I'M DONE


Roaming around the woods this year and having a lot of time to think, I sort of made the decision to quit deer hunting.
That's a big deal for me, because I sure have enjoyed it for almost 50 years. It just isn't the same. The days when you could hunt about anywhere are gone. Taken away by Liability laws, Posted signs, and Meth Labs.... Don't get me wrong: If a deer presents itself while I'm hunting Squirrels, I'll take the shot. I'm just not going to be a part of it anymore.

Treestands are everywhere--literally. I don't know who buys them all, but even small woodlots around here will have 3 or 4.
I suppose I'm the only one left who thinks tree hunting gives the advantage to the hunter. I remember the days before them when killing a deer with a bow from the ground was a big deal, and involved skill.

I'm beginning to see a lot of trail cameras. It kind of Ticks me off when one takes my picture. I know it shouldn't, I just rember the days before them when "scouting" for a deer involved some woodcraft. and finding one was a big deal. Just another advantage for the hunter.

Atv use has really exploded here. Every Farmer has one, and I suppose it's natural for them to use them to haul the stand(s) to the woods, and to ride out to hunt. I just remember the days before them when the woods was a quiet place, and a man was proud of his physical ability. Another advantage for the hunter.

Trophy. Trophy Huntng. Quality Deer Management. The Book........
What defines a Trophy? Is it the effort put in? The Herd Genetics? Location? I have NO PROBLEM with you hunting what you consider a Trophy. I just don't want to be that guy. Every animal I ever shot was a "trophy".
I honestly believe there should be no place on the application for a "Book" deer for the human's name. Make it about the deer.

Baiting. Baiting was once considered unsporting. I guess it still seems that way to me. If you put out a salt block here, you're a poacher, but if you plant a special plot of food to draw them in, it's OK? All about money, I guess. Another advantage for the Hunter.

Then there's that two weeks of madness that is the opening of Gun Season. It reminds me of an Invasion by a Pumpkin Army. Here, it almost always coincides with the rut, and if you ground hunt, it is the most dangerous time of the year. I take my vacation then, and stay away from it.. Deer are run constantly by drives and gunfire. They are confused. Advantage Hunter.

I quit gun hunting years ago, because I felt I had too much advantage. Traditional Archery leveled the field. I imagine the younger Hunters in this group will one day long for the days before scouting by Satelite or something.

Leasing is becomming very popular in the better areas of Indiana. Hunters with deep pockets can buy a few days with the scouting and work already done by an outfitter. Seems the animals--or at least the right to hunt them, is the King's again.

It's just time for me to move over and give you all a little more room. I will still pull a sneak on a squirrel with my longbow, and try to spot a rabbit's eye in the snow.
I wish you all well in your Deer hunting, and sincerely hope you achieve whatever goals you have for it. I hope it doesn't change any further, and that it's still there for your kids, and that your kids still want to do it.

John