Younggun, I'm one of the "resident" types that you referred to, where I live close to big game hunting. I am young and don't have the time or money to do big hunting trips. I actually grew up in a state that doesn't offer those kind of opportunities (I won't actually say california becuase then I'll lose all credibility on this forum) but decided that I wanted to live someplace with good big game hunting and fly fishing - so I moved to montana after finishing college. It's understandable if you want to stay closer to family in TN, but one way to do it would be to actually move to a place that offers the activities that you are passionate about.

As for the guys who take big trips to alaska, africa, montana, colorado, etc... Most have jobs that offer a few weeks vacation. It also helps if you can work the cost of these trips into your budget. I you want to stay in TN and make big game hunting a priority in your life, find a job that provides adequate paid vacation time... or at least a job where your boss is cool with you leaving for a week or two. Work / Life balance is very important. I understand that it's important to find a good job to provide for yourself and your family when that eventually happens. This is simply part of being responsible. At the same time though, if a job is going to completely keep you from doing what you love, it's probably in your best interest to keep looking for something better.