Does taking a P&Y equal hunter ability?
 

Vabowman's threadsparked some thought(oh watch out) within me. I'm not sure exactly where I'm going with this but to start out with, I believe that taking or not taking a trophy buck is no indication of a hunter's skill, knowledge, or ability. For example.....

This is my3rd season bowhunting and I live in a P&Y rich state. So far I have seen4 P&Y or better bucks within 35yds and killed another mature and nearly P&Y buck. One of those bucks I've seenwas actually a B&C very very easily. He'd've been dead had he walked another 3 steps. And if that was the case would I be regarded as a knowledgeable or skillful hunter?... probably so by some people, at least upon first impression. Truth be told, I'm neither skillful nor knowledgeable. All I know are the basics.That B&Cwasn't a targeted buck and just happened to be walking by that day. I didn't study him or track his movements. If he died last saturday when I saw him, it would've just been because I was in the right place at the right time. The only thing I could've taken credit for was delivering the arrow to the rightful place.

Conversely, if a veteran hunter happened to be out meat hunting as I was and saw that B&C then didn't kill him, it too doesn't mean that he is unskilled or unknowledgeable. Some of this is obvious but I just wanted to adress the issue of people's insecurities. As with vabowman's thread, I saw some indication of people defending whatever insecurities they might have. Guys in P&Y rich states (not in so many words) are not giving due credit to guys in P&Y deprived states because they haven't killed a P&Y yet. At the same time, the guys in thosedeprived states (not in so many words) are attributing their counterpart's success to the richness of their land.

What are your thoughts on this and how do you define hunter ability and skill from state to state?

RE: Does taking a P&Y equal hunter ability?
 

There is no line of delineation. A good hunter is a good hunter.

I'll put plenty of guys I know who have ZERO P&Y bucks up against the likes of any number of guys who have several......ESPECIALLY since the ONLY difference between their situations is where one set of hunters live. The skill sets are congruent.

You show me a guy who consistently takes the best deer out of his woods.....and I'll show you a guy who could do that anywhere. If that "anywhere" were to be in a P&Y target rich environment......clear the walls to make room for the mounts.

RE: Does taking a P&Y equal hunter ability?
 

Targeting a certain Buck and waiting for him to come by your area and targeting a buck and you going into his area are 2 different things! Sure you know he is in the area and you set up in a tree and wait for him to hopefully come by or you do your homework and you know where he beds and when he moves and you set up on the very fringes of HIS area and kill him is much more skilled hunter in my eyes!

RE: Does taking a P&Y equal hunter ability?
 

Killing one P&Y buck to me is no indication of your skill, knowledge, proficiancy, experianceas a hunter. I think they guys that go out and do it on a very consitant basis know what they are doing, but killing one could be dumb luck. I think if you can go out and harvest any deer consistantly and have fun doing it, and share your experience with others then your doing fine as a hunter. I have several P&Y deer to my credit, but I dont get one every year. Even if you dont harvest deer all the time, if you can go undetected and have opertunities to harvest deer then your skill and knowledge is pretty good.

RE: Does taking a P&Y equal hunter ability?
 

I think if you'reCONSISTENTLY putting down deer(bucks or does) that are either mature, targeted, or table fare(and thats you're intended goal) then P&Y doesn't even have to come into play. We all know what it means to be at the top of our game in our respective areas and thats how you would know wether you're one of the heavy hitters or not. If that kind of status is important to you.

RE: Does taking a P&Y equal hunter ability?
 

I would look to GREGH for that answer (Capt. Trebark camo)[8D]:D;) In my opinion he is one of the most consistent Big buck killers here. He blows right by P/Y goes B/C. He is one the most impressive hunters I know. JM2C

RE: Does taking a P&Y equal hunter ability?
 

Yeah, Frank (Kidd)....but let me ask you something.....

Your buddy Matt.....had he not taken his buck earlier this year (his first P&Y)......would that make him any less a hunter (Compared to guys with one or even MANY P&Y bucks)?

I think THAT is what the question is about.

RE: Does taking a P&Y equal hunter ability?
 

Simple answer, "I'd rather be lucky than good"

RE: Does taking a P&Y equal hunter ability?
 

The short answer is no. Consistently killing top end mature bucks on pressured land probably places you in the as good as it gets category.

RE: Does taking a P&Y equal hunter ability?
 

Hoytail, you probably are not giving yourself enough credit. The fact is, you need to have alot of things go your way in order to successfully take any deer, but definately a pope or booner. From your bow, to your camo, to your stand placement, to your ability to get a shot off under pressure, etc. There are so many variables that go into a successful hunt, whether it is a button buck or a 200" monster. I have found over the last 10 years that anyone can have luck go their way once in a while, but those who consistently take nice bucks year after year are the ones who put in themost time and effort.