OK, now we're getting somewhere. webejonesin, I feel is absolutely correct with his statement and factual backup that times are indeed achanging. They always have, and always will, constantly. The animals do evolve to adapt to their surroundings. Little by little, constantly.

I think when I look at old pictures (not color pics) of deer hunters with the deer hanging on a pole, they look darker to me than they appear to me today. (I'm talking IL & midwest deer). I know each generation very gradually passes on little "change orders" to their offspring, evolving at every opportunity.

What I am absolutely nuts curious about is how the body fills the change orders within itself before mating (w/ other bodies which have done change orders) and BOOM - IT'S EVOLVED (even if ever so slightly). Very, very cool.

But let's get back to our new guest, Mabdoarnam. I feel I know what is started out to say. It was quite simply - hunting IS NOT as it used to be when his Gramps was showing him the ropes. And that is, as jonesin affirms by his post, absolutely true. And for the reasons both he (and now I) state.

But the rest of it? Going hunting on others land and no one cared. Clothing. Weaponry. Stands. Boots.

The deer are smarter today than back in the day. But that just makes em REAL smart cause they were probobly never "dumb".

Notice I said the pictures of deer hanging on a pole? That's because back then (in the day) it was very, very difficult to get a pic the likes of all the bruisers plastered over everything today. (some completely fake and many others w/ computer "enhancements", I might add.

Scenerio:
Uncle Matt likes his 2005 Dodge 4-door 4X4 w/ Cummins diesel power. It gets him to work, around town. He can grab his 12 gauge Browning Gold Stalker, put on his Scent-Lock coverall & $300 boots, jump in, and go to the deer woods and back with a deer or two in the bed.

Gramps likes his 1932 Ford 2-door w/a 4-popper. It gets him to church, the VA hospital, bingo, social security office, funerals. He can grab his Winchester 12 gauge, leave his Carharts & Redwing boots on, jump in, and go to the deer woods and back with a deer or two in the back.

Either way - they both get the job done, right? I think I'll agree with Madman on the fact that for those of us who have hunted with our gramdfathers - we'd all love to share another with him.