Accomplished Hunter.....

[ando_31]

It should simply mean going out hunting and coming back a better person, though it is hardly ever used in that context. That could mean being more relaxed mentally than before you went out hunting, learning a new skill, learning something new about yourself, fulfilling a goal, enduring perseverance, or any other act that makes you feel better about yourself.

 

[Elkoholic307]

If you have to fill a tag to feel like you accomplished something or had a successful hunt you should quit hunting!

Now you sound like topgun.

 

[Ikeepitcold]

To me an accomplished hunter is someone who takes the time to not only get to know their equipment and limitations, but also to help other people who are new to the sport feel comfortable. They are a hunter who sets reasonable short and long term goals whether it would be harvesting a trophy animal, or helping someone else shoot their first buck. From a personal standpoint, being new to the sport of hunting and not being around parents who hunted, this industry can be intimidating and hard to get into sometimes. I've struggled in the past being a female, asking questions or help with reloading supplies or how to shoot long range and a few times getting criticized for even trying! New people in any sport need a support group of veteran outdoorsman who are willing to reach out and help. An accomplished hunter is humble and willing to reach out to other people in a respectable manner and someone who works hard for what they want. Nobody should ever feel nervous to reach out to someone who can help get them interested in our sport.

Well said.

Set your own goals and complete them. Doesn't matter what they are. Get to the next ridge farther then you thought you would ever go. Pack a big buck out solo, draw a tag that has taken years to draw. Whatever it is the accomplishment you set for yourself and you complete them then to me you and accomplished Hunter.

 

[Colorado Cowboy]

I read an article many years ago (I don't remember what magazine) about the different life stages of a hunter. Over the course of someone's lifetime, their goals and sense of accomplishment changed. It started by wanting to harvest something, anything. Then, wanting to take different species, trophies, or something "bigger" or more challenging. Then, wanting to take someone along to experience a hunt, to help teach them and be with them the first time they get one. Then, just wanting to be outdoors enjoying the wildlife and scenery not caring if you take an animal or not.

So, maybe its the stage you are in, whether or not your an accomplished hunter. I don't know. I can see me being 70+ years old all gitty just being able to go hunting and feeling accomplished by doing so.

Very true. Seems like I am in the last stage! LOL But that doesn't mean that I'll let a big buck or bull go just because I looking at the scenery!

 

[packmule]

I've thought about this a lot lately. Not about whether I am an accomplished hunter, but why I hunt. When I started and was younger I measured my success only by a kill. I now look forward to the planning process and the year leading up to the hunt as much as the hunt itself. There was a time I had a bunch of personal goals I wanted to achieve and most of the time it meant hunting by myself. I have acheived some of my goals and feel i have reached several personal accomplishments. Now I look at spending time with friends, taking a new family member every year to harvest their first mule deer and enjoying the experience. I measure my hunting season completely differently. I honestly think it has to do with my age and reflection.

If you are an accomplished hunter it should be an opinion or compliment that others give you. Not your own personal pat on the back.

Rich

I've gotten to where the management aspect is more enjoyable on whitetails. I have some deer that'll be studs next year that I can shoot, but I'm more excited about a separate property that is being groomed for the kids now that some of the yearling and 2yo bucks on camera now will be what my son is after in a few years. Still have a few goals I'd like to reach, but imagine that'll get put on hold for a while.