I agree with many of the above posts but I probably identify most closely with WVCrittergitter's post. I'm mainly in it for the overall experience. I would have a pretty miserable time of it if I were to judge my success on the size of the rack I brought home. IL-Cornfed may have something when he says the meathunters are merely poor hunters. I admit I'm a novice. This is the first year I've really put any time into bowhunting although I've rifle hunted many years. That doesn't mean I enjoy it any less. I'm having much more fun bowhunting this year than I've ever had rifle hunting. I enjoy watching these wily critters in the woods. I love to watch them as they come in and just observe their habits and movements. I guess my "trophy" is the succulent table fare my hunting provides throughout the months following hunting season, provided I'm able to drag one out of the woods.

Whether I get a deer or not, I enjoy the other moments hunting provides, watching daybreak in the woods, the smell of the fall leaves, watching the squirrles, the jays, the woodpeckers and all the other creatures that happen by the stand. Then there's that rush when you catch a glimps of brown fur moving in your peripheral vision and realize you have a deer coming in.

I have several friends that are trophy hunters and that's fine. That's their enjoyment from hunting. I don't look down on them for the way they enjoy the sport just as they don't look down on me, (I'm hoping here!) for the way I enjoy it. There's no "right way" and no "wrong way" as far as I'm concerned. Life is too short and we all enjoy it for different reasons. I'm just thankful we have a site and message board like this where we can share our views and our experiences plus pass on some helpful tips and information to those of us that are less experienced.