Why can’t we be both
I find bucks with potential and follow them through the years. Some grow impressive antlers some just grow old. 5.5 or older is a trophy to me, but when they hit that 150” or better it’s really a trophy! My son and I archery hunt bucks.
As far as meat, we have to shoot does for management purposes and have shut down processors in the area for weeks at a time with donations. If I’m going to eat them I dang sure ain’t eating a buck, lol. Rifles are used for does because bullets are cheaper than arrows and broadheads. I’ll keep about 2 maybe 3 does a year for myself. In fact, to make sure only one or two of us aren’t having to keep does in check, next year it will be mandatory for anyone that hunts they must shoot 5 does before shooting a buck.
I personally don’t care what anyone shoots on their property. Each of us has different reasons and maturity levels when hunting. I used to be a brown it’s down type, then wanted bigger antlers. Now it’s age class on bucks. We try and give them all the benefit of the doubt and let them grow.
