Mental Hunting Pressure

[Timberstalker]

Well it's official, I drew the tag. So far I feel zero pressure, I plan to keep it that way. I have 3, possibly 4 weekends before season starts to scout. I need to get some hand loads ready and dialed in soon as well. This is going to be a FUN hunt!

 

[25contender]

That is right make it fun!! I am one for always punching my tag but some of the best hunts I have been on are those where that tag was still in my pocket. Good luck!

 

[wolfman]

What a timely topic! I have been struggling with this perceived pressure after drawing a Moose tag that has taken me 14 years and if I get a Bull I will NEVER get to hunt one again in CO. So I have gone back and forth about whether to hire a guide or do it myself. Then take into account juggling already scheduled family commitments and making sure to have enough vacation time to make the hunt happen while juggling work, home and finding time to scout. Unfortunately it is more than just about the hunt. But I figure if I can make time to get the scouting done when the hunt rolls around the pressure will be a lot less. Plus the scouting has been fun thus far. Looking forward to the moment when the Bull hits the dirt. The problem is and has been that with the competition to draw some of these tags anymore a bit of the fun has gone out of the it due to the rarity of drawing. Also you need to put it in perspective as some have said. There are way worse problems to have.

 

[Timberstalker]

Congrats on your Moose tag wolfman! I hope you get a biggun'

 

[wolfman]

Congrats on your Moose tag wolfman! I hope you get a biggun'

Thanks! Me too!

 

[25contender]

Congrats on your Moose tag wolfman! I hope you get a biggun'

Thanks! Me too!

Another congratulations on the Moose Tag!! Thats the tag I want!!

 

[wolfman]

Another congratulations on the Moose Tag!! Thats the tag I want!!

Thanks 25contender!

 

[2rocky]

I've Felt that same pressure TS. The First time was the year I drew a CO Antelope, Nevada Mule Deer, and a top notch late season Blacktail hunt all the same year, and all archery. I got SKUNKED that year. and you know what? The world didn't end.

I had so many close calls, almosts and maybes, that it was still a thrill. But I needed a year like that to give me perspective.

The next year I drew a OIL tule elk tag. By day 3 I was getting a little nutso after a number of close calls. It took a midday trip to town to the laundromat, and giving myself a good talking to while I sharpened and cleaned up my knife blade. I went out that evening a little more relaxed and ended up killing my bull.

Once you realize that you are the only one putting pressure on yourself, it gets easier to enjoy yourself. Then it becomes more likely that you will exceed your own expectations.

My Motto this year is "Improved performance through lowered expectations".

 

[tim]

Once you realize that you are the only one putting pressure on yourself, it gets easier to enjoy yourself. Then it becomes more likely that you will exceed your own expectations.

My wife rides my ass until there is an elk in the freezer for her.

 

[Timberstalker]

Well, the first scouting trip is behind me. One hot day in the high desert produced the sighting of one medium sized buck and alot of dry water holes. I have three weekends prior to season to find what I'm looking for, I eliminated alot of country already.

 

[Timberstalker]

Well I found a good waterhole on the second scouting trip! Only problem is, someone else found it before me/trail cam. My 15 year old daughter is having alot of fun helping me out and driving me around. I don't know too many 15 year old girls that want to get up at 3:00a.m. to go look for antelope! She spotted one at about 2 miles away with a cheap pair of Bushnell bino's, she has a good eye. It's hard to believe she was barley a year old when I started applying for this hunt.

 

[tttoadman]

Well I found a good waterhole on the second scouting trip! Only problem is, someone else found it before me/trail cam. My 15 year old daughter is having alot of fun helping me out and driving me around. I don't know too many 15 year old girls that want to get up at 3:00a.m. to go look for antelope! She spotted one at about 2 miles away with a cheap pair of Bushnell bino's, she has a good eye. It's hard to believe she was barley a year old when I started applying for this hunt.

That sounds like some good quality time, and you get to scout. Amen for kids and their good eyes.

Is your back holding together for you so far?

 

[Timberstalker]

That sounds like some good quality time, and you get to scout. Amen for kids and their good eyes.

Is your back holding together for you so far?

The back is ok, the pain is not bad at all. The tingling in my leg and fatigue is the big issue, I'm not sure what to do at this point. I have been going to a chiropractor, it seems to be helping. Thanks for asking ttt

 

[exit28nevada]

Some times the added pressure comes from people who dont ever put in for premium hunts in premium hunts zones.In the long run it boils down to you,your research,you equipment,and your skills,to be honest when i was younger,i put that unneccisary pressure on myself,maybe peer pressure who knows,but the bottom line is if your ready and prepaired for the hunt,and are confidant in your ability you will harvest your trophy,at that point its up to mother nature,cause a lot of varibals come into play,weather,hunting pressure,etc....good luck!and first big speed goat you see will make all the pressure disapear.

 

[Timberstalker]

first big speed goat you see will make all the pressure disapear.

I saw him, now all I need to do is find him again! Knowing he's there definatly takes the edge off. The hunt starts Saturday and I am surpisingly relaxed.

 

[Timberstalker]

Well the hunt is over, it was a 7 day grind with only 5 bucks spotted. I ended up with the second best buck I found.

 

[25contender]

Pressure is off!! Nice looking goat with great hooks!

 

[tttoadman]

Start the year with a bang. Looks good!!

 

[CrimsonArrow]

Nice animal, TS, good way to start the season. I've got to ask, though, how can it take 15 yrs to draw a tag where the animals are that scarce? Were there some bad winters or predator issues?

 

[Timberstalker]

Thanks guys! Crimson, I was hunting the N wagontire unit in Oregon, it takes 14 points for a resident to draw. I knew when I applied it wasn't going to be a slam dunk hunt. We had a very dry winter and spring, most of the waterholes were dry, the ones that weren't are surrounded by juniper trees. Looking back I should have applied for a differant unit or held out till we had a wet spring. Oh well, my antelope hunting days are over now, at least in Oregon.