ORIGINAL: NEW61375
Also GregHlet me point out that I like reading your posts and I am not trying to be argumentitive(sp?). You are no doubt ahead of the game and offer a lot of valuable information to all of us. 40 years of hunting experience is a lot of hands on information and you are also good at wording so others can pick up what you are putting down. I just read your post on shooting does and that is a perfect example. You have only been trophy hunting since 1991 so let me ask you this. The 25 years before you started chasing onlybig bucks how did you hunt and did you switch to trophy huntingbecause you did not feel challenged anymore? I understand why I huntthe wayI do but I have never asked someone who just hunts big bucks theirhunting history and what made them change their goals. It seems almost likeevolving in a way and maybe some of us just haven't got to that point in our hunting evolution yet, and some probably never will.I personally have changed a lot over the past few years and haveenjoyed a significant increase in success and I almost feel like it won't be long until I am looking for more of a challenge but I say that as I am sitting here at mycomputer not in my treestand.Inoticed from 1991 until 2006 youhave killed 14 bucks ranging in scores from 120's to 180's. During that stretchhow many(if any) seasons did you not take a good buck. I think that is what I am worried about if I try to kill just big bucks there is a chance I won't kill anything andmy ego won't let me have a skunked season(notjust yet). I guess you have to be prepared for that and put your ego on the back burner and see how it goes. Anyway just a couple of questions to help melook from another point of view.
New 61Guy, I'd like you to read this post to Davoh from this thread.
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quote:
ORIGINAL: Davoh
I don't get where you guys are coming from with the "I get out what I put in stuff".
This year it's still up in the air on if I'll get to go. This year I havn't had the time or money to go to the family place and scout or hang stands.
But if I can at all get the gas money to get out there, I will. I've hunted that property all my life, quite literally. I know the places that hold deer year after year.
Regardless, I can say this, I get infinitely more out of spending just 30 minutes out there than I could ever put in. I didn't have a bow or rifle to hunt with last year, but I still took my wife out there and sat on a stand. Just to go.
There is nothing wrong with putting forth tons of effort for your hunting. It's a self-respect, pride-in-your-work kinda thing. But don't lord over those of us who have not the finances nor the free time to drive 8+ hours to camp and days scouting and hanging stands.
Bottom line, we all have different priorities and reasons for hunting. I just wish people would stop belittleing those of us who do not ascribe to the "Trophy Hunter" creed.
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Davoh, your a nice guy, but you're going to have to read the posts again. Nobody is lording over or belittleing anyone. Show me where. My bottom line is, and always has been this.
SHOOT WHAT YOU WANT, THE CHOICE IS YOURS
I also feel that in most cases, not all, where time, money,hunting spots or lack of thereof, is used as an excuse for hunting experiences which are less desirable than your expectations..... it is just that, an excuse.
You have to be willing to do what it takes to satisfy yourself. If you want something bad enough, do something about it. Take a partime job, mow some lawns, plan ahead and save some money.
If you are not willing to do this, then you must not complain and make excuses. Accept the fact that
you have made the choice for your hunting experiences and don't begrudge the guy for getting his trophy.
Everybody should be congradulatory towards each others hunting experiences. There should be no ridicule or bashing.
_____________________________
GregH
I learn something new about
the game I hunt every season.
That's what makes it so fun.
I'll go the other way on this and use myself as an example. Since I was 4 years old, I'd stand at the window and wait for my dad to return from bowhunting. I couldn't wait to get out there and see the deer. I had to touch it, poke its eyes and feel its tongue. Well, I still feel that way. As I grew and read my dads hunting mags, I'd always stare at the majestic 10 point buck that graced their covers. Still do. At 5, I started shooting a recurve (1961). By 11, I was good with it. I was also tall enough that my dad took me to get a liscense. I finally got to hunt! Late season, cause my dad always went with his buddies in the early season. Nothing the first season (too far), but late season 1968, I shot my first deer! A 6 point buck, 15 yard running shot on the ground! I was hooked for life.
Over the years I had slacked off on the archery and chased girls instead. I always gun hunted though. I went to collage in 1974 and got a roommate who liked to bowhunt. He's still my best friend. Started bowhunting again. I found out that the more time I spent in the woods and learning about deer, the better my hunts and enjoyment became. I read everything I could get my hands on about deer. I was already fasinated with them. Kept reading, learning, hunting deer every chance I could. Got married, divorced, raised a son to enjoy hunting and archery. We became tournament archers, shot for HCA and by 1999, We both took 3rd in the NFAA Indoor Nationals. How cool, Father and son, THIRD first time there. I took up archery to improve my hunting, it worked. My son's first deer was a 122" 8 point when he was 12!! 205# dressed. He grunted it away from 2 does! Son turned 18 and is out on his own.
I've always been facinated by big bucks, so in 1991, when they came out with the first bonus tags, I began trophy hunting. I figured I could get my meat with a doe, then wait for horns. Shot a doe one opening morning and a 182" buck on Nov 11th. Never looked back.
To this day, I work overtime all winter long, don't vacation much, work on my house, garden and wood work in my spare time. Along with shed hunting and permission seeking for new places to hunt. Otherwise, I hunt. I have whittled away all of my other hobbies and kept the few that will allow me the time and money to experience deer hunting the way I want. Somehow, through it all, I have managed to maintain a wonderfull girlfriend for almost 14 years.
The bottom line is that it is everyones own choice as to what kind of sacrifices they are able and willing to make in order to get the hunting experience that they desire. You have to settle for what you are willing to invest. No complaints or begrudging, it was your decision.