Finding the joy in the hunt, not just the harvest

[lol]

As BSK mentioned, it's all about family. I spend the entire month of November here because deer hunting in Michigan's Upper Peninsula has dwindled, largely due to wolves and DNR mismanagement. My sons join me for the rifle season, followed by my daughter and wife. I have two weeks to tag a nice buck during muzzleloader season, then I relish the time with my boys as they pursue the ever-elusive Tennessee Whitetail. We celebrate Thanksgiving together, grateful for life's abundant blessings.

When I started hunting as a kid it was like this, my dad and his buddies would set up a deer camp for the week and we'd stay out in the woods running wild. Other weeks I'd have family come down from Ohio and we'd go to calfkiller, or hunt some bowater and stay in the camper. All the folks I hunted with then are dead and gone but those were good times. I'm think we're going to have to join a club or lease if my son is ever going to have an opportunity to experience a deer camp.

 

[BSK]

As others have mentioned, for me it has to be fun. I fully get those who are dedicated to hunting just the oldest and/or biggest buck in an area. For them it is the ultimate challenge, and I get it. However, I used to do that to, and although successful enough times, it wasn't fun. The kill ended up being more of a relief that I had "done it" instead of a feeling of exhilaration. It was a chore, and I grew to dislike it. But for those who still love that aspect of hunting, my hat is off to you and more power to you. To each, their own.

 

[Antler Daddy]

I will say that hunting quality areas and not shooting small bucks greatly improved my fun and enjoyment. A legitimate chance at a 130" or better buck makes me happy.

 

[deerhunter10]

As others have mentioned, for me it has to be fun. I fully get those who are dedicated to hunting just the oldest and/or biggest buck in an area. For them it is the ultimate challenge, and I get it. However, I used to do that to, and although successful enough times, it wasn't fun. The kill ended up being more of a relief that I had "done it" instead of a feeling of exhilaration. It was a chore, and I grew to dislike it. But for those who still love that aspect of hunting, my hat is off to you and more power to you. To each, their own.

It's weird it's a huge accomplishment, but also sad that it ends the chase as well. Can't speak for everyone that targets specific deer but the several I know feels similar. Love the game and hate to see it end.

I do love seeing how many different reasons people have to get out and hunt.

 

[gatodoc]

I try to kill enough deer to provide my freezer meat. The farm I hunt in Fayette co. Has. About 50% posi.tive for CWD. We toss those. 3 to 4 deer supplies my needs.
Last yea r I let over 20 young bucks walk and killed 3 does for freezer meat.
If I see a deer I could have killed I consider it a win even if I don't shoot…

 

[CharlieTN]

I try to kill enough deer to provide my freezer meat. The farm I hunt in Fayette co. Has. About 50% posi.tive for CWD. We toss those. 3 to 4 deer supplies my needs.
Last yea r I let over 20 young bucks walk and killed 3 does for freezer meat.
If I see a deer I could have killed I consider it a win even if I don't shoot…

Many years ago I knew a man in South Carolina who got tired of hunting for deer so he started photographing them, essentially setting up like he was hunting them. He had albums of photos of nice deer. Thought that was pretty cool.

 

[killingtime 41]

That's why I don't put out trail cams. I did for a short while and it ruined the fun for me. I'd get discouraged when nothing was on my cameras. And even wouldn't go because of it. So I went back to how I always hunted the thrill of not knowing what's gonna step out at any moment. Certainly gets my adrenaline flowing much higher. Sure I'd love to kill the biggest buck in the woods. But if gets my adrenaline pumping then he's good enough for me. I'm also probably not as successful as people that are running cameras. I'm not against them I have one at my house. But I don't have much property to hunt so I have to hunt public mostly. The thrill of the unknown gets me pumped and hope it always does.

 

[tn24]

Remember this. If hunting ain't fun you're doing something wrong. I posted this in a thread someone asked what advise you would give new hunters. I think it's good advice for any hunter.

 

[BSK]

That's why I don't put out trail cams. I did for a short while and it ruined the fun for me. I'd get discouraged when nothing was on my cameras. And even wouldn't go because of it. So I went back to how I always hunted the thrill of not knowing what's gonna step out at any moment. Certainly gets my adrenaline flowing much higher. Sure I'd love to kill the biggest buck in the woods. But if gets my adrenaline pumping then he's good enough for me. I'm also probably not as successful as people that are running cameras. I'm not against them I have one at my house. But I don't have much property to hunt so I have to hunt public mostly. The thrill of the unknown gets me pumped and hope it always does.

I fully get that as well killingtime41. Not knowing what's in the woods, that first decent 8-point that steps out really gets the adrenaline pumping. However, if through trail-camera, you know a lot better is out there, that first 8-point might not be as thrilling.

 

[DoubleRidge]

Over the years whats "fun" has changed for me. I now enjoy the entire process more. Its more of a year around process. From doing habitat projects. Planning habitat projects. Planting trees. Starting new seedlings. Improving the natural forage and planting food plots. Running cameras. Its all fun and it becomes less and less about killing and more about the entire process. Dont get me wrong. I love to locate a mature buck or two and try to kill one and when Im successful its very rewarding...but when I dont kill... the reward comes from seeing the land develop over the years...everyone is at a different place along the journey...and some days its just nice to be off work and to be outdoors in creation....looking forward to Saturday.

 

[CharlieTN]

Over the years whats "fun" has changed for me. I now enjoy the entire process more. Its more of a year around process. From doing habitat projects. Planning habitat projects. Planting trees. Starting new seedlings. Improving the natural forage and planting food plots. Running cameras. Its all fun and it becomes less and less about killing and more about the entire process. Dont get me wrong. I love to locate a mature buck or two and try to kill one and when Im successful its very rewarding...but when I dont kill... the reward comes from seeing the land develop over the years...everyone is at a different place along the journey...and some days its just nice to be off work and to be outdoors in creation....looking forward to Saturday.

The process and the pursuit can be different for everyone. I only own 1 acre, so doing food plots and major land development isn't really an option, althought I am thinking I'm going to plant some oaks in my unused backyard. For me, I'm also making it more of a year round pursuit with more scouting, more looking for sign and trying to learn the deer patterns in my area and on the WMA's I hunt mostly.

That's one thing I love about the outdoors, there are so many ways to enjoy them. Each person has to find their pursuit, which very may well be different than others, and that's a good thing.

 

[DoubleRidge]

For me, I'm also making it more of a year round pursuit with more scouting, more looking for sign and trying to learn the deer patterns in my area

Another rewarding and educational activity is shed antler hunting in the spring...getting out and walking after a long winter and finding sheds can be very rewarding! Plenty to do outdoors!