I began hunting when I was 10. We grewup on a farm and our dad would take us out in the fields to shoot pheasant and quail. That's all he ever hunted. In high school, I bought some duck decoys and began hunting them (alone!), but I loved every minute of being afield in the freezing sleet and old leaking waders. Eventually, a few of my friends started hunting with me and we got pretty serious about the waterfowl hunting, and that's all we did for 6-7 years. This year I only shot three ducks, no geese, and one pheasant- because I spent all my time in the woods on my first bow season!! Even when rifle season started, I hunted only with my bow. I absolutely love it! None of my friends or family bowhunt, so I'm slowly learning alone. I hunted for one season with a rifle, and since I didn't have a clue what I was doing I never shot a buck. Had plenty of chances at does, but the landowner said I could only shoot one buck. (I tried to explain the concept of herd management and health, but he's the old fashion type and wouldn't hear of it!) Anyway, I have yet to shoot a deer, but I'm glad to say that every time I went out I learned something new. I'm like a hunting sponge, absorbing all the info I possibly can!

I think most people could hit a deer from 100-250 yards with a rifle, and I have nothing against that. I think I'll probably still rifle hunt sometimes, but I also think that bowhunting is a whole different ballgame. The skill, preparation, and discipline level increases. I've never shot a deer, but I can tell that it's going to be a big party when I do!!!

I started bowhunting because of the challenge. You have to want to put in some work- and maybe come out with nothing (like I did!). But it's worth every minute to be out in the woods watching what God has created for us to enjoy.

I got skunked this year, but I'm gettin' me one next year!!!!!!!!!

(Some of you more experienced guys may think I'm crazy, but I'm kindof glad I didn't get anything. I learned soooo much this year. I would've been happy to have gotten something, but I think a person has to pay their dues. I'd hate to hit a home run the first season, and then be dissappointed next year if it's a tough year. Now I'm really looking forward to it, which keeps me motivated to practice and learn all that I can. My wife even WANTS me to hunting now cause she feels sorry for me because I didn't get anything!!!!!! Ha- how lucky! Let me know if I have entirely have the wrong mental state!!!!!!!!!!! Happy Hunting!)