I’ll pile on with AK.

Without an accomplished mentor it’s very difficult for a new bowhunter to appreciate the depth and breadth of our sport. The journey that starts with an urge to hunt with a bow and ends with a meal of venison on the table is much more than shooting a deer with an arrow. Think about all the things you need to know and be good at to make that “journey”. My dad didn’t hunt so I didn’t get started until my father-in-law got a hold of me 22 years ago. He didn’t bowhunt, but I was immediately captivated by the thought of it. I was what some on this board would call an idiot the first few years as I stumbled and bumbled my way through the woods. Remember I was a city boy who had previously never left the sidewalk so even navigating the woods was a challenge never mind figuring out where a deer might live or how to get within 15 or 20 yards of one. Looking back I chuckle at all the silly mistakes I made, worthless equipment I bought and how many “sure fire” stand sites I’d located.

Those of you without a mentor that can remember back that far, were you any different?