I face a similar dilemma regarding whether or not to shoot a buck like that. For quite a few years now, I hunted with my bow for a real trophy and in one case let a nice 5X5 stand in my shooting lane at 13 yards and then continue on. Why? Because my cousin (who owns the land) asked me to not shoot a buck unless I would hang the rack on my wall. He told me of three bucks he had seen, one a 20" inside spread and two 18"ers.
I saw this one on the first night I had ever hunted this land. I have hunted there for about 4 years now and that is the nicest buck I have seen to date.
Every once in awhile when I think of that encounter, one thought slips into my mind, and that thought is to say to myself " you IDIOT". I can not believe I let that buck go. It would have been the nicest buck I had ever shot with a bow- maybe with rifle shot bucks included.
But, If you take one you are wondering about you will never have the opportunity to shoot a really big one. That is where I am, and it has been a few years since I have tagged a deer.
The passion for hunting is just as strong now as ever, and that is what I enjoy so I will probably continue on as before. I do like venison, so I may take a smaller deer as I have a tag for two different states this year.
Still, in my mind it would be a shame to take a smaller buck that has the potential to grow into something really special. I recognize that I am blessed to live where I live and have the opportunities to hunt a few big deer, and I know there are many who are not that fortunate. So these thoughts are just for me- not directed to anyone else. My two son-in-laws are relatively new hunters and I do not impose my thoughts on what they should shoot when they hunt my farm.