Ethical Question

[Venom]

Let's say you're hunting public land for the first time. You're not seeing anything and your time to hunt is growing short. A friend tells you they have some land that you can hunt on your next day off. Now this land has no management system and the mentality of the area is 'If it's brown, it's down.' You're a QDMA member, you've had guidelines you're entire hunting life on what to shoot and not shoot, you've even picked a public hunting land that has antler restriction, and this person is telling you to shoot whatever comes out. Even if it's a 2.5 four point. Would you? Should you? Do you be the better person and let it walk, knowing it probably won't last another month, or do you see walking backstrap and take it knowing that it's not a trophy but it's going to taste good as chili.

[D12]

If you need the meat pick the most mature deer you see.

[Heath]

Only you can answer that question.

[txtimetravler]

been there, done that. You will do what is right for you.

I passed up some NICE bucks on friends property because I didn't think it was right of me and I wouldn't have harvested it on my own lease.

[killroy]

That is totally up to you

[m'gobo]

That depends on the hunter. I have let more bucks walk than I can count just to watch them grow year after year. Then again, I have busted some just to have some venison. The main thing IMO is following the laws (ie antler restrictions) Good luck!

[tuthdoc]

I don't see where it's a question of "ethics". Ethics would come into play if you shot something they DID NOT want shot. If you're within the parameters of the land you're hunting, then what you shoot is a personal choice.

[LostHawg]

Only you can answer that question.

Absolutely CORRECT.

[Dusty Britches]

Only you can answer that question.

enough said. and I don't agree with longhorns very much.

[NateYJ]

Thats right Only you can answer that ?. Just my.02 cents I wouldn't, only if it was a mature animal.

[skyhawk]

Depends on how hungry you are.

[shotgunsmitty]

Absolutly right, only you can answer that.

If you need the meat, then from a provider's aspect, lay it down.

Would I? Probably not. Would I late in the season with no venison in the freezer? Probably not. But that's just me.

[Brad]

If you wont be satisfied with the animal you harvest then dont shoot it. If youre hunting for meat, shoot a doe

[rbridges00]

It's up to you, yes. BUT, if the land owner is trying to reduce deer numbers and is inviting you to assist in this effort, then I would say shoot it.

If he's inviting you for "your" benefit, then it is totally up to you whether you shoot or not.

[Venom]

Thank you everybody. I agree that I should let it go even if I know it's probably going to die this year anyway. If I won't shoot the 2.5 8 pt on the private land we're leasing then why would I on someone else's even w/ permission.