As I get older, my hunting attitude has changed .
I used to get all uptight about harvesting a deer . I just had to get at least one .
Well, to me, for several years now, a successful hunt is seeing deer while in my blind. I have on occasion let a deer walk because it was going to be dark soon and I didn't feel like dealing with a down deer in the night .
I get a thrill when deer come in and I just don't quite get the shot opportunity that I would like .
I have watched a big doe with a fawn play with each other like dogs play with each other .
And no, I have never been a trophy hunter but it doesn't bother me if someone else is .
Oh yeah, nice for point was wandering around me today, he never busted me.
Amazing cridders they are, as I watch the muscle movement in the shoulders.
And those ears, I would like to be able to hear half as well as they do.
Yep, that's a successful hunt.
Well told.
A day in the woods is (almost) always a successful day.
I had a wren sit on my bow limb the other evening - that was a successful hunt....yep we change as we get older..... Nice post Graps. Looking forward to others successful hunts...
Tim B
Rattled in a young buck this morning that I watched run to me like he was on a rope from about 300 yards out. He got to 5 steps from me and nearly turned inside out when I huffed at him. That was a successful hunt without having to pack out a deer.
I stink at hunting but love it. My attitude mirrors yours but it would be nice to secure meat also.
I had several bachelor turkeys literally walk over me as i sat on the ground during a stalk the other day. one of them even grabbed my boot lace. all i could do was smile. pretty cool to know you did it all right.
YES SIR...couldn't agree more!!!
I filmed a little fork horn last evening, could have shot him, but was satisfied just filming and didn't have to drag him. Guess I'm getting old and soft.
Hey Dale... You are three weeks older than myself... I know just how you feel about a "successful" hunt... I've been at this Trad Game for over fifteen years and have yet to make a deer into meat... Many, many close calls, very thrilling none the less... Guess that goes with my still hunting and stalking... :archer2: ...
https://imgur.com/a/o0n9M
I feel the same way! Had this little spike come by at 5 yards this evening. Last evening he had an 8 point with him. Another successful hunt!
I love the hunt even when no meat on the ground. Smells of fall, birds and squirrels waking up to a sunrise, the crunch of leaves as a deer approaches, all are part of a successful hunt for me.I am willing to kill but it will be on my terms- which means a close clean chance to make a quick kill. If that opportunity doesn't come and I get out of the woods safely-all is good.
I 100% agree, but that spike looks like fine dining!