When it comes to deer hunting, we all define in different ways. One metric that's often overlooked: the fun factor.
Whadjaget can be the antithesis of deer hunting success, as it only focuses on the end result.
Put another way, one might assume that every empty tag is a failed hunt. Experienced hunters know that nothing is further from the truth. America’s gizmo society has crept into deer hunting to the point that we carry enough gear to outduel a sasquatch.
Plus, the more expensive camo, optics, rifles, and crossbows we carry, the more we expect success. This can lead to great disappointment, despite an enjoyable encounter in which nature won.
Richard Bernier takes an in-depth look at this phenomenon in a thought-provoking post on the Whitetail Institute blog.
This doe provided Boone & Crockett excitement for this young hunter.
“Success can be measured in many ways, a fallen buck you’ll not always find. The true blessing is being nature’s invited guest… the solitude and peace of mind.” — Hart L. Daley
How would you define deer hunting success? Would you feel successful when kneeling next to a fat fork horn? What about a doe? Is your entire hunting season viewed as a miserable disaster if you come home empty handed? Or, does your success hinge entirely upon wrapping your fingers around the gnarly bases of a huge buck’s antlers, one which is sure to attract plenty of attention? For some, it seems accomplishments come effortlessly and regularly, so much so that they find themselves in a rather enviable position… or do they?
Much like entertainers, sports stars and television personalities, some deer hunters of the 21st century have become household icons within the whitetail culture.
Joe Byers
Joe Byers has more than 1,000 magazine articles in print and is currently a field editor with Whitetail Journal, Predator Xtreme, Whitetails Unlimited, Crossbow Revolution, and African Hunting Journal magazines. He’s spent the last three decades depicting the thrill of the chase and photographing the majesty of all things wild. Byers is a member of the Professional Outdoor Media Association and numerous other professional and conservation organizations.
