Like many of the others, I would have to say that my father had the most influnce on why and how I hunt. When I was growing up in the 60's and early 70's my family had to hunt if we wanted to consistently have meat on the table. Dad worked for a local cranberry grower and didn't make a lot of money, but he loved what he did, so never moved on. In those days he did a lot of trapping, and even thou he's in his late 60's, still does today. I went with him every chance I got and learned the ways of the woods and water. Without knowing it at the time, I became one with the wild, learning how animals reacted to scent and wind and what attracted them. In those days there was not near the number of deer in the central part of the state that there is now. So when huntedwe had to hunt harder and smarter. Even back then Dad always made sure we were scent free. We would soak our clothes in cattail water for a couple of days and then hang them in the pines until the season opener. There is a lot of other little things that went along with being a succesful hunter and trapper in those days and they have always been with me. As I get older I find myself always thinking back to the early years. Basicly I learned good woodsmenship from my Father and that in turn has made me the succesful hunter I am today. Along with that, I'm sure that is a big reason why I don't rifle hunt anymore. I would much rather bowhunt, because I can be one with the woods and pursue unpressured animals. The one thing I would like to tell my Dad and I think I have in the past; Dad I know you love to trap but, you really need to try bowhunting, because it fits you! Thats my short story and I'm sticking to it, lol.