Part of the traditional hunt for me is about hunting in the same areas year after year. In fact, I've used the same capsite for 35 years. Hunting someplace else would be okay, but there'd be something missing. It's like any good hotel has a bed and a table and a TV set and a shower, but it isn't home. Everyridge, every canyon, every stream has memories. And when the end of the hunt comes, I always know that I'll be back next year. And even though I hunt public land, I have a sense of ownership or at least stewardship for this seasonal "home".

There are some definite advantages to this. I couldn't get lost if I tried. I know where every water hole and spring is located. I know how the animals use the terrain.And there's something ritualistic about marking the passing of each year by returning to those places, one year older and still hunting.

I know a lot of hunters travel all over the country and some never hunt the same place twice. But does anybody else have thissense of connection to theland, or am I just odd?