Hunting Washington Forum

Big Game Hunting => Deer Hunting => Topic started by: yorketransport on October 22, 2012, 08:33:34 PM

Title: I think I'm done deer hunting
Post by: yorketransport on October 22, 2012, 08:33:34 PM: I don't get out to hunt much anymore. Maybe 2-3 days for deer and only 1-2 for elk. I went out on Sunday for a quick morning hunt at the end of Bald Hills Road since it's only 5 minutes from the house. Figured I'd be home in time to make lunch for the kids. Took my time moving through a clearcut to the tree line on the other side. Saw a sow and two cubs, so nothing to hang a tag on.

Worked my way to the tree line where I switched weapons. I carry a rifle while in the open and then switch to a handgun when I'm in the timber. Had the 338/375 rifle in the pack and a S&W 610 (10mm) in my hand as I walked through the timber. I heard about 9 shots coming from the clearcut and I sat and waited to see what was going to come running down the trail afterwards. I hear a couple animals moving down the trail so I waited. Sure enough, the first animal down the trail was a big bodied fork horn. He stood there broadside for a full 30 seconds not 25 yards away from me. I raised the revolver, pulled back the hammer, and took aim right behind the shoulder. It would have been an easy shot which I could have made at 3x that distance. I sat there for nearly 15 seconds before I eased the hammer back down and lowered the gun.

For the first time, I realized that I couldn't think of one good reason to shoot that deer. I don't need the meat. In fact my wife and daughter are both vegetarian. I don't want to have it mounted (it was a small rack anyways). It wouldn't be a difficult shot, or an interesting story. More importantly, when I saw that buck, my heart didn't speed up at all. It's like I was looking at an animal in a zoo. There was no excitement or buck fever. Nothing.

I don't have a long family tradition of hunting so it's not like I would be going against some family tradition if I quit hunting. We hunted a bit when I was younger, but my dad quit hunting about 5 years ago. Only one of my brothers hunts, but very casually. My father-in-law lives to hunt. I've been going with him for the last 10 years. My schedule has made it so we only get out together maybe one day a year. When he's out there it's obvious that hunting is in his blood. He gets worked up just seeing tracks out in the woods. Everyone I talk to gets all pumped up just seeing a buck. They get excited just hearing about an encounter like mine. I get nothing. It's the same with elk. I have a cow tag in the Ryderwood unit which I probably won't even try to fill.

Last deer I shot was about 3 years ago. I got it with a handgun so it should have been a big deal. In reality it was no more exciting than shooting rabbits. I just don't get excited about hunting any more. All I can think of is that I just need to take some time off from hunting. If hunting didn't give you any thrill or excitement, would you still do it? I just can't get over that feeling of sitting there with a decent buck in my sights while I try and convince my self that there is a good reason to shoot him.

Has anyone else run into this before? Have you ever just hit a point where you need to take a couple seasons off to regain your passion for the sport? I've always considered myself a shooter who hunts as a way to rationalize another gun. I think I may have hit the point where now I'm just a shooter and not a hunter.

Andrew
Title: Re: I think I'm done deer hunting
Post by: Hunter mike on October 22, 2012, 08:47:02 PM: I'm a man of many hobbies and they come and go over the years, so I get it. I personally hunt to be in the outdoors and for the excitement of it as something relatively new to me. I have plenty of use for the meat, so that is an added bonus.

I was a really hardcore surfer for many years and just over time, I got less and less out of that lifestyle and kind of moved on to other things. It used to be the thing that I'd lay awake at night thinking about and really live for. Now hunting is that thing for me.

I say if you can't get excited about getting up at 5AM and don't need the meat than life has plenty of other adventures and challenges waiting for you. Find something that excites you and put your time and effort into that :twocents: Hunting will still be there if you re-gain the passion for it.

No shame in hanging it up for a while and good luck to you!
Title: Re: I think I'm done deer hunting
Post by: SemperFidelis97 on October 22, 2012, 08:47:27 PM: There is nothing wrong with you I will be honest I don't get real worked up over shooting a small deer either. I do love venison though, and I look foreword to having deer in my freezer every winter. Maybe you should take a kid hunting with you I will tell you I get way more worked up watching my kids get their deer every year that I do getting my own. Another thing you may consider is going archery the challenge of getting that close to an animal makes it that much more exciting. I hunt elk with my bow, and I cannot think of a bigger rush than having a big rutting bull come running in at 20 yards.
Title: Re: I think I'm done deer hunting
Post by: jayrod9528 on October 22, 2012, 08:47:39 PM: I would have to agree with you....you should quit hunting. :dunno:
Title: Re: I think I'm done deer hunting
Post by: buck man on October 22, 2012, 08:51:41 PM: Put the Guns away and pick up a stick and string. I have killed bucks with every weapon except a spear, and I must say a bow and a buck and bull get my heart going every year. :tup:
Title: Re: I think I'm done deer hunting
Post by: bobcat on October 22, 2012, 08:53:08 PM: Maybe take up bird hunting?

Lots of duck and goose hunting opportunities around here, and you get to shoot a lot more and end up with a lot less meat.

Since you said you're more of a "shooter" than a hunter, I would think bird hunting would be your thing.
Title: I think I'm done deer hunting
Post by: Ridgerunner on October 22, 2012, 08:54:02 PM: Sounds like it may be time for a break.
Title: Re: I think I'm done deer hunting
Post by: boneaddict on October 22, 2012, 08:54:17 PM: My priorities have changed but I have never lost the passion. I have been lucky to have figured out a way to challenge myself to keep it on fire in my heart.
Title: Re: I think I'm done deer hunting
Post by: hillbillyhunting on October 22, 2012, 09:00:12 PM: Some good advice so far... I especially agree with the one about helping kids experience hunting. For me it could be anyone close to me that wants to go on a deer hunt. I enjoyed helping my friend and wife get their first bucks in one season, helping my neice shoot her second buck, and helping my 64 year old friend get his first buck in over 10 years. I enjoyed these hunts just as much I did shooting shooting my biggest blacktail.

No shame... I bet you would come back to it if you decide to quit. :twocents:
Title: Re: I think I'm done deer hunting
Post by: Three_Oh_Eight on October 22, 2012, 09:03:32 PM: For me, hunting brings me satisfaction in many different ways. I think there is something to be said about knowing where food comes from and you lose that by going to a store where it comes in a package. I think that hunting and growing your own food puts you in touch with what it is like to stay alive and nourished.

Hunting also ignites that sense of competitiveness inside me. I am competing with the animal in a game of survival and your pitting your wits against the instincts of the animal. The drama of it gets me going in a way that nothing else does. I've also developed my best and closest friends while hunting and its the hunt that brings us together.

I'm an unashamed rifle nut and I love putting together a rifle for a hunt. I think of the hunt and think of what type of rifle would be ideal. I then try and put it all together and develop a good handload. By the time hunting season arrives, its like I've made a friend and then I get to put it all into action on a hunt. It tests your ability to set up the right rifle and it tests your relationship with the rifle and your ability to use it.

Honestly, I also hunt because people that I don't understand ideologically usually object to it. I hunt in defiance of people that I feel would restrict my freedoms and the freedoms of other Americans. Its my big middle finger to them all.

If you don't have reasons that drive your will to hunt, you will probably stop hunting. I can't say you "should" stop, but I think you eventually will.
Title: Re: I think I'm done deer hunting
Post by: Wanttohuntmore on October 22, 2012, 09:13:01 PM: I've always put challenges on myself when hunting, whether it be bow, pistol, muzzy, size restrictions, time.... Being able to accomplish something within those restrictions is satisfying to me. I'm constantly trying to top my biggest buck, yet this year took a smaller Muley due to time constraints. I would not hunt if I didn't enjoy it.
Title: Re: I think I'm done deer hunting
Post by: Bean Counter on October 22, 2012, 09:30:41 PM: *tag* 8)

:o don't see threads like this every day.
Title: Re: I think I'm done deer hunting
Post by: tony04 on October 22, 2012, 09:32:53 PM: Maybe put down your weapon for a year or two and pick up a camera and shoot them with that :dunno:
Title: Re: I think I'm done deer hunting
Post by: logger on October 22, 2012, 09:38:47 PM: I have been in the same spot for a few years, being I am in the woods everyday and have shot my fair share of animals, I kinda half heartldy been hunting the last few years, till this year, my step son has just really got into hunting the last few years and has killed a few dink bucks and is ready to step it up now. So now that has kind of reenergized me and we have went back to my old okanogan hunts for big muleys and now we are getting ready for elk in the klick. he has refueld my passion and it's way more important for me to help him, but in reality he helped me.
Title: Re: I think I'm done deer hunting
Post by: carpsniperg2 on October 22, 2012, 09:41:29 PM: 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!!!
Title: Re: I think I'm done deer hunting
Post by: jackelope on October 22, 2012, 09:42:04 PM: 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.
Title: Re: I think I'm done deer hunting
Post by: xXLojackXx on October 22, 2012, 09:51:19 PM: 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.
Title: Re: I think I'm done deer hunting
Post by: Kc_Kracker on October 22, 2012, 11:29:56 PM: 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 :sry:
Title: Re: I think I'm done deer hunting
Post by: Toptwo on October 23, 2012, 07:53:28 AM: 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 :tup:
Title: Re: I think I'm done deer hunting
Post by: boneaddict on October 23, 2012, 07:57:24 AM: Quote
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.
Title: Re: I think I'm done deer hunting
Post by: brokenvet on October 23, 2012, 08:14:06 AM: 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/m1garand.htm)
http://www.odcmp.com/Sales/eligibility.htm (http://www.odcmp.com/Sales/eligibility.htm)
http://www.odcmp.com/Sales/formsindex.htm (http://www.odcmp.com/Sales/formsindex.htm)
http://www.odcmp.com/Competitions/Rulebook.htm (http://www.odcmp.com/Competitions/Rulebook.htm)
http://ct.thecmp.org/app/v1/index.php?do=matchRegistrationListUpcoming&filter=designation&filter_value=EIC (http://ct.thecmp.org/app/v1/index.php?do=matchRegistrationListUpcoming&filter=designation&filter_value=EIC)
Title: Re: I think I'm done deer hunting
Post by: Atroxus on October 23, 2012, 08:19:03 AM: If you quit hunting can I have all your honey holes? :chuckle:

Sorry, couldn't resist...it's a gamer thing. :P
Title: Re: I think I'm done deer hunting
Post by: Dhoey07 on October 23, 2012, 08:28:16 AM: Try bird hunting :tup: I hunt big game and birds and i find birds a little more exciting
Title: Re: I think I'm done deer hunting
Post by: bobcat on October 23, 2012, 08:29:36 AM: Quote from: Atroxus on October 23, 2012, 08:19:03 AM
If you quit hunting can I have all your honey holes? :chuckle:

:yeah:
Title: Re: I think I'm done deer hunting
Post by: S&W38spc on October 23, 2012, 08:37:23 AM: Quote from: jayrod9528 on October 22, 2012, 08:47:39 PM
I would have to agree with you....you should quit hunting. :dunno:
That means more animals for you huh .
Title: Re: I think I'm done deer hunting
Post by: BIGINNER on October 23, 2012, 08:43:21 AM: 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.
Title: Re: I think I'm done deer hunting
Post by: S&W38spc on October 23, 2012, 08:44:16 AM: Quote from: tony04 on October 22, 2012, 09:32:53 PM
Maybe put down your weapon for a year or two and pick up a camera and shoot them with that :dunno:
:yeah:
Title: Re: I think I'm done deer hunting
Post by: Heartsblood on October 23, 2012, 08:56:35 AM: 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.
Title: Re: I think I'm done deer hunting
Post by: boneaddict on October 23, 2012, 08:59:33 AM: :tup: :yeah:
Title: Re: I think I'm done deer hunting
Post by: h2ofowlr on October 23, 2012, 09:00:53 AM: Quote from: carpsniperg2 on October 22, 2012, 09:41:29 PM
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. :tup:
Title: Re: I think I'm done deer hunting
Post by: headshot5 on October 23, 2012, 09:02:23 AM: I recommend you get out and start dropping coyotes and raccoons. Not only can you skip on eating them. You would doing a solid for gamebirds and game animals. Even if there is no passion there you can do it and still feel good about yourself.
Title: Re: I think I'm done deer hunting
Post by: muzbuster on October 23, 2012, 09:12:27 AM: I think this is a great thread! I have been going through some of the same feelings the last few years. I used to hunt everything, waterfowl,bears, cats (never got one), deer, elk, yotes, upland birds and I spent all my time prepping for the hunts all year long. Now my passion on it has dipped some and mainly focus on just deer & elk although I do at times when I'm out hunting feel that I just don't seem to be putting out the effort TO GET one that I used to. :dunno: I do however find myself looking more at the things in nature and taking it all in and reflecting back on past hunts & time spent out in the field and the friends & family (both the ones that are still around & the ones that have passed on) that have had such a great influenced in my life doing and enjoying all those things. The outdoors has such a calming effect on me that I now use the time in the field more to kind of re-energize myself & forget the hustle & noises of everday life. If I should be lucky enough to hand a tag on something, I look at it as a big bonus for the day. If I don't hang that tag o'well, I still take home those images of the hunt in my mind, where as in the past it was more about pulling the trigger & bagging whatever I was after. Yes, I used to take home my fair share of animals every year & now Iam not nearly as successful as I used to be but I'm OK with that. I think for me when I the heart doesn't skip a beat and start racing when I jump a buck in the woods or when I hear the bugle of a bull elk echo up the canyon, that is when I will hang it up and move on to something else... I pray that day never comes!
Title: Re: I think I'm done deer hunting
Post by: mossy8352 on October 23, 2012, 09:17:35 AM: Same issue for me, I started hunting in 1949 for quail and doves along with a few rabbits and snakes. (no deer where I lived). A few years later started hunting desert deer in So Calif. (hot and hard work). I quit for many years in the 70's and went with the target shooting (more for reloading) until I moved up here. Hunted another 15 years and also lost the desire to shoot any animal. But I did help friends with their guns/scopes to be more accurate and they harvested their deer every year. Now I have two friends that I hunt turkeys with and occasionally pheasants with one going on to geese and some serious fishing.
I still enjoy outwitting a buck or elk but just have no desire to shoot them. We bought a few pistols and now I am working with my wife on safety and good shooting habits. So the long story is I love to shoot, I will help anyone be a better shot (meaning a dead not wounded animal) and I have never regretted my feelings. For me it is always a personal choice.
Title: Re: I think I'm done deer hunting
Post by: S&W38spc on October 23, 2012, 09:25:15 AM: I would like to share something I'm going thru. Which is kinda the same question. I wish I had more people to hunt with. That I can trust. My dad, who I love hunting with isn't in the best shape anymore. He's been in two accidents and he isn't able to hunt like he used to. We hunt good and hard (what he calls hard) and the next day I'm ready to go back out and he isn't. He is too sore. My husband isn't from a hunting family but I've tried to get him into hunting without forcing him. So, my dad is too sore, which I don't blame him, and my husband is only down on the weekends, and he wont go hunting with me, how can I go hunting if its not safe to go on my own. Am I done hunting? I don't want to because I want to make my dad proud but what else can i do? And my husband (males are more dominant anyway) is very dominant. If he says I'm done hunting, or that I cant go anymore, I have to listen to him. :dunno:
Title: Re: I think I'm done deer hunting
Post by: PolarBear on October 23, 2012, 09:30:15 AM: I'm kinda in the same boat. I only get to hunt 3-4 days per year for deer and 1-3 for elk. Just don't have the time. Now that my daughter is really getting into hunting that might pick up. I also don't need the meat (raise my own beef) so I have become very selective over the past 15 years. I don't even give a second look to anything that isn't a big old buck or bull anymore. Unfortunately, this has rubbed off to my daughter. She is 12 and even though her friends who are starting out hunting as well are willing to shoot anything that is legal, my kid has zero interest in taking anything small. She has impose a 2 point or better for blacktail and a 3 point or better whitie restriction on herself even though she knows that it might take longer for her to find a buck that meets her standards. I think that if my daughter wasn't into hunting that my passion for it would be fading away. This is something that I NEVER thought would happen. Hell, before I got married (and a few years after) I spent an average of over 250+ days per year hunting or fishing now you can count on both hands the number of days that I am out in the field.
Title: Re: I think I'm done deer hunting
Post by: Curly on October 23, 2012, 10:56:36 AM: Maybe just get into elk hunting if deer doesn't get the blood going anymore. :dunno:
Title: Re: I think I'm done deer hunting
Post by: Derailed on October 23, 2012, 11:53:54 AM: Great Thread. After my dad died I wondered if I would continue to hunt or not, he was the only hunting partner I had. I did not hunt for three years after he died. When I did go hunting it wasn't the same. I still hunt and have found friends to hunt with. I am trying to get my kids to come with me. I have reasons and desire to hunt again.

this state and these bear and black tails have proven to be a challenge. :bash:

do whatever you feel you need to do. no shame in hanging it up. or try the other suggestions posted here.
Title: Re: I think I'm done deer hunting
Post by: Chappyk16 on October 23, 2012, 11:55:33 AM: Some vacation time will pay good for you it sounds like
Title: Re: I think I'm done deer hunting
Post by: csaaphill on October 23, 2012, 12:16:23 PM: No Offence, but seems like Disney and Vegetarianism is settting in. Don't mean it as an offence and not starting a flame war so please don't be offended. Just asking that because that is how it sounds. None of us can answer this for you though. I will hunt or at least get my tags every year no matter what as long as I live and can afford it. Maybe take up Bow hunting, or move to only trophy hunting that may help. I went 15 years until this year not killing anything and never lost my love. Some say good riddence, but for me and the sport I love hate to see someone say those things. Hope you can figure it out, and find your love again or what ever you had before.
Title: Re: I think I'm done deer hunting
Post by: Evil_EdwardO on October 23, 2012, 12:23:37 PM: I hunt because I love the taste of Mountain House :chuckle: Sounds like you just need a break. I have had lots of hobbies that I have lost interest in which years later have been rekindled.
Title: Re: I think I'm done deer hunting
Post by: jackmaster on October 23, 2012, 12:30:12 PM: BENSDAUGHTER, maybe your hubby is just worried about you being out there alone, my wife doesnt hunt, i sure wish she would, if it somethn you love to do i wouldnt let someone tell you that you cant especially if you hunted before you met your hubby, that the deal one makes when we get married, you except them for what they are and what they do, i can understand why he wouldnt want you to hunt with other males, i doubt there is one male on here that would be completly at ease with their wife huntn with another male unless its a friend of the family, what you might try is find another female that like to hunt like you that is in the same boat, and presto a huntn partner for life, do you have a son or daughter by chance? they make great huntn partners, i love huntn with my son cause he is pretty damn strong at 17 and can drag dear ole dads animals out of the woods now :tup:
Title: Re: I think I'm done deer hunting
Post by: SemperFidelis97 on October 23, 2012, 04:15:56 PM: BensDaughter I see Chris in your sig if you know him I would spend some time with his family out hunting if you can they are good people, and since his wife is allong you husband shouldn't have any issues.
Title: Re: I think I'm done deer hunting
Post by: Eli346 on October 23, 2012, 04:46:51 PM: I think I'd pick up a camera if I ever got tired of hunting. I did get away from it for a few years but I missed it alot while I was gone. I feel that if you followed the posts of BoneAddict and others on this site you would see that what they accomplish with a camera is far and above more exciting, difficult, adventurous, and even more rewarding than shooting an animal with a weapon. I love the thrill of the hunt but the kill itself is somewhat anticlimatic (?). I derive more pleasure from seeing friends and family fill a tag than I do myself.
Title: Re: I think I'm done deer hunting
Post by: yorketransport on October 23, 2012, 09:04:17 PM: Wow! This got a lot more responses than I thought it would! Thank you everyone for the advice, suggestions, and stories.

I've played with the idea of picking up a bow. I've had a few pass through my hands over the last few years. A shoulder injury from a couple years ago has limited how much I can shoot a bow. That and I just can't hit anything. :chuckle: One of the reasons I started hunting with the handguns was to offer some of the same challenges which a bow presents. At least with the revolvers. Some of the specialty pistols I have are capable of shots most people wouldn't try with a rifle. ;)

I've done a bit with photography and had plans to do more. I spent a fair amount of time in the woods out here when we first moved out here about 5 years ago. I have pictures of a few bucks which I watched for a year or two. That's one of the ways I still know what animals are out there. Just haven't had as much time as I'd like to get out lately though.

One of the things I do still enjoy doing is taking the kids out with me. Even though my daughter is a vegetarian, she has a very mature stance on killing for food. When she made the decision to stop eating meat she said that it was alright to hunt because the animals have a chance to get away. That made it fair. She was only 6 years old then. She's 10 now and still loves to come out with me tromping through the woods. But I can see that I'm loosing her to more "girly" activities and her friends. My son is 8 now and he loves coming out with me as well. We have a blast once I get him in the woods. The trick is just getting him up and motivated to come along. He's not a morning person at all. He gets that from his mom. :chuckle:Both of them jump at the chance to spend a little time shooting though. :tup:

Quote from: csaaphill on October 23, 2012, 12:16:23 PM
No Offence, but seems like Disney and Vegetarianism is settting in. Don't mean it as an offence and not starting a flame war so please don't be offended. Just asking that because that is how it sounds. None of us can answer this for you though.
No offense taken. My wife knew I was a hunter when I met her and she has always been alright with it. She nearly slapped me when I told her that I passed on the deer. :o I understand and respect her opinion on the matter, and she grants me the same courtesy. Besides, I went to the Evergreen State College. If those liberal hippies couldn't convert me, nobody can. :chuckle:

I know that a good portion of my fading interest is just an issue with how little time I have to get out. I actually took the week of November 12 off. This covers the end of elk and late buck. The down side is that I'm taking that week to spend some one on one time training a new driver who starts for me on November 5. Add to this the 6 day work weeks and 80+ hours every week, and hunting just seems to fall pretty low on the list of priorities.

I'll be honest, I wasn't sure what sort of reaction I would get when I threw this post out there. I was hoping to hear from one or two people who've had a similar experience of loosing their passion for the sport. I've very happy with the discussion which has come out of this. Thank you to everyone.

Andrew
Title: Re: I think I'm done deer hunting
Post by: yorketransport on October 23, 2012, 09:11:49 PM: Quote from: Atroxus on October 23, 2012, 08:19:03 AM
If you quit hunting can I have all your honey holes? :chuckle:

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

Sure. I could point you in a couple directions. Nobody gets my secret porcupine honey hole though. I may give up big game hunting, but I could never give up the annual porcupine hunt. :chuckle:

Andrew
Title: Re: I think I'm done deer hunting
Post by: ICEMAN on October 23, 2012, 09:13:01 PM: Interesting viewpoints Andrew, good luck.

(Continue yote hunting to benefit us all! :chuckle:)
Title: Re: I think I'm done deer hunting
Post by: Sneekee23 on October 24, 2012, 01:25:24 AM: Love the thread... personally I get buck fever every season and when that leaves me I will pick up a camera until I have kids that is.
Title: Re: I think I'm done deer hunting
Post by: Dustin07 on October 24, 2012, 01:46:20 PM: honestly I've 'hunted' since I was 11 or 12, and killing game has never really meant anything to me. I don't need to pull the trigger, I don't actually really even care for guns. (its not that I'm against, I'm just not an enthusiast. I have 7 though).

What I enjoy is the hard work. I enjoy seeing a sun rise from a mt peak, or duck boat that nobody else is going to see from their bed. I enjoy watching those bucks fight out in the back country where the average joe will never venture. I love the excitement of watching birds decoy in wing set on my decoys. Shooting everything really isn't anything other than proof of the experience for me (and food). I don't need proof... but I do enjoy the meat.

two weekends ago I spent 5 hours observing 14 mulies in the backcountry. I texted my buddy where I was, he came down and joined me and took a buck. I helped him clean it, quarter it, and pack it out. it was 8 hours of hard work, but it was 8 hours of hard work. I loved every minute of it and I never shot a thing.
Title: Re: I think I'm done deer hunting
Post by: bassquatch on October 24, 2012, 07:19:28 PM: I see a lot of guys using the "passion" word on here??? Careful, last time I used that word in regards to hunting I got raked over the coals and called "girly" by the people I used to hunt with!!

:lol4: :ass:

I think for the OP becoming a hunting 'mentor' would be amazing! There aren't enough types out there that have the pure God given hunting skills combined with the patience to share that wisdom with new hunters. That is something that would keep you in the field and you could live the "kills" through someone else that would truly be enthusiastic and thankful about the entire experience and may in turn mentor a new hunter of their own some day?!! :twocents:
Title: Re: I think I'm done deer hunting
Post by: S&W38spc on October 24, 2012, 10:55:27 PM: Quote from: SemperFidelis97 on October 23, 2012, 04:15:56 PM
BensDaughter I see Chris in your sig if you know him I would spend some time with his family out hunting if you can they are good people, and since his wife is allong you husband shouldn't have any issues.

Thank you for that idea. Chris and Tracy are really nice. We went to the same church together for about a year or two. Chris isn't married anymore though and plus he has A LOT on his plate. He is in Montana right now trying to fill the last tag, which is his tag! Lol
Title: Re: I think I'm done deer hunting
Post by: S&W38spc on October 24, 2012, 11:13:58 PM: Quote from: jackmaster on October 23, 2012, 12:30:12 PM
BENSDAUGHTER, maybe your hubby is just worried about you being out there alone, my wife doesnt hunt, i sure wish she would, if it somethn you love to do i wouldnt let someone tell you that you cant especially if you hunted before you met your hubby, that the deal one makes when we get married, you except them for what they are and what they do, i can understand why he wouldnt want you to hunt with other males, i doubt there is one male on here that would be completly at ease with their wife huntn with another male unless its a friend of the family, what you might try is find another female that like to hunt like you that is in the same boat, and presto a huntn partner for life, do you have a son or daughter by chance? they make great huntn partners, i love huntn with my son cause he is pretty damn strong at 17 and can drag dear ole dads animals out of the woods now :tup:

Yeah, I do have a son and he is 7. His name is Tim. He went horn hunting with my dad and I this year and he sure was a trooper! We didn't have any luck that day.
I do have a girlfriend at work who I'm trying to set up a time withher but she always has college, then working in between. Thank XM