ORIGINAL: dwd2001
Well Jody I don't know what to tell you, I apologize if "it sets [you] a bit wrong." I think you are missingthe point here. I can understand you being upset by the people that practice for a week or even a month half heartedly, and walk into the woods. But like I said earlier, that's not who I am and that's not what I do. I'll have shot 9,000+ arrows by the time that hunt arrives. Again, you are making assumptions (and character judgements)about me and you have absolutely no idea who I am.
Out of curiosity what do you suggest I do?
Not hunt in the McAlister hunt? Oh wait because I already said I wouldn't huntif I wasn't ready.
I'm a sportsman. Not a blood thirsty, arrogant, braggin' right attaining individual. And by that I'm mean I'm capable of making my own ehtical hunting decisions and I realize there is a LOT LOT LOT LOT LOT more to bowhunting (of any type) than killing.
Thanks dwd2001...you saved me a lot of typing. I am in the same boat as you, and believe that Jody A is a little quick on making an irrational judgement on our situation.
As for being young and only chasing big deer, I really don't understand that statement. I have shot 3 times more does than bucks. Further more, some of the best hunts, as I saidin a previous post, are the ones I go out and never even have a weapon in hand. I love the outdoors and enjoy the time I spend there. In no way am I ever disappointed if I don't harvest an animal. I shot a doe with a pistol last year, my first one with a pistol, and that was one the biggest accomplishments I have ever achieved. Although it was only a doe, I still took great pride and honor in achieving something I had tried to do in 3 years. I do have a deer on the wall that scores 172" that I shot 6 years ago and I was just as proud of that doe as I was of that buck, just b/c of the challenge.
Now, thatI have started shooting trad, my next goal is to harvest an animal with this equipment. I feel that 3 months time is plenty enough time to know my boundaries and get enough practice to successfully take a comfortable shot inside 15 yards. If I fail to harvest an animal this year, there is always next year. I am an outdoorsman and a hunter, nota killer. Harvesting an animal is only a bonus on top of the experience I have in the woods.
Trent