Proffesional hunters

[HUNTINGMAN]

I was just thinking about all the hunting shows on tv and wondering if I was the only one thinking this.Do the guys on tv really know how to hunt for themselves or just rely on the guides to do all of the hard work for them.Do they acually know how to go out and look for there own sign and find there own hot spots,just wondering how they would do in the real world where everyone doesnt have big money to throw down for a guide.What is everyones opinion on this.

[cinch314]

I dont know, I kinda figured that some of them had to start out like us and got good enough to be sponsored.

[wtnhunt]

I dont know, I kinda figured that some of them had to start out like us and got good enough to be sponsored.

Yep, most of them did not start out on the side of the camera we see them on now. Would venture to say most of those like Waddell are reaping the rewards of their work and knowledge, probably does not hurt to be likable and in the right place at the right time either.

[Tominator]

Oh, I think they'd do all right.

It's not rocket science. Get out, take a walk, look for sign, set up a little downwind of the sign, you know, just kind of wing it.

[Rhino]

The ones I'm familiar with didn't get where they are now without having become accomplished hunters on their own first. Some that I've met and some I know personally really aren't anymore savy than some other very experienced, veteran John Doe hunters I know but they are certainly far more knowledgeable than the average hunter I see these days.

However, there are TV shows and so called professional hunters on some of them that I've never heard of before. I'm not sure how some of these professional hunters seem to come out of nowhere with a TV show. For that reason I can sure see where you're coming from and why you asked these questions Huntingman. I sure have wondered some of the same things about some of these TV show professionals that I've never heard of until they showed up on the tube.

[TexasDeerHunter]

I think some like Waddell actually worked their way up. However, I think alot of personalities we see on hunting shows today either have alot of money or friends that do. Some of these guys do not appear to be very well educated on hunting , but somehow they had enough coin to a get a show on air.

[BowJoe]

I think there was a time when a real hunter would stand out amongst the rest because of knowledge, shooting skills and their enthusiasm. I know that Waddell, Jordan, Blanton, Potts, Adams, Miller and a handful of others with big names have proven themselves to have all 3 and I don't doubt that they would still enjoy local fame if nothing else. I do however have to question guys like Ted Nugent, Tred Barta, Keith Warren and some of the Knight and Hale guys. They seem to let the guide do all the work and all they do is pull the trigger. They set up in a house/blind/luxury structure with stairs or a comfy seat to say the least and then they try to supe up the hunt to make like it's a hard hunting situation. I hate watching the videos where hunting is the small detail to the show. They talk constantly and try to work up the hunt because they obviously can't show you the work that went into it. JMO.

[stevebeilgard]

so far, i think everyone is right. i've been involved in over 30 films. most hunters that come out are very good with whitetails, or turkeys, or whatever they hunted back home. but, very few if any know how to hunt the west. most i take hunting could not get a big mule deer or a nice antelope without me. and that brings up the second part of my statement.... when you go to a strange area or hunt a different animal, just listen to your guide and do what he says. most folks filming t.v. shows know that, and do listen.

[AdvantageTimberLou]

I believe they don't get on TV on luck, they are skilled and have a history of closing the deal. They have success from being able to read sign, find areas where big bucks are and close the deal.

Remember, before they got TV fame they harvested monsters that never got on film. Their passion and drive got them to get on TV, they pushed it farther than most on here would do.

Sacrifice, hard work, long hours have lead to their success, it did not happen overnight.

Can we do the same if we got the same hunting areas to hunt? Possibly but first we need that opportunity and these guys have earned it!

[jbeck]

I think the biggest difference in the average hunter and the pro's is the amount of time the pro's put into hunting. Hunting is a time game, the more time you put in the better your odds.

I on the other hand like my hunting to be a hobbie, not a job. I will work my job and use hunting to get away from the stress of my job. The biggest thing these guys give up is time away from family and friends. I wouldn't want to put in the hours these guys do, even when they don't feel like it. JMO

Jeff

[Dubie]

I think for the most part, they know what they're doing. For obvious reasons, a Texas Whitetail hunter isn't going to be an expert Yukon Moose hunter in the timeframe they have to hunt, so guides are enlisted.

On a side note, I often pondered starting up an Outdoors for the Average Joe type show. Fishing on a budget (no 20k bass boats. No 10k fly in trips. Just what your discount tin can and pickup truck can get you too). Hunting from the eyes of the average hunter. No guides, no leases, no highfence. Just whatever happens when you buy the over the counter tag, or the odd draw. Filmed on public lands, or property you actualy get permission to hunt....

[elkoholic]

Hunting anywhere in the world just involves the ability and smarts to adapt to the situation at hand. Most of the hunters you see on TV or in hunting videos are there simply because they have the money or sponsors to allow them to be. Having a guide place you in a situation where you will have an opportunity to take a shot removes most of the "hunting" from the equation and just leaves the shoot, or not, up to the "hunter" to close the deal. On a spot and stalk type of hunt, no matter what animal being pursued, the guide has less of impact on the hunt as it is only the guides knowledge of the probable location of game and the general lay of the land that comes into play. Anyone can sit in a blind overlooking a feeding area, game trail, watering hole or bedding area and shoot deer with or without the help of a guide, but if you did not do the scouting then you are just a "shooter". Given the opportunities and time, any one here in the forums could line their walls with trophies just like the "pros". Back to the original question, I do not think I have ever seen evidence that any of the "pros" can really hunt, but I still like watching them (well, some of them) on TV or in videos.