YOUR Perspective on What True Hunting is...

Hunting is taking animals with the cleanest, quickest kill possible, and using whatever methods-equipment you want to achieve that. Pretty much what TJ said.

I ripped the poster of this thread in another post; my bad. But it wasn't anything to do with the killing of a nice meat buck. It was more about the enormous list of gear, using a rangefinder etc... I've never been a gear obsessed type of guy, but I know people that just go kooky with gear and gadgets. If that's your thing okay.

Back to the rangefinder; I own a rangefinder myself. In certain hunting, a rangefinder is invaluable; archery, wide open prairie on stuff like antelopes, or across the side of a mountain range. It can make the difference between missing-wounding an animal. So it is a practical application to use one in those circumstances, to help ensure a clean humane kill.

Monday morning I got off nightshift and headed straight to the bush. I carried 2 treestands, plus 50 lbs of climbing spikes and gear in a backpack, half a km into the bush. Walked all around scouting out a good spot for those stands, then never even hung them! I have a home-made ladder stand that I set up instead. Had to turn around and pack all that stuff back out. I was some tired afterwards.

In a few weeks, I'll be walking back into that stand, and taking a seat, hoping the big non-typical shows up. Bugger has not been back down that trail though since August... so it will be a crapshoot, but that's hunting.
 
One thing I haven't seen mentioned yet (and I apologize if I missed it) is that a critical component of hunting should be a spirit of conservation.

And imho, that is a reflection of what is "missing" from modern day hunting for a lot of folks. Not from all, but from too many, unfortunately.

The "selfish consumer" approach, truck hunting, over-reliance on ATVs, lack of respect for wildlife and the natural environment, etc, etc, are all examples of that decline.

I could go on and on, but I would like to see more hunters trying to keep true to the spirit and intent of conservation in their hunting, and striving to be better role models in passing that on to new hunters.

I leave you with the "Seven Sisters":

#1 – Wildlife is Held in the Public Trust
#2 – Prohibition on Commerce of Dead Wildlife
#3 – Democratic Rule of Law
#4 – Hunting Opportunity for All
#5 – Non-Frivolous Use
#6 – International Resources
#7 – Scientific Management
 
waterwheel said:
Shrug. I shoot a deer, I don't shoot a deer, meh.

I spent the weekend camping with some friends and deer hunting. Had a coyote come within about 15 feet of me. Coulda put an arrow through him but figured, what am i going to do with a dead coyote? Had a blast camping. Had a blast seeing the coyote. Got a nap in. Didn't kill anything. Hunting was great.

I'd like to someday, but I don't have to kill something every time I go out to have a good day hunting. The process for me is more important than the harvest.
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Oh, I wasn't being critical. Sorry if I seemed that way. I guess I was just stating the obvious.

I do think that your opinion might change once you get a taste for success and a taste of some delicious venison, but I could be wrong. ;)
 
ironsighter said:
Oh, I wasn't being critical. Sorry if I seemed that way. I guess I was just stating the obvious.

I do think that your opinion might change once you get a taste for success and a taste of some delicious venison, but I could be wrong. ;)
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I got PO'ed one time this year. Was frustrated sitting for 4 hours and no gdang ducks. Really wanted a harvest that day. But in most cases the dog has fun, I get some time away from work. The harvest, that'll happen eventually, and I'm looking forward to it. Until then, a nap in the bush isn't wasted time :).
 
Into my second season of hunting and I love it. Primary reason is for meat but even if I'm out there harvest or no harvest I enjoy driving / hiking / game calling. Inside 300 yards rifle shooter - not experienced for any longer shots. Got a small WT first week of hunting last year. This year had a moose draw in 5-12A (BC). Went up with father in law for first time planning a week camp - got our 2 Mulies in first 24 hours which kinda screwed us for moose because the weather was too warm to keep the deer any longer. Headed home on 4th day without any hint of moose. Still had a great time bonding with father in law. He is 66 years old, missed hunting last year due to prostate surgery - 30 years of hunting and camping experience - no glamour, just hunt, dress, hang, skin, hunt again... we are not a trophy hunters, younger animals much more tender I'm told and easier to wrangle. If I happen to harvest trophy game - I might mount if the wife likes it!
 
I like to take an old rifle or shotgun and head off on a good walk. It really doesn't matter to me if I actually get anything or not. I hunt the same areas that I've walked over for the past 50 years. I love the old memories . It is like having a good visit with an old friend.

I don't use a quad. I don't own a rangefinder. I use a nice old .32 Winchester 94 for whitetail, and a Savage 24H-DL .22/20 for chicken. I haven't hunted ducks or geese for years. This year I had to go to Cabela's and buy a shotgun that I could shoot steel with. I didn't go for ducks, but I might next year.

I agree with the above posters that hunting is a personal thing, with regulations and safety being the starting point. I enjoy hunting, otherwise I wouldn't be doing it. I hunt mostly alone, but do hunt with a friend on occasion.
 
Hunting to me is the sense of finally being part of nature, after many years of practicing! not just stumbling through it hoping to see something. It's a sense that grows with a true hunter. good luck.
 
miykael said:
Well, since I got mostly positive and some negative feedback on my style of hunting, I thought it might be a good opportunity for a thread that highlights what hunting truly is or what it means to the diverse groups out there. A few basic questions but feel free to add whatever you think is useful info :)


  • What's your perspective on what hunting is?
  • Why do you hunt? What does it do for you?
  • What's your style? Stalk, sniper, tree/ground, truck etc.
  • What's your equipment? Firearm, bow, commercial/custom ammo etc and setup? :stirthepot2:
  • What's your range? Ethical or not, short to long, what do you like?
  • Mentor or self trained?

Use the questions as guidelines or not at all. It's open to what you want to say. Looking forward to some great opinions, views, experience and advice ;)
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Hunting is a heritage, custom and tradition in my family.... I was born with a rod in gun in my hands and my son as well. We are strictly riflemen hunters (center fire only) I don't hunt for meat, I hunt mature animals only, for they are the most challenging. I primarily still hunt cut lines, deer trails, meadows and forest fringes. A successful day of hunting is when I had a enjoyable and safe outing, bagging an animal is a little added bonus.
 
sheephunter said:
True hunting is following the laws of the land and ensuring a quick/humane kill....it's all personal ethics after that and they should remain personal.
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If you're not getting a fulfilling, back to Nature experience, along with that, it ain't Hunting, it's Killing. :)

Grizz
 
Grizzly Adams said:
If you're not getting a fulfilling, back to Nature experience, along with that, it ain't Hunting, it's Killing. :)

Grizz
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Perhaps for you and perhaps not for others......but nice of you to pass judgement....it's really beneficial to our hunting heritage. One day when we are no longer permitted to hunt...it won't be hard to figure out why.
 
Hunting to me is many things, from finding a location to scouting the bush all the way to the days you actually sit in wait for that shot to come up and seeing everything else around you moving like your not even there. The quiet noise of the forests and waterways are calming, but im always alert to anything around from a squirrel running across your feet to that perfect bird coming into view it just gets exciting.
 
I'm which guy? No confusion on my end. Pretty bold for someone who doesn't even know me. I know what kind of guy I am and how to make the best of equipment I can afford. I don't shoot freehold or guesstimate a zone (except pistol and unless I had a ridiculously close shot hunting or it's WW3 and I need to do CQB) nor do I enjoy it for hunting. Maybe those who understand this book description can understand where I'm coming from: (See Amazon book description for The 21st Century Sniper: A Complete Practical Guide)

"The twenty-first-century sniper is a mature, intelligent shooter who leverages technology to his deadly advantage. He has spent thousands of hours honing his skills. He is a master of concealment in all environments, from the mountains of Afghanistan to the crowded streets of Iraq. He is trained in science and left alone to create the unique art of the kill. To the sniper, the battlefield is like a painter’s blank canvas. It is his job to simultaneously utilize tools, training, and creativity to deliver devastating psychological impact upon the battlefield. And it is he alone who is left with the intimacy of the kill.

A complete practical guide for any modern sniper, former Navy SEAL and military sniper Brandon Webb reveals the tips and basic training necessary to become an efficient marksman. Webb is an international authority on sniping, and after serving multiple missions in Iraq and Afghanistan, he ran the Navy SEAL sniper course, which is arguably the best sniper qualification course in the world.

Including details on advanced sniper training for maritime, helicopter, and urban sniper operations, The 21st Century Sniper also touches on the latest research, development, testing, and evaluation of sniper weapons systems and optics. From trajectories and wind speed to camouflage and best vantage points and targets, Webb covers everything an expert sniper needs to know. This book is suitable for gun enthusiasts, outdoorsmen, the beginning sniper, and those with military backgrounds."

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Understand what he's saying? It's what 'kind' of guy I am (or would like to be) and for me, 'hunting' is my field of application; but I guess I'm more than just a 'hunter' ;)[I highly respect the military and in no way want to offend anyone who is a real sniper, I know that's a whole different realm] Thanks.



Republic of Alberta said:
Your confused. In you other thread the issue is not style of hunting. The issue is what type of guy you are and your equipment.

Let me help you understand it. You must imagine a bunch of tactical, F class type dudes are going to shoot some gongs at 500 yards for fun, while they are reading their Kestral wind meters and plugging numbers in to Isnipe a guy shows up with a beat up wood stocked Winchester M70 hunting rifle, a 4x scope, no bipod, and one box of Remington Corelock ammo. A bunch of dudes are going to roll their eyes, but everyone will be friendly and let the guy shoot with them.

Your the guy.
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All I can say for sure is that the guys who drive around all day in trucks or on 4 wheelers, then get out/off to shoot when they see something, are NOT hunters.
 
True hunting???

That was gone years ago when people needed to hunt to live/eat.

Today's hunting is still hunting but it is now a hobby and not a necessity , but it is carrying on a tradition of survival.
 
How is my 83 year old dad supposed to get out when he can barely walk to the can if he can't use a quad or drive?

He grew up in the bush, provided for a family of 12 while is dad was off to war with hunting/trapping, and enjoys it still.

Because he can't walk so good any more he's not a 'true' hunter?
 
miykael said:
I'm which guy? No confusion on my end. Pretty bold for someone who doesn't even know me. I know what kind of guy I am and how to make the best of equipment I can afford. I don't shoot freehold or guesstimate a zone (except pistol and unless I had a ridiculously close shot hunting or it's WW3 and I need to do CQB) nor do I enjoy it for hunting. Maybe those who understand this book description can understand where I'm coming from: (See Amazon book description for The 21st Century Sniper: A Complete Practical Guide)

"The twenty-first-century sniper is a mature, intelligent shooter who leverages technology to his deadly advantage. He has spent thousands of hours honing his skills. He is a master of concealment in all environments, from the mountains of Afghanistan to the crowded streets of Iraq. He is trained in science and left alone to create the unique art of the kill. To the sniper, the battlefield is like a painter’s blank canvas. It is his job to simultaneously utilize tools, training, and creativity to deliver devastating psychological impact upon the battlefield. And it is he alone who is left with the intimacy of the kill.

A complete practical guide for any modern sniper, former Navy SEAL and military sniper Brandon Webb reveals the tips and basic training necessary to become an efficient marksman. Webb is an international authority on sniping, and after serving multiple missions in Iraq and Afghanistan, he ran the Navy SEAL sniper course, which is arguably the best sniper qualification course in the world.

Including details on advanced sniper training for maritime, helicopter, and urban sniper operations, The 21st Century Sniper also touches on the latest research, development, testing, and evaluation of sniper weapons systems and optics. From trajectories and wind speed to camouflage and best vantage points and targets, Webb covers everything an expert sniper needs to know. This book is suitable for gun enthusiasts, outdoorsmen, the beginning sniper, and those with military backgrounds."

-------
Understand what he's saying? It's what 'kind' of guy I am (or would like to be) and for me, 'hunting' is my field of application; but I guess I'm more than just a 'hunter' ;)[I highly respect the military and in no way want to offend anyone who is a real sniper, I know that's a whole different realm] Thanks.
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WTF? :confused:
 
trebor2880 said:
Hunting ceased to exist, as I knew it, with the event of the three wheeler!:mad:
Maybe if I had an ATV, I wouldn't be so pissed.;)
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You need an ATV when you shoot bucks as big as I do. :p Actually, I hunt on foot, from treestands usually and with a scoped .270 or 6.8 black rifle. I do however use the atv afterwards to drag out the deer as they're often up to a mile in the bush. :)
 
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