Importance of Deer Hunting in Washington State

[yelp]

I am curious to find out what is important to all of the deer hunters here in Washington.  I myself enjoy the hunt and challenge vs hunting specifically horns.  I would probably pick all of the above.

[Red Dawg]

I love everything about it.

[agchawk]

I'm with you Yelp. I will admit it, I LOVE it when I bag a big buck and I have several mounts to show for my efforts. However, I am usually not that caught up on "I HAVE to fill this tag."  I just LOVE being able to get out there, hike in, camp out, and get away from work and everything else for a few days. THAT'S what is important to me.

Of course, this applies to general season, over the counter hunts. I have been lucky a drew Idaho CH hunts twice and I actually felt pressure to fill those tags. After all, you never know when you'll get that opportunity again. I'm sure this would also apply to OIL permits (I wouldn't know...never get that damned lucky)

[finnman]

Easy choice! All of the above!

[WAPITIHUNTER]

I agree, the entire kit and kaboodle. Although I don't hunt to just go on a nature walk. I like to be successful so I push myself very hard to come home with game. Horns are secondary. My favorit part is the challenge. I really enjoy the mental game of hunting. The physical part is exciting also. Pushing myself to my limit physically is quite enjoyable.

[bow4elk]

I have to admit, I've been after a mature blacktail for many years.  I've yet to be blessed with that feeling of approaching and admiring my first really big buck, but the pursuit and all that comes with it are what I enjoy.  It's an escape, a release from everything else, and it clears my mind.  It's healthy...

Taking a truly large blacktail on the first day of bow season would test me.  Do I take the shot and end my deer hunting for the year or pass in hopes of another chance meeting down the road?  It's not about the killing for me but damn, these deer have put me through the ringer!  I hunt because I love "the hunt".  Tagging critters is always exciting but comes with finality of the pursuit.

I view deer hunting in America as sacred as the Pledge of Allegiance