broadhead Report post Posted July 28, 2019 Lately I've been thinking about previous hunts and times I've eaten my tag and started thinking back to deer I've either let pass or chosen not to pursue. I think since I came up empty in every draw this year the desire to fill a tag again crept back in and I started wondering if I could go back again would I still let those deer go by. I can honestly say I don't mind letting them walk since the vast majority have been young deer, but sometimes a guy just wants to fill a tag and bring some meat home. Anyone on here ever passed up a buck or a bull and come to regret it? I'd love to hear the story! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
My Rights As An American Report post Posted July 28, 2019 My rule that I pass on to my kids is to never regret a shot that you did not take. There was a reason you did not take that shot and if you had, it may have led to bad results. Never regret a shot you did not take. 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
trphyhntr Report post Posted July 28, 2019 Yeah when I was 16 early archery bull. 2 bulls together, one was typical with huge fronts the other was huge 7 on one side like a 400 type and the other side was just a club. I shot the typical. Fml 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
creed Report post Posted July 28, 2019 Looking back on nearly every archery deer season I regret not taking shots on at least one deer. The issue I have is if I kill one then I am done hunting for the year. I know, dumb reason for passing on a decent buck. The exception is a late December buck but even then I pass on most bucks. I don't have the desire to kill a deer just to kill one. I have passed on some small bulls in hopes of finding a bigger bull. I usually eat tag soup and always have regrets. Elk tags don't come along that often. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PRDATR Report post Posted July 28, 2019 I've only ever had one Kaibab tag and on opening morning a very tall 4x4 was running across a bowl at about 60 yards. I passed wanting one that was wider or a non-typical and as it turned out he was the only shooter I saw. Don't really regret it though but would have liked to see how wide he actually was. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
grey curse Report post Posted July 28, 2019 Waited 10 yrs to draw a archery tag in Utah. Got the tag and passed on two really good bucks the first four days of 11 day hunt. Never had another opportunity at either on of them Kick myself everyday for that decision. But at least I had a chance to shoot a whopper just choked bad. Think I did everything wrong, jerk the trigger, drop arm, didn’t aim small, heck think I even closed my eyes. Yeah he was big. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
idgaf Report post Posted July 28, 2019 I had been on a pretty good killing streak so I was trying for a giant. Ten minutes into hunting on January 1 I got well within twenty yards of this guy with enough time to judge him, put my bow down, get my camera out of my pack and take pictures. My streak ended that year 5 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wildwoody Report post Posted July 28, 2019 Ya this question is a no brainer.. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Heat Report post Posted July 28, 2019 I try to not pass anything during the hunt, that I would shoot in the last minutes of the last day of the hunt. So far no regrets. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
firstcoueswas80 Report post Posted July 28, 2019 Two ( I think) different bucks, different years, same place. This was literally the second deer of the trip, about 15 minutes into the hunt. Heavy 2 point with some cool stuff going on. Really regret not taking the shot. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hoss50 Report post Posted July 28, 2019 I am not good enough to pass on shots yet. 😖 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PRDATR Report post Posted July 28, 2019 1 hour ago, Hoss50 said: I am not good enough to pass on shots yet. 😖 I passed on a white antlered 5x5 bull in 23S on a November archery hunt in about 96 for that exact reason. I heard him running to me in the bottom of a creek bed. He knew I was there and stopped then walked up a hill for 20 yards at 90 degrees to my left between some Ponderosa's and went over and out to the juniper flats never stopping. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
broadhead Report post Posted July 31, 2019 Man, I forgot about this thread and didn't check it until just now. Thanks for the stories. I guess a better way to phrase the question would have been do you regret letting an animal go by rather than regret taking a shot when it could be a questionable one. I missed on the draw (only apply for December rifle) and on leftovers but I pulled a New Mexico mule deer tag in November that I really hope I can still make due to work circumstances. I've pretty much decided that any decent shot at a legal buck I'll take but that could change when I get out there. Just glad it's August tomorrow and hunting starts in August! Good luck to everyone this year! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AzDiamondHeat Report post Posted July 31, 2019 On 7/28/2019 at 12:10 PM, firstcoueswas80 said: Two ( I think) different bucks, different years, same place. This was literally the second deer of the trip, about 15 minutes into the hunt. Heavy 2 point with some cool stuff going on. Really regret not taking the shot. Had a buck very similar to this last year. Opening morning and didn't really want to end my hunt. High winds KILLED the rest of the hunt. Saw a few more dinks but never pulled the trigger. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wildwoody Report post Posted July 31, 2019 Ya that was a screw up. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
