A successful hunt .

[Pine]

As I get older, my hunting attitude has changed .
I used to get all uptight about harvesting a deer . I just had to get at least one .
Well, to me, for several years now, a successful hunt is seeing deer while in my blind. I have on occasion let a deer walk because it was going to be dark soon and I didn't feel like dealing with a down deer in the night .
I get a thrill when deer come in and I just don't quite get the shot opportunity that I would like .
I have watched a big doe with a fawn play with each other like dogs play with each other .
And no, I have never been a trophy hunter but it doesn't bother me if someone else is .
Oh yeah, nice for point was wandering around me today, he never busted me.
Amazing cridders they are, as I watch the muscle movement in the shoulders.
And those ears, I would like to be able to hear half as well as they do.
Yep, that's a successful hunt.

[joe ashton]

Well told.
A day in the woods is (almost) always a successful day.

[TIM B]

I had a wren sit on my bow limb the other evening - that was a successful hunt....yep we change as we get older..... Nice post Graps.  Looking forward to others successful hunts...
Tim B

[centaur]

Rattled in a young buck this morning that I watched run to me like he was on a rope from about 300 yards out. He got to 5 steps from me and nearly turned inside out when I huffed at him. That was a successful hunt without having to pack out a deer.

[Cyclic-Rivers]

I stink at hunting but love it. My attitude mirrors yours but it would be nice to secure meat also.

[WVFarrier]

I had several bachelor turkeys literally walk over me as i sat on the ground during a stalk the other day.   one of them even grabbed my boot lace.  all i could do was smile.  pretty cool to know you did it all right.

[durp]

YES SIR...couldn't agree more!!!

[ranger 3]

I filmed a little fork horn last evening, could have shot him, but was satisfied just filming and didn't have to drag him. Guess I'm getting old and soft.

[mcgroundstalker]

Hey Dale... You are three weeks older than myself... I know just how you feel about a "successful" hunt... I've been at this Trad Game for over fifteen years and have yet to make a deer into meat... Many, many close calls, very thrilling none the less... Guess that goes with my still hunting and stalking...     ...

[fnshtr]

https://imgur.com/a/o0n9M

I feel the same way! Had this little spike come by at 5 yards this evening. Last evening he had an 8 point with him. Another successful hunt!

[Tom]

I love the hunt even when no meat on the ground. Smells of fall, birds and squirrels waking up to a sunrise, the crunch of leaves as a deer approaches, all are part of a successful hunt for me.I am willing to kill but it will be on my terms- which means a close clean chance to make a quick kill. If that opportunity doesn't come and I get out of the woods safely-all is good.

[59Alaskan]

I 100% agree, but that spike looks like fine dining!