trkyhntr:
I've got mixed emotions on the issue. Over the last 40 years or so that I've hunted, several of the smaller racked bucks were definitely that way due to genetics, probably inbreeding. I shot a buck that was looking away from me 5 or 6 years ago that I thought sure was going to be a nice one. The rack was curved forward nicely and I KNEW it had to be a 6 or 8 point. Turned out to be a spike with 12" horns. I was told by those who know that the deer was 5 years old.
Anyway, two years ago, I got a 13 pointer which, to me, was probably the zenith of my hunting days. Soooo, I'll be spending a lot of time with my stand near the RR tracks where the N&S blows through 30 or 40 times a day. If anything with a large rack is stupid enough to come near, I'll think about shooting. Otherwise, I think I'll just use the time to get out into the woods and enjoy some of the nature that's rapidly decreasing due to urban sprawl.
Good luck on your quest for that big one.
Trainz