I don't think we really need to get into a hunt cost-pissing match, lol.

That was not really the reason I started this thread, just wondering what people go through in their hunting career. I am thinking I have just reached a stage where the hunt is more fun than anything. I have helped people on elk hunts the last two years, and enjoy the hunt more than the kill itself. The cost means NOTHING to me, other than the fact that without money, I couldn't hunt, lol. This year will be my 10th big game season. I have had 7 deer tags and 1 elk tag, and taken 5 deer and 1 elk. Nothing big, but it seems on the two years I have eaten my tags, I enjoyed it just as much as the years when I killed something. Last year was the first year I hunted ducks, and yes, we had 6 people out on a marsh on the edge of a reservoir, and it was quite easy compared to chasing mountain lions. I have also hunted chukar, quail and pheasant with a friend who lives 2 1/2 hours from here. Every one of the hunts I have been on I can remember as plain as yesterday.

Maybe it just means that when I finally do walk up to a tree with my dogs at the bottom and a lion at the top, it will be more rewarding then anything else I have done. There has been a lot more work involved in those dogs than I have put in all the other hunting I have done COMBINED, but for some reason, I still enjoy it the most. And the best part is, I can walk away from the tree and leave the lion to chase another day.

Maybe I will just apply for deer and antelope this year, and pass on the elk and sheep apps. Keep chasing my mutts around the hills, and put a little venison in the freezer for the winter.

We shall see, lol

Later,

Marcial