elkoholic Posted February 7, 2009 Report Share Posted February 7, 2009 Seeing as how this is a hunting forum and as hunters we all strive to be successful in filling the freezer, I am sure there is something more. My hunting is very different than most on these forums, but let me give my idea of what it is all about. To begin, in my mind each and every hunt is to be an adventure, a trial of sorts. Getting tired, wet, cold and maybe a cut or scrape or two is all part of it. Getting lost, or turned around, can be part of it. Getting un-lost is a good talent to have. The smell of a bull elk or buck in rut. My best day hunting involved eleven moose and a dozen mulie bucks (one I should have shot), two feet of snow and a ten plus mile hike. I never pulled the trigger that day but I returned home wet, tired and only a little bruised from one nasty fall on a snow covered rock ledge, but I was mentally full, if you know what I mean. If I am successful, a mile long drag to the truck is a good way to top it off. What's it all about to you? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrswtnhunt Posted February 7, 2009 Report Share Posted February 7, 2009 I agree with you. I enjoy being outdoors for multiple reasons. I more often than not come back emptyhanded but have a full heart. The fun is in the chase, for me anyway. Hunting is not easy and requires skill, patience, and dedication. That is why it is called hunting and not shooting. I really like the time I spend in the woods because it allows me to relax and just "take it all in". Very good post elkoholic. Thanks for sharing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
clrj3514 Posted February 7, 2009 Report Share Posted February 7, 2009 I agree with you. I enjoy being outdoors for multiple reasons. I more often than not come back emptyhanded but have a full heart. The fun is in the chase, for me anyway. Hunting is not easy and requires skill, patience, and dedication. That is why it is called hunting and not shooting. I really like the time I spend in the woods because it allows me to relax and just "take it all in". Very good post elkoholic. Thanks for sharing. exactly what i was gonna say. took the words right outta my mouth Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OJR Posted February 7, 2009 Report Share Posted February 7, 2009 I'll never forget one fall deer hunting. I was sitting on a stand on the ground, lots of snow, about 10 above, windy yet it was so peaceful! As I was sitting there, I happened to see one stalk of dead grass that wiggling but not with the wind. I watched if a bit and all of sudden it fell over. The next thing I knew, a little critter stuck it's nose out of the snow, grabbed the end of the grass and pulled it under the snow and I would imagine into it's hole! I forgot all about deer hunting! Just sat there for a few minutes and this coyote walked out about 40 yards from me. I never moved nor did I bring the gun up! I knew there was a big buck in the area and I wasn't about to shoot a coyote. I waited some more and one of the guys who I was hunting with, came up and out of a draw below me. We chatted a bit and after a few minutes, a little fawn walked out. We just sat and watched it. Neither one of us even thought of bringing the gun up! What a super day on the side of a mountain and never fired a shot! Cold, wet and totally satisfied. What more could a person ask for? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adjam5 Posted February 7, 2009 Report Share Posted February 7, 2009 My hunts are my piece of mind. Either successful or not the whole mental aspect of being away from home, and more recently with my sons, whom 2 are deer hunting age. I count success if the field a bit different than a harvest. I have been taking the vid cam out more often than usual and I get to see the hard work put into the food plots I've planted, and the love I have shown to my apple trees. I have not taken a gun buck on our property in 8 years, and I am completely content with that. The amount of deer I have seen/filmed is satisfying. Don't get me wrong, I would like to shoot a gun buck, but my directives have changed now that my boys are in the game. My son Joe brings tears to my eyes when I see him in action in the woods. He has taken to the outdoors like a fish to water. If you know him, you know what I mean. My son AJ passed on many does this season looking for horns. I had a doe tag for him too and he showed dicipline. My youngest son Mike is always starry eyed when we get home and tell our deer stories, which he will be apart of soon. Seeing my kids in action watching them be sucessful has become my thing. I always tell my boys...aren't you glad I didn't take up knitting? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PA_RIDGE_RUNNER Posted February 7, 2009 Report Share Posted February 7, 2009 At my age sometimes just getting out makes a successful hunt. I always feel close to my maker out there in His sanctuary, the one he made. Over the years success has changed to enjoyment of nature and the changing of the seasons. Don't get me wrong I still enjoy filling the freezer but hunting with family and seeing them succeed is just as satisfying as me connecting. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tominator Posted February 7, 2009 Report Share Posted February 7, 2009 First and foremost, sharing it with buddies. If I had to hunt alone, I probably would, but I know I wouldn't enjoy it as much. The opportunity to learn from nature, to witness what happens and take that away to apply to another day. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dakota Posted February 7, 2009 Report Share Posted February 7, 2009 I love seeing all the wildlife when I hunt. Seeing fifty turkeys cross the road in front of you while pheasant hunting in an area where there had previously been zero really makes you glad you're a part of such an organization like the NWTF. Hunting isn't just about the kill; it's about the highs, the lows, the scenery, the wildlife, the sunrises, time spent outside with family and friends in God's country, THAT is what it is all about imho. Dakota Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HOYTnMUZZYboy Posted February 7, 2009 Report Share Posted February 7, 2009 Hunting for me is not about the hunt at all. There has been many times I haven't even picked up my bow or gun when deer were close. I love to watch God's creatures. Sitting in the stand without anything but maybe a bird or 2 knowing your there. Watching something that alot of people dont get to see. A guy I know had never been hunting for anything in his life, lives in the city barely ever seen a good stary night. I took him to a set I have hung and he loved it. We climbed down at dark and made our way out to a field and just stood there and talked for a bit. He was absolutely mezmorized by all the stars out. That to me made the hunt worth every bit of it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mossyhorn Posted February 8, 2009 Report Share Posted February 8, 2009 To me it is all about sharing the experience. Hunting with people that have never been before is the best of all. I open up a new world to someone and to see them shaking whenever a deer walks by or a squirrel at that. That something right there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fly Posted February 8, 2009 Report Share Posted February 8, 2009 (edited) Could go on for a while on this topic, but I'll keep it short (sort of). Hunting means diferent things to me. Shotgun deer season is about sharing the outdoors with my family (primarily my dad) and a few friends some years. Having a roaring campfire and a lot of funny stories about the past. Bow season is me alone. Many times I take advantage of the solace to commune with God. I never get tired of watching his artwork in the sky at sunrise or hearing his symphony as the creatures of the forest awaken. The time alone is calming to my soul. The success I've been granted has done wonders for my confidence. Being able to figure out travel routes and then place a stand in the ideal location. Clearing the lanes where I think the deer will come from. Then waiting many long hours and finally getting to within 30 yards of the animal I'm after and making the shot count. Now that's satisfaction at its finest. Spring bear hunting last year in Idaho was about taking an adventure with a new friend and learning a completely new way to hunt. I was not able to harvest a bear, but gained a new friend and experience for future hunts. Next year my daughter will attempt to take her first deer during the youth firearm season. My son will be following right behind. I have no doubt that involving them will add yet another spin on what hunting means to me. Edited February 8, 2009 by fly Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NS whitetail Posted February 8, 2009 Report Share Posted February 8, 2009 I love the hunt, I love the harvest, I love it all.............. but the one thing that I do love the most about it is, being at deer camp for a couple of weeks with family and friends. Great food, great fun, lots of big yarns and sharing the experience is what it is all about to me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hoythunter37 Posted February 8, 2009 Report Share Posted February 8, 2009 I love just being out in the woods. I realized during the first season that my dad took me out with him it was just about being out in the elements. Doesnt matter about the harvest (but that would be nice) it just about being outdoors and appreciating life. It gives me the satisfaction of breathing fresh air and watching gods creation. Watching different animals do what they do or watching a squirrel come just a couple of feet from you and try to figure you out just amazes me. With all the stresses in life just being outdoors and hunting just calms me down. My girlfriend tells me hunting is my crack. lol I would have to agree. Plus when I harvest an animal whether doe, buck, turk, or squirrel is such an accomplishment. God I wish bow season was still in. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hoythunter37 Posted February 8, 2009 Report Share Posted February 8, 2009 O ya and sharing those moments with my brother, dad, cousin, mom, girlfriend or friends. I wouldnt trade it for a million dollars or anything in the world. You just cant get that satisfaction from anywhere else. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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