I catch a lot of flack......lots of times hidden within other posts.....for being a "novice" hunter. If I've heard the "he's only been hunting a year" phrase thrown around once.....I've heard it 100 times.

What makes a hunter "experienced"? I've been 76 days in the field in my 1+ yrs hunting whitetails....with my previous hunting experience notwithstanding. I saw over 340 animals from stand THIS YEAR......and my "encounters" far outnumber people I know who have been hunting for years. I harvested 5 whitetail deer with my bow THIS SEASON.....and I'd match that with most.

I have 3 outdoor targets that my son and I utilizefor practice. I've read more books and magazines than anyone I know about this passion. I watch everyshow my wife will let me get away with. I go to the hunting shows that involve whitetails. I practice at the indoor range when the guys are down there. I shoot the 3D indoor tournaments Greg puts on all Spring. I have a ladder stand at my home that we practice out of all year long on our 3D targes.

Am I experienced? Do I have as much experience as the guy who hunts 10x a year for8 yrs and has 100 encounters.....harvesting 5 animals? What's the standard? Am I allowed the lattitude an "Experienced" would be? I know my shots that I regret will come fewer and further between. I remember each one. I also remember times when I didn't shoot......and I KNOW others would.

Jeff