I’ve had this discussion before, but I figured I’d bring it up mainstream. Looking back, are there any moments in your hunting past that turned out to be “turning points” (for good or bad) but at the time you didn’t realize it?

About the time my dad let me start takeing stands on my own. about11-12ish.

The day I stoppedGOING with my Dad and got to HUNT with my Dad.

The day I picked up my first bow.

They day I stumbled across the HNI forums

There have been numerous defining moments, but most recently is when I jumped that big ole droptine buck out of his bed this past July. It was an "Ah HAH!" moment, and really set a desire in me.

The day I met mobow, it's been headed down hill ever since

LMAO!! And you know what's ironic is.....the day I met you, it's been all headed UPhill........

Each time I've realized (through subtle pushes by friends) that this isn't supposed to be "work". I've realized my most prized moments while deer hunting.....shortly after each of these occurrences.

(Thanks Gary and Rob)

letting the smaller 120 class Pope and Youngs walk

#1 the day my oldest boy came to the stand with me for the first time... that is what got me BACK to hunting after several years away... now i get to share it with my boys... I'm no longer the student, now I am the master!!! (in my best James Earl Jones/Darth Vader voice)

#2 looking forward to my first bow kill this fall (probably a doe or two since we have so many on our land)...

The first time I had a deer walk within 10 feet, was my first archery season and I've been in the woods everydayI couldsince then.