I should have shot the little one

[Roy from Pa]

That's why we call it Hunting:) Ya done good..

[wapitirod]

you have way more self control than me, I've just resigned myself to being a meat hunter.

[leatherneck]

If you REALLY wanted to shoot the smaller buck then you would not have let him pass in the first place. Follow your gut!

[twitchstick]

With this I'm not looking for sympathy nor prase it is just typical of me. I not a trophy hunter, you can tell by my trophy room. I try not to get caught up in the bigger better issues but if I can I do like to take a mature animals and it's not just about points or getting into a book. A large 2x2 can easily catch my eye as much as a large 4x4. It's a respect thing for mature animals. I am blessed most years I can be some what picky about what I shoot at. With a light winter and heavy monsoons this summer our deer herd is doing better than it has in the last few years.

Anyone that has hunted with me knows how typical this is for me. I always seem to be an inch away all the times. I've been in a bit of a killing slump lately. It is amazing how close I can get to having a shot oppertunity and never get one. I guess that's why I love doing this so much.

[Hopewell Tom]

The first two words - Opening morning...
Still time then. Look at it this way, you're still deer hunting, that isn't all bad.
Try shooting the next time, see how that feels. That closeness IS special... and worth the price.

[**DONOTDELETE**]

That's the way it goes eh?  

I had a very lousy year last season. The first day opening morning i had a very nice sized Blacktail i came up on in the first 20 minutes of my hunt totally unaware of my presence at about 15 yards. head down broadside..... i passed it up, and didn't have another opportunity for weeks. When when it did, i shot a tree branch i didn't see.   :rolleyes:

[BrownA5]

The season is young and as others have stated, sounds like you have plenty to choose from.  I think you made the right decision.  If you shot the "smaller" one now you might be on here telling us you should have waited for the bigger one! (LOL).  Go get 'em... and when you do, post pictures and the story.

This is why I love this site!!