Deerswacker

Why do we hunt?

Do we hunt for the fun? Do we hunt for the meat? Do we hunt for the trophy? Do we hunt for the social aspect? No matter what the reasons we hunt it should be done to fit our own desires. I have went through all three of these stages. I currently am hunting for the trophy and the meat. I love just being out there enjoying the great outdoors. I try to be respectful of other hunters who are in it for different reasons. The trophy is in the eye of the beholder. Some people shoot deer because they like shooting deer. Some people join a camp to hang out with the gang. Some may hunt to just get away. 

The ones that are hunting for a specific type of deer, (say a big buck), are in the majority of the older hunters I would think. I believe first time hunters and kids should not worry about the size of the buck. Their goal should be to have fun and learn the tactics for bagging any type of deer. Some hunters set their goals too high for the region they may be hunting and end up not shooting anything. The Outdoor Channel and similar hunting networks are great but they can paint a picture that may not be the truth for a region you may hunt. Be realistic about what type of trophy lives in your area and focus on doing your best for that area. Sometimes the television networks make it appear that all you have to do is put in your time and be patient and your eventually going to bag that big old buck. Well their are lots of variables to this way of thinking. Hunting pressure, deer population, nutrients, etc. all go into what might be lurking in your woods. Do some research on these topics and set your goals on what is respectable in your area if your are the one who is chasing the big one. Fall is in the air. I have my cameras out and am getting some good pictures. I hope this hunting season is fulfilling for all. Remember, sometimes you don't have to bag an animal to have a great time in the field.