I've been reading some of the "heated" posts that were made recently which got me wondering. Why do most hunters believe that there is a special "cure all" for their lack of tagging big bucks. I know much has been said about a few books lately and from responses, I gathered that some of the responders expected a step by step, hand holding guide to tagging the big one. I guess i would blame "the industry" for this. You can turn on the tv and see p&y's getting shot everyday and there are numerous mags. With picture after picture of successful hunters. I'm not saying that one should not read articles, books or watch shows to help hone their skills because not being willing to learn more is foolish and the best way to staying unsuccessful. I just think that one should take what he/she has learned and apply it to their areas and situations.
the expectation that tagging the big one should be easy leads to so many used and abused excuses. I get so tired of hearing or reading that there aren't very many good bucks where I live. Truth is there are P&Y deer almost everywhere. I believe that there are some bucks that live their whole lives and never get seen after they are 3 yrs old. Or this one "I only have public ground to hunt" This is probably my fav. excuse. I too hunt a lot of public ground and generally see better deer there than on the private ground I hunt. I also see several other hunters. This doesn't bother me. Makes me hunt harder and I put more effort into finding that overlooked spot. It just seems to me that most want a surefire method or call or scent that will ensure them filling that tag, when the truth of the matter is that it takes a ton of effort, (scouting, running trail cams, hunting in inclimate weather, etc) discipline,(you HAVE to pass on the smaller ones in order to shoot a bigger one, you HAVE to put a lot of hours in), and most importantly a positive attitude. If you go into the woods thinking that you are not going to get a shot at big buck, most likely you won't. If you expect to , you keep your senses much sharper and are not startled or stunned when the big guy comes strolling along. Also if you go in and axpect to get one, odds are, you've done the proper "homework" and are well prepared.