I totally agree with the trail cam line of thinking. I very rarely see a buck that I do not have pics of. So, there really aren't any surprises when I'm hunting. It's nice when an unknown big mature buck shows up and it does happen from time to time. But, for the most part I know all the bucks in my area before the season and I don't shoot anything that I haven't already determined as a target buck.

I also go on my initial instinct when I see a buck. Last year I killed a buck in Iowa where I did not have any trail cam knowledge going in. When you just instinctively grab your bow when you see a buck that's usually a good sign. I just "know" a shooter when I see one.

Don't ever settle for anything less than what you are hoping for. If you are NOT shaking and excited to get down and look at your buck, you've shot the wrong deer.