Just felt compelled to add.......

I know a young man that shoots 10+ deer a year. He and his brother are probably two of the most prolific killers of deer I've ever met to be their age. They hunt NC/VA....and I may be low on my estimation of kills (with DMAP permits involved). They absolutely aren't gonna get shut out for a season. They score time and time again.....year in and year out....and have since they began hunting as very young boys. They shoot everything that comes into range.

I also know a few guys that hunt certain animals exclusively. They might (and probably did) have gone through this stage at one point in their journey......but for them, now.....it's not about the numbers. I guess what I'm saying is.....I have a respect for the latter.....much more than I do the former.....when we speak of "accomplished". Men that I would consider "accomplished" need not prove their prowess to anyone to feel a sense of pride in what they're out to do. In fact....I'd bet it rarely (if ever) crosses their minds.

At the end of the day/season.....there's a handful of people that I truly want to receive feedback from regarding my pursuits. I suppose I'm not alone in this thinking....though I don't know for sure.

Hunting is SO personal. There are people in this forum that have my respect......not for what they "accomplish"......but HOW they go about attempting to accomplish their goals......and for not compromising their beliefs in their pursuits. It's quite obvious when I come into contact with these people.....though they probably didn't set out trying to prove anything to me or anyone else.

An accomplished huntershould bea role model. I think the true "accomplished" hunters (with whatever weapon) are out there.....in here....and I think we know them when we learn a little about them.