I came across this article by a local hunting columnist about a Wisconsin study conducted in the 1970s of how hunters go through various stages as they age. I thought you might enjoy this article as well as find yourself in one of these various stages.

"First is called the shooter stage, it's the time in life, often for a beginner, when the hunter can't get enough shooting. Some beginners manage to skip over this stage, while others take a long time.

"Next comes the limiting-out stage, anything less than a limit of whatever the hunter is after means it was a poor day.

"Following comes the trophy stage. That's when the big buck, the giant Canada goose or big greenhead mallard are a must. Anything less regal is not worth shooting.

" The method stage comes next. That's when the hunter has to have the best and latest in hunting equipment. Which is quite a challenge today, what with all the various equipment available. In this stage, taking game becomes secondary to out-smarting it. During this stage, some move into bow and muzzleloader activities. Some of us move through this phase when we reach a point where we have so much gear that we can't take it all with us.

"The final or mellowing-out phase is not reached by many before the age of 40 and only after many years of hunting. That's when satisfaction comes from the whole hunting experience and the pace is much more leisurely and relaxed. It's the time when a hunter might pick up the video recorder or camera, while others do the shooting. The whole experience is one of satisfaction."