other 6 to 8 bucks hold the better genes to produce anywhere from a semi decent to a very nice rack. Through competition for the does the lesser bucks are forced not to breed because the bigger racked bucks slow them down or stop them from breeding. Eventually the lesser bucks genes will be forced out of the herd or fall into the background. I don’t know for sure but maybe they will still be in the herd but through genetic selection they won’t be as dominate as the genes that produce nicer racked bucks. I think eventually thier genes are taking a back seat too the more powerful ones, maybe not completely.

The reason I say this is what if these lesser genes are forced into the back ground and now every buck in the herd now has a decent to a very nice rack to compete for does. Natural selection now takes place again and the more dominate bucks with the nicer racks force the lesser racked bucks away from the does, not completely but they don’t get to breed as much as the more dominate bucks with the larger racks.

I think this is how it works over a period of years eventually seeing nice sized deer with nice racks. The bucks have to be givin a chance to breed and get thier genes into the genepool as they are developeing or already are and natural selection will do the rest. If all this is right eventually the bucks will grow even bigger racks because of the streamlining or superchargeing, if those words work, putting things in place to produce very nice racks 20 years down the road. Personally I think 20 years from now with things going the way they are I think bucks will be producing 250″ typical racks because of natural selection because the building blocks that make nice racks will be forming and compounding even more. If all this is true and it works like this it seems as it really does pay to let the nicer racked bucks breed atleast a few years if a person can. It will be interisting to see what the bucks look like 20 years down the road.

Heres something to maybe think about too for anyone that needs something to do, I’ve thought this over and It seems reasonable. Say theres 10 bucks and 2 to 4 of those bucks hold the genes that won’t ever produce nice racks. The other 6 to 8 bucks hold the better genes to produce anywhere from a semi decent to a very nice rack. Through competition for the does the lesser bucks are forced not to breed because the bigger racked bucks slow them down or stop them from breeding. Eventually the lesser bucks genes will be forced out of the herd or fall into the background. I don’t know for sure but maybe they will still be in the herd but through genetic selection they won’t be as dominate as the genes that produce nicer racked bucks. I think eventually thier genes are taking a back seat too the more powerful ones, maybe not completely.

The reason I say this is what if these lesser genes are forced into the back ground and now every buck in the herd now has a decent to a very nice rack to compete for does. Natural selection now takes place again and the more dominate bucks with the nicer racks force the lesser racked bucks away from the does, not completely but they don’t get to breed as much as the more dominate bucks with the larger racks.

I think this is how it works over a period of years eventually seeing nice sized deer with nice racks. The bucks have to be givin a chance to breed and get thier genes into the genepool as they are developeing or already are and natural selection will do the rest. If all this is right eventually the bucks will grow even bigger racks because of the streamlining or superchargeing, if those words work, putting things in place to produce very nice racks 20 years down the road. Personally I think 20 years from now with things going the way they are I think bucks will be producing 250″ typical racks because of natural selection because the building blocks that make nice racks will be forming and compounding even more. If all this is true and it works like this it seems as it really does pay to let the nicer racked bucks breed atleast a few years if a person can. It will be interisting to see what the bucks look like 20 years down the road.

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And since Ive heard that the old boys dont taste so great, are we hunting the big ones just to kill??

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If we are being honest with ourselves IMHO putting meat on the table is not the main reason that most of us hunt, sure the venison is great but even if I could not eat deer I would still hunt them, it is the hunt I enjoy the most and (being honest here) the kill.

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I dont think so……………..

My group (Mom Dad and I) Took 6 last year. We butchered them ourselves. Made some really good tasting Brats, It. sasuage, breakfest sausage, burger meat, steaks, roasts, jerky…………etc. Ate the last pack of Brats last night. Freezers are empty.

I still honestly believe a lot of guys ( Old timers) still meat hunt. It would be a sad day for me to see guys only looking for Mr. Big.

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You are missing my point, what I am saying is that hunting for meat is not the NUMBER ONE reason why most deer hunters hunt deer. If that was the only reason to deer hunt then why not just buy the venison. Yes filling the freezer with venison is a nice bonus but it is not the number one reason I deer hunt. I love the challenge of the hunt, figuring out where and when the deer will show up. I love the rush I get when I hear the rustling of hoofs through the leafs, getting ready for that shot when you finally see the deer, and waiting for the perfect time to release your arrow or pull the trigger. From the time you hear and then see the deer take aim and release your arrow or pull the trigger your heart is pounding so hard that your feel like it is going to pop right out of your chest, it is a major adrenaline rush. I get that same feeling when I take a doe not just big bucks, and that is the number one reason why most guys hunt IMHO. Too many deer hunters use the excuse that they ONLY REASON they hunt is for the meat to justify it to the non hunting public, sorry but I just do not buy it. I get the biggest rush from the hunt and the kill and I am not afraid to admit it.

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And since Ive heard that the old boys dont taste so great, are we hunting the big ones just to kill??

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If we are being honest with ourselves IMHO putting meat on the table is not the main reason that most of us hunt, sure the venison is great but even if I could not eat deer I would still hunt them, it is the hunt I enjoy the most and (being honest here) the kill.

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I dont think so……………..

My group (Mom Dad and I) Took 6 last year. We butchered them ourselves. Made some really good tasting Brats, It. sasuage, breakfest sausage, burger meat, steaks, roasts, jerky…………etc. Ate the last pack of Brats last night. Freezers are empty.

I still honestly believe a lot of guys ( Old timers) still meat hunt. It would be a sad day for me to see guys only looking for Mr. Big.

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You are missing my point, what I am saying is that hunting for meat is not the NUMBER ONE reason why most deer hunters hunt deer. If that was the only reason to deer hunt then why not just buy the venison. Yes filling the freezer with venison is a nice bonus but it is not the number one reason I deer hunt. I love the challenge of the hunt, figuring out where and when the deer will show up. I love the rush I get when I hear the rustling of hoofs through the leafs, getting ready for that shot when you finally see the deer, and waiting for the perfect time to release your arrow or pull the trigger. From the time you hear and then see the deer take aim and release your arrow or pull the trigger your heart is pounding so hard that your feel like it is going to pop right out of your chest, it is a major adrenaline rush. I get that same feeling when I take a doe not just big bucks, and that is the number one reason why most guys hunt IMHO. Too many deer hunters use the excuse that they ONLY REASON they hunt is for the meat to justify it to the non hunting public, sorry but I just do not buy it. I get the biggest rush from the hunt and the kill and I am not afraid to admit it.

Im the same way Steve, useing all that you know and finially getting a shot and killing it is satisfaction with a rush and the bigger the better. I get alot of satisfaction when I look down and hes laying on the ground, everything I’ve done has payed off like I wanted it too. Theres other things involved too but these are the main reasons I get satisfaction from a hunt.

Im the same way Steve, useing all that you know and finially getting a shot and killing it is satisfaction with a rush and the bigger the better. I get alot of satisfaction when I look down and hes laying on the ground, everything I’ve done has payed off like I wanted it too. Theres other things involved too but these are the main reasons I get satisfaction from a hunt.

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And since Ive heard that the old boys dont taste so great, are we hunting the big ones just to kill??

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If we are being honest with ourselves IMHO putting meat on the table is not the main reason that most of us hunt, sure the venison is great but even if I could not eat deer I would still hunt them, it is the hunt I enjoy the most and (being honest here) the kill.

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I dont think so……………..

My group (Mom Dad and I) Took 6 last year. We butchered them ourselves. Made some really good tasting Brats, It. sasuage, breakfest sausage, burger meat, steaks, roasts, jerky…………etc. Ate the last pack of Brats last night. Freezers are empty.

I still honestly believe a lot of guys ( Old timers) still meat hunt. It would be a sad day for me to see guys only looking for Mr. Big.

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You are missing my point, what I am saying is that hunting for meat is not the NUMBER ONE reason why most deer hunters hunt deer. If that was the only reason to deer hunt then why not just buy the venison. Yes filling the freezer with venison is a nice bonus but it is not the number one reason I deer hunt. I love the challenge of the hunt, figuring out where and when the deer will show up. I love the rush I get when I hear the rustling of hoofs through the leafs, getting ready for that shot when you finally see the deer, and waiting for the perfect time to release your arrow or pull the trigger. From the time you hear and then see the deer take aim and release your arrow or pull the trigger your heart is pounding so hard that your feel like it is going to pop right out of your chest, it is a major adrenaline rush. I get that same feeling when I take a doe not just big bucks, and that is the number one reason why most guys hunt IMHO. Too many deer hunters use the excuse that they ONLY REASON they hunt is for the meat to justify it to the non hunting public, sorry but I just do not buy it. I get the biggest rush from the hunt and the kill and I am not afraid to admit it.

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I understand your point I used to feel this way about deer hunting. My Inspiration for deer hunting passed away three years ago. I will get back into deer hunting. But for now my focus is on duck hunting. But for now when it comes to bow or gun hunting for me it is not about killing big bucks, small bucks or does but about filling my freezer and I am not afraid to admitt that

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And since Ive heard that the old boys dont taste so great, are we hunting the big ones just to kill??

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If we are being honest with ourselves IMHO putting meat on the table is not the main reason that most of us hunt, sure the venison is great but even if I could not eat deer I would still hunt them, it is the hunt I enjoy the most and (being honest here) the kill.

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I dont think so……………..

My group (Mom Dad and I) Took 6 last year. We butchered them ourselves. Made some really good tasting Brats, It. sasuage, breakfest sausage, burger meat, steaks, roasts, jerky…………etc. Ate the last pack of Brats last night. Freezers are empty.

I still honestly believe a lot of guys ( Old timers) still meat hunt. It would be a sad day for me to see guys only looking for Mr. Big.

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You are missing my point, what I am saying is that hunting for meat is not the NUMBER ONE reason why most deer hunters hunt deer. If that was the only reason to deer hunt then why not just buy the venison. Yes filling the freezer with venison is a nice bonus but it is not the number one reason I deer hunt. I love the challenge of the hunt, figuring out where and when the deer will show up. I love the rush I get when I hear the rustling of hoofs through the leafs, getting ready for that shot when you finally see the deer, and waiting for the perfect time to release your arrow or pull the trigger. From the time you hear and then see the deer take aim and release your arrow or pull the trigger your heart is pounding so hard that your feel like it is going to pop right out of your chest, it is a major adrenaline rush. I get that same feeling when I take a doe not just big bucks, and that is the number one reason why most guys hunt IMHO. Too many deer hunters use the excuse that they ONLY REASON they hunt is for the meat to justify it to the non hunting public, sorry but I just do not buy it. I get the biggest rush from the hunt and the kill and I am not afraid to admit it.

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I understand your point I used to feel this way about deer hunting. My Inspiration for deer hunting passed away three years ago. I will get back into deer hunting. But for now my focus is on duck hunting. But for now when it comes to bow or gun hunting for me it is not about killing big bucks, small bucks or does but about filling my freezer and I am not afraid to admitt that

I like to make a few comments. I’m not trying to answer anything, just throwing out some info. When fawns are born in the spring, the ratio is 51% doe fawns, 49% buck fawns. The only way to really change that ratio is for hunters to shoot a lot of small bucks. As far a the gene pool issue goes, letting larger rack bucks go to do the breeding doesn’t accomplish alot since the genes of the does have as much to do with future rack size and maybe more, than the buck. If you hunt for meat, why not shoot a doe. The meat is the same, and a small buck gets to grow. That being said, I hope regardless of what people decide to shoot, have a fun and SAFE season. There is no deer alive worth getting hurt or hurting someone over. Good Luck everyone.

I like to make a few comments. I’m not trying to answer anything, just throwing out some info. When fawns are born in the spring, the ratio is 51% doe fawns, 49% buck fawns. The only way to really change that ratio is for hunters to shoot a lot of small bucks. As far a the gene pool issue goes, letting larger rack bucks go to do the breeding doesn’t accomplish alot since the genes of the does have as much to do with future rack size and maybe more, than the buck. If you hunt for meat, why not shoot a doe. The meat is the same, and a small buck gets to grow. That being said, I hope regardless of what people decide to shoot, have a fun and SAFE season. There is no deer alive worth getting hurt or hurting someone over. Good Luck everyone.

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If you hunt for meat, why not shoot a doe. The meat is the same, and a small buck gets to grow.

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If you hunt for meat, why not shoot a doe. The meat is the same, and a small buck gets to grow.

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If you hunt for meat, why not shoot a doe. The meat is the same, and a small buck gets to grow.

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I agree with that statement 100% I am a believer in the Earn a Buck to

As my Grandpa used to say………….It all makes a turd in the end

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If you hunt for meat, why not shoot a doe. The meat is the same, and a small buck gets to grow.

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I agree with that statement 100% I am a believer in the Earn a Buck to

As my Grandpa used to say………….It all makes a turd in the end

Lots of really interesting ideas here. I want to verify that I didnt say I ONLY hunt for meat, I said I only kill something I plan on eating. I enjoy the hunt as much as anyone else. Also, Im not implying that if I have a 12 pt and a 6 pt within range, that Ill take the 6. I was just interested in everyones line of reason.

Lots of really interesting ideas here. I want to verify that I didnt say I ONLY hunt for meat, I said I only kill something I plan on eating. I enjoy the hunt as much as anyone else. Also, Im not implying that if I have a 12 pt and a 6 pt within range, that Ill take the 6. I was just interested in everyones line of reason.

Sorry I did not mean to sound like I was singling you out, I was talking about deer hunters in general.

Sorry I did not mean to sound like I was singling you out, I was talking about deer hunters in general.

I’ll admit… i’m guilty of wanting big fish and big deer. the main difference between hunting and fishing is that i can’t let the deer go. also, i feel a lot of guys who want to shoot Monster Bucks do so for the challenge of it. It’s not about the meat. because if it was? they would shoot the first deer that came by. It’s about setting a goal and achieving it. It’s just like everything else people do in life. Think about it…. when’s the last time you did anything w/o a goal in mind. We all have dreams and aspirations. I personally find just as much or more enjoyment of watching deer then shooting them. And when i do decide to pull the trigger i don’t want to have any regrets. I have shot a doe every year for the last 5 w/ my bow and am just as proud as if i shot a big buck.

I also would like to mention the other side of it. I have a friend that gets so worked up when i ask him what he shot or what his kids shot that we hardly talk anymore. he instantly gets on the defensive and says “What’s the difference?” which is kind of ironic. He looks down apon me for chasing trophy bucks and “thinks” i look down apon him if they shoot small bucks. which is quiet the contrary.

This experience has taught me a lot about hunting and fishing for that matter. as much as I don’t agree w/ some peoples ethics for hunting and fishing….. I CANNOT JUDGE THEM because if i do then I’m just as guilty.

So, w/ that said. I would like to believe that i have the same philosophy as most. It’s in the eye of the beholder. If you can sleep at night and are proud of what you have accomplished then, you shouldn’t have to justify your actions to others.

As Montgomery Gentry would say: “You do your thing, I do mine”

I’ll admit… i’m guilty of wanting big fish and big deer. the main difference between hunting and fishing is that i can’t let the deer go. also, i feel a lot of guys who want to shoot Monster Bucks do so for the challenge of it. It’s not about the meat. because if it was? they would shoot the first deer that came by. It’s about setting a goal and achieving it. It’s just like everything else people do in life. Think about it…. when’s the last time you did anything w/o a goal in mind. We all have dreams and aspirations. I personally find just as much or more enjoyment of watching deer then shooting them. And when i do decide to pull the trigger i don’t want to have any regrets. I have shot a doe every year for the last 5 w/ my bow and am just as proud as if i shot a big buck.

I also would like to mention the other side of it. I have a friend that gets so worked up when i ask him what he shot or what his kids shot that we hardly talk anymore. he instantly gets on the defensive and says “What’s the difference?” which is kind of ironic. He looks down apon me for chasing trophy bucks and “thinks” i look down apon him if they shoot small bucks. which is quiet the contrary.

This experience has taught me a lot about hunting and fishing for that matter. as much as I don’t agree w/ some peoples ethics for hunting and fishing….. I CANNOT JUDGE THEM because if i do then I’m just as guilty.

So, w/ that said. I would like to believe that i have the same philosophy as most. It’s in the eye of the beholder. If you can sleep at night and are proud of what you have accomplished then, you shouldn’t have to justify your actions to others.

As Montgomery Gentry would say: “You do your thing, I do mine”