Im aware this isnt exactly an original thought but after responding to a bunch of similar posts lately...

Why do some hunters feel the need to "one up" the rest of us? Why is it so important for some hunters to feel they need to "do it the hard way" or put unnecessary restrictions on themselves and their equipment. I hunt all seasons, for most game, and Ive hunted from maine to texas but mostly in NY. Some of the hardest hunting Ive ever done was with a rifle in my hand ,and bait in front of me ,and some of the easiest slam dunks were kills with my bow on public land with only natural browse for bait. Of course I dont need to shoot somthing to have a good time hunting ,but I certainly, at least intend to kill somthing everytime I go out. Why would someone wake up hours before sunlight, in freezing cold weather, and lug a bunch of expensive gear into the woods ,if they didnt intend to kill somthing? Might as well just go hiking. That said, if we can all agree we are out to kill, why would someone not want to arm themselves with the most effective weapons and tactics allowed by law? I have game on my walls taken w/ bow ,gun and ML but I honestly dont value the stuff killed with my bow, or on public land, or not over bait, anymore than the others, and they sure didnt taste any better because i "did it the hard way". I have no problem w/ someone choosing their bow over a rifle in gun season, or to hunt funnels instead of bait ,if they think they can actually be more effective that way, but the logic in thinking that makes you a better hunter, is flawed and counterproductive IMO.