Why is it.....?

[Bill Carlsen]

....that even when you spend an "unproductive" afternoon in  a stand you think will be "successful" the day still feels like a good one? Know what I mean? I just feel better having been there.

[dragonheart]

This man sums it up the best...

"When a hunter is in a treestand with high moral values and with the proper hunting ethics and richer for the experience, than that hunter is 20 feet closer to God"

Fred Bear

[Friend]

Possibly you realize that the big boy you are pursueing doesn't even visit a prime location but once in three days.

**Much harder to catch a fish w/o your line in the water**

[Sam McMichael]

No day in the stand is unproductive if you enjoy yourself and let the experience again refresh your soul.

[Bud B.]

Know what you mean.

Two days ago I sat and watched two fawns browse for nearly 30 minutes. Watching is learning. Although fawns, their movements, ears, tails, reactions to differing sounds, was wonderful and educational.

About 30 minutes later a flock of turkey came sneaking through. First time seeing a flock where I deer hunt. Now I'm thinking spring trad turkey!

About 15 minutes later a lone grey fox trotted through as quiet as death.

An unsuccessful harvest day was certainly a successful visual and cognitive event.

[AWPForester]

Because God sure knows what the hearts of men need to be replenished and satisfied.  God Bless

[mcgroundstalker]

Simple answer... Because you needed to be there...

... mike ...

[ChuckC]

Another simple answer. .  because you begin to realize that, although seeing and killing that big boy is the stated reson for being there, there are a ton of other reasons and joys that are there to see, if you allow your eyes and heart to be open.
ChuckC

[Shakes.602]

Maybe  WE , of the BowHunting Class, are Simply Easily Entertained by Gods Beautiful Creations!!     Its Good for the Soul and the Spirit to "Be Still, and Listen."  

[Bonebuster]

Our eyes face forward. There are certain instincts still alive in some of us that we must excersize.

A few thousand years is only a blink in time when we consider instinctual acts...while our survival may not depend on a kill as it used to, our spiritual well being DOES depend on excersizing our instinct to hunt. It scratches an itch we cant reach any other way.

Perhaps, there are many others who feel like something is missing from their lives and they dont know what it is.

 

[Bill Carlsen]

I set up a new stand a few days ago because it was going to rain that night and take away my scent. I had seen two bucks in the blueberry thickets walk out into an old logging road that gets very muddy when it is wet. Sat the stand last night and for two hours had deer around me most every minute. Saw four, heard a fifth. Could  have shot at the first doe I saw at about 20 yards. She looked too young to me. Then a large doe showed up with a yearling doe in tow. The yearling gave me a cinch 10 yard shot but I let her pass. Then, just before dark another came in to feed on the other side of the thicket. Couldn't shoot. He/she was very large but I couldn't make out antlers...wouldn't have made any difference. In any event, it was quite a night for a NH hunt. I didn't bring home any venison (by choice) but I had that same satisfying feeling as I did the evening that was a blank. I think I was smiling all the way home and its about 1/2 mile walk back to the car. There was almost a half moon so I didn't use my headlamp to make the trek. I guess I'm just getting older and the experience(s) are becoming more significant and meaningful.

[mcgroundstalker]

Right On Target Bill! I can spend a day still hunting and stalking without any "action" and still be happy if I didn't snap a twig or see a deer... Knowing I used the wind to my advantage with tree rats within feet of me is enough... And yes, our age has much to do with how we feel.

... mike ...

[maineac]

Any time I am in the woods I enjoy the time.  If I see or hear deer when in a stand location I have scouted and planned I consider it a success.  If I take a deer it is a time for celebration!

[Sean B]

Yep, I think thats what the "average" hunter just doesnt get!

[SELFBOW19953]

My wife has finally started paying attention to the various critters we see on our property-lizards, praying mantis, birds squirrel, deer, even snakes. She is amazed at how many of the birds I know by sight, flight, calls; the animal tracks I recognize; the trees I know from the bark or leaves.  I explained to her that was the reason sitting in a treestand for long periods was possible.  Learning from and enjoying my time outdoors makes everyday on stand seem successful, because nearly every trip I learn something new.

[Roy from Pa]

Exactly Bill. Anymore I could care less if I get a deer, just seeing them is a treat. I just love sitting in the woods and watch them come alive in the morning and watch them go to rest at night.