I think I'm done deer hunting

[jackelope]

I can shoot a buck on day 1 of every season if I want to. I havent shot a buck since 2010 when I drew a late permit. I didn't even go this year  to the farm we have hunted on every year for the last 10. I wasnt interested.  Instead I decided to do the high hunt this year as something new to me. I cant wait to hit the high country again next year. Thats what's kind of re-lit the fire for me. Maybe you just need to try a new style of hunting, whether it's mountain hunting, archery, muzzleloader, whatever it might be. Or maybe you should just be a shooter and start some competitive rifle shooting or something and maybe you're done hunting.

[xXLojackXx]

Good for you to realize you didnt really want to harvest that deer and then regret taking its life. No shame in being honest with yourself, I agree with people, maybe try archery or introduce someone else to hunting who might appreciate it more.

[Kc_Kracker]

ya i think killing that deer would be bad for your soul, you should take ME to him since after 6 days of hard hunting last week we never even saw a buck 

[Toptwo]

I think some of the suggestions about taking somebody else out with you that have been made are excellent. I moved away from NW Washington 37 years ago, when I was 18. Wanted to move back here for the last 20 years or so, and just finally made it last May. During all of that time I have hunted off and on through the years in both Nevada, and Wyoming. I can say that many of those hunts were exciting over the years, but I think I started feeling like you about 10 years ago, and slowed way down on my hunting then.

I thought about going out and doing some hunting this year now that I am back, but had not fully talked myself into it until my phone rang a couple of weeks ago (about a week before hunting season) and my 84 year old Father asked me if I was going hunting. I told him I wasn't sure yet and asked why he was interested. Turns out that he has never lost his passion for hunting, and has not been able to go out for many years. It isnt that he can't get around, he just didn't have anybody to go with, or anybody to help him should he get into trouble, or should he knock something down, no way to get it out. I have not had the oppertunity to hunt with my Father for 38 years...

Needless to say, I went out and purchased my tags that day. So far my dad and I have been out about 5 days this season. We havent seen anything yet, not even a doe, but it doesn't matter. Seeing the excitement my father has every morning when I pick him up....spending all that quality time with him...being back out in the woods again...has re-kindled my love for the sport. I will be picking him up tomorrow morning and we will be heading out by Forks to hunt for the first time this season...a place where I shot my very first deer with him when I was 10 years old MANY years ago...who knows...maybe tomorrow will be the day, but it still wont matter if we dont see a deer, I dont suspect there will be many more years of this to come, and I am going to make sure that every one count!

Yep...I LOVE hunting agin 

[boneaddict]

Good for you to realize you didnt really want to harvest that deer and then regret taking its life. No shame in being honest with yourself, I agree with people, maybe try archery or introduce someone else to hunting who might appreciate it more.

\

I very much respect this by the way.   

[brokenvet]

Yup, that happens.  Good idea to get into competitive shooting.  Sell off your 338/375 and pick up a M1 Garand from CMP for around $525 Field Grade or $625 Service Grade or a M14NM or a Springfield Armory M1A.

You do not have to stop shooting.

Here are links

http://www.odcmp.com/Sales/m1garand.htm
http://www.odcmp.com/Sales/eligibility.htm
http://www.odcmp.com/Sales/formsindex.htm
http://www.odcmp.com/Competitions/Rulebook.htm
http://ct.thecmp.org/app/v1/index.php?do=matchRegistrationListUpcoming&filter=designation&filter_value=EIC

[Atroxus]

If you quit hunting can I have all your honey holes? 


Sorry, couldn't resist...it's a gamer thing. 

[Dhoey07]

Try bird hunting  I hunt big game and birds and i find birds a little more exciting

[bobcat]

If you quit hunting can I have all your honey holes? 

 

[S&W38spc]

I would have to agree with you....you should quit hunting. 

That means more animals for you huh .

[BIGINNER]

HONESTLY... I SOMETIMES FEEL THE SAME WAY WHEN I'M OUT HUNTING ON MY OWN.  THE ONLY TIME I REALLY ENJOY HUNTING IS WHEN I TAKE AOMEONE WITH ME AND HELP HAVE A GOOD TIME. I TAKE FRIENDS HUNTING AND I'LL LET THEM DO MOST OF THE SHOOTING UNTILL THEY LIMIT OUT. THEN I'LL START SHOOTING. I TAKE MY WIFE HUNTING, (MAKES HUNTING ALOT MORE FUN).  I'M THINKING ABOUT SWITCHING TO DUCK HUNTING JUST SO MY KID COULD GO HUNTING WITH ME.  DON'T GET ME WRONG I LOVE HUNTING, BUT FOR ME ITS JUST SO MUCH MORE SATISFYING TO WATCH MY DOGS WORK AND SEE SOMEONE I HELPED TAKE A BIRD DOWN.

[S&W38spc]

Maybe put down your weapon for a year or two and pick up a camera and shoot them with that 

[Heartsblood]

Great thread. Great original post. Great responses.

I think it's always a plus to have some introspection. Asking myself why I do what I do has really opened up more understanding of myself and the greater question - "Why are we here?"

I hunt to connect with the natural world on a level that is unavailable to me in the world of concrete and steel. Perhaps it's more primal or instinctive. But the focus, and hypervilgilance  that is necessary when hunting, helps me feel plugged into the world and the universe in a way that makes me feel whole - a part of it all.

I never got into hunting to feel the excitement of the kill. That is all part of the experience for me. But just part. I wasn't looking for a rush or a high. I wanted to feel connected to my life in a deeper level than what happens in daily 9 to 5 existence.

There is nothing dishonorable about not killing. That is a hunters choice. You honored that animal and yourself both by understanding the situation clearly.

 Whatever you decide, most people do not examine their motives for what they do. That alone is admirable.

Good on you.

[boneaddict]

  

[h2ofowlr]

You know I love all types of hunting and love hunting with a handgun as well. Pick up a stick and string!!! There is nothing like bow hunting!!!

I would look at bow hunting.  Very challenging at times and it gets in your blood with all the close encounters, lack of shooting windows or minor things that can make you miss a perfectly easy shot.  Your up personal with the animals and you get the full experience.  Give it a try.

Next time bring a camera and see how close you can get to the animals undetected and take some great pictures.  I know guys that now hunt this way and enjoy every minute of it.  Hunt for the perfect shot.