I din't say I didn't like it (the thread or the "stages"). I said I thought labeling a hunter's "stage" is futile. My (and others')"Stage" can vary with which property I'm on.....my goals for the season.....the herd dynamics, etc, etc, etc...

3

I believe I am 3 and 4, but mostly 3 because I'm truly focused on taking a record book buck. I'd like to become solidified into stage 4 beacuse when I think of "method stage" I think of rattling, decoying, scents, spot and stalk, etc. Any other method to take a deer other than your traditional still hunting. 5 is a goal.


Which brings me to my next point. GMMAT and magicman, why not view these as dreams or goals? If you are in stage , why not shoot for stage 4 (as I am doing) to better your woodsmanship and hunting abilities. Just a thought.

i know you all may think im young but im actually at a stage 3 or 4

4 and 5 equals NINE. I'm a 9. I never did worry much about that Stage 3. I never worried about stage 2. At one timelong agoI was a real solid number ONE.[8D] I'm at least a 9 now. LOL And GMMAT, you've been bowhunting 2 or 3 years, you're what's called a Rookie. LOL

Just curious, but how old are you bud. I think what Alsheimer means by stage 5 being a reflective stage is that you personally step back look at what you have accomplished then dedicate your hunting career to helping others, keeping the sport alive and well, becoming a strong activist in wildlife conservation and hunting rights.

I mean dont get me wrong if you feel as if you can reflect on your hunting career at such a young age (again dont know how old you are but you said yourself you are young) in a satsified manner and are willing to put aside personal accolades and accomplishments to help contribute to the betterment of the sport I commend you young lad, I do!

RockinChair, I see on another thread he's not playing baseball so he can go on the Youth Turkey Hunt if that tells you anything. LOL Another rookie/wannabee. LOL If you're a beginner, why not just dang say so. It's no crime to be young or new at something. You got a lot of fun and things to learn ahead of you.

Good advice. Thanks davidmil

im thirteen but i have shot 5 bucks over 150,manage my property (only shooting bucks over 150)and this year, i hunted more than i ever have but not for myself. this year i was able to take my 2 brothers and helped them both get their first big buck and that pretty much took all rifle and part of the bowseason and yea you are right, i have only hunted for 8 years so i cant really reflect on all my past seasons, so i probably only read the first part, and im not a 5......but i am no where near a begginer/wannabee [:@]

Why would I view them as dreams or goals if I fit the description of that stage? You yourself said you fit 2 different stages so why rail on me because I feel that I fit 3-4-5. For your info, I trophy hunt for the personal challenge. Not to impress anyone else. I am constantly trying to learn more about deer. I am a conservationist and I am always willing to help new people get involved. As I said in my original post, I don't agree with the breaking down of hunting into these 5 catagories. Am I to give up hunting mature deer in order to move from 3 to 4? I don't believe so. Can I hunt mature deer and still help young people get involved? YES!
I believe you should do your research before lecturing me.