My 2014 early archery deer/bear hunt started back in March. This is when I went out to place a trail camera in a very promising spot that I had found the previous season in hopes of seeing what was moving through the area. The spot did not disappoint, as I was greeted with thousands of pictures of deer, elk, and bear over the next few months. My scouting trips would happen every 3 weeks or so and consisted of checking my camera, lots of hiking, shed hunting, and glassing. The more and more pictures I got of these deer, the more excited I got for the opener on August 22nd.
When one hears the term trophy hunter, what comes to mind? Personally, when I hear the term, trophy hunter, I think of someone with a strict standard on the animal that they will or will not harvest, a person that is after big mature animals, or a hunter that holds out for an older animal for conservation reasons. Most people would probably think of a person that just wants to mount a big set of antlers on their wall. Trust me I get it. You have waited 15 years to draw an early bull elk tag in a premium unit. The last thing that you want to do is come home with a spike. A person wants to get their 15 years worth because, they might never get to go on that hunt again in their life. This is a totally understandable situation.
Almost one year ago I had an experience like no other. It was something that to this day, I question if it even happened. Was it a dream? I can assure you it wasn’t. Will I ever see something like this again? The answer to that would be, “doubtful.” In a few days, I will be heading out to the same area that this story takes place in search of black bear and the ever so elusive coues deer with my bow. It is the coming events that struck my memory and brought me back to this special day that you are about to read about.
I don’t know about you, but I wait all year long in anticipation of that magical time when I can grab my bow or rifle and head out for the start of hunting season. Getting up before the sun, enjoying a hot cup of coffee while embracing the peacefulness of the outdoors, and finally grabbing my pack to start the morning’s journey is something that I truly cherish. That rush of adrenaline that comes over you when the silence of the woods is broken by the sound of something walking towards you or the glint of an antler that jumps out at you through your optics is a foreign feeling to a lot of people. Unless you have experienced these things firsthand, it might be hard for someone to understand why we obsess over this time of year so much.
I think that when most hunters hear the term, “dialed in,” they immediately jump to the thought of getting your weapon sighted in for the upcoming season, and rightfully so. You have all heard someone say, “I got my bow dialed in,” or “I have to get my rifle dialed in.” It is a very common saying in this regard. While I will probably talk a bit about this, that is not what this blog is going to strictly be about. Will there be gear reviews? Probably. Tips that I have learned? You bet. Just general hunting talk? Absolutely. More importantly, it is going to document my personal journey as a hunter and my quest to get dialed in with myself and with nature. I hope you enjoy!
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