What's Your Favorite Part of Hunting?

Woody55 · November 30, 2012, 09:23 AM

I realize this depends on what you are hunting. So feel free to answer as many times as you like.

I like hunting deer and hogs. And the part of that I like the best is what I call the reconnaissance phase.

I like figuring out the trails they use, when they use them and which way they are going. I like thinking about the prevailing wind and where the sun comes up and goes down and how to take advantage of it. I like looking for good concealed positions with good fields of fire.

The shooting part is mainly about confirming the work I've done. I suppose I could use a camera, but I like hanging out with hunters more than photographers. And a rifle feels so good in my hands in the woods.

cdmckane · November 30, 2012, 09:39 AM

My favorite part happens at the dinner table. Everything else is just leading up to that point.

Sent from my SCH-I510 using Tapatalk 2

Pahoo · November 30, 2012, 10:37 AM

There are so many elements or phases involved that it's really hard to single one out. However, if I had too, I'd say it's getting there and getting home or anticipation and satisfaction. Although acceptable, I'd never say that the killing was my favorite part. .....

Be Safe !!!

Art Eatman · November 30, 2012, 12:59 PM

I guess the "Gotcha!" moment at spotting a really good buck when he doesn't know you're around is a major Good Moment.

Otherwise? The very-relaxed bull sessions around the campfire with good folks. "I wonder what the poor folks are doing?" "Aw, worrying about tomorrow's commute."

ripnbst · November 30, 2012, 01:19 PM

I like the hikes in the off season trying to learn abut where they are traveling. I like the prep more than anything. Stalk hunting is another thing entirely, I love it.

I am used to tree stand hunting.

gwpercle · November 30, 2012, 02:16 PM

My favorite part of hunting is just being out in the woods, sitting with my back up against a tree, watching the sun as it rises and the animals and birds start moving about. It makes me feel close to God...closer than in any building we call a church. I have my best talks with the Lord when I'm there.

The second best part is the comradery with the other hunters, cooking and swapping lies and stories around the fire.

gary

WV_gunner · November 30, 2012, 05:13 PM

Being able to relax is my number one reason.

Erno86 · November 30, 2012, 05:22 PM

Getting back to my basic primal instincts...and communing with nature.

CCCLVII · November 30, 2012, 06:01 PM

I like fulfilling the roll nature created us for... Being a predator.

Quote:

My favorite part of hunting is just being out in the woods, sitting with my back up against a tree, watching the sun as it rises and the animals and birds start moving about. It makes me feel close to God...closer than in any building we call a church. I have my best talks with the Lord when I'm there.

The second best part is the comradery with the other hunters, cooking and swapping lies and stories around the fire.

gary

this too. I love it!

grubbylabs · November 30, 2012, 06:07 PM

Hunting, I am a big fellow, but I was still pretty happy to get out an hike over five miles and gain and loose over a 1,000 feet of elevation in a days hike looking for a elk this year.

AllenJ · November 30, 2012, 06:11 PM

I love hunting enough that I often go alone but my favorite part is the comradery with my family and friends when they are along.

Mayor Al · November 30, 2012, 06:28 PM

This year was my first hunt with my wife as a companion on the hunt. Both our September Hog/Deer hunt and this month's Deer season at 'home' (literally).

We grew closer together by sharing this activity and that made the hunting more 'special'.

On a more practical note...Serving some great Pork and Venison to visiting family brought back the memories of the hunt to us and fed us at the same time.

BTW We took 3 Whitetail Does in the past 10 days, from our back deck. Butchered and in the freezer now. We have tags for one more doe and two Bucks good til Jan 6, the end of Indiana's second gun season. Porch hunting is a nice way for old folks to get-it-done.

Score now ME-1, WIFE-2 (one done in her robe and slippers in 19 degree weather) but the damn deer started to leave the orchard before we could get coats on (8 AM).

SPEMack618 · November 30, 2012, 08:29 PM

Depends on what I'm hunting, so I will relate them both.

Up until this year, me and about four or five of my fraternirty brothers would go to my cabin the first weekend of rifle deer season that did not interfere with a home football game. Getting there friday about mid day, we would quickly check blinds and then come back to the cabin for dinner. Generally, we would light a big fire and grill steaks and then proceed to sit around said fire and eat said steak late into the night. Favorite thing about hunting were those friday night pre-camp fires.

In regards to duck hunting, my favorite thing is coming back into the house, dumping my waders in the mud room, putting on dry socks, and sitting at th kitchen table with my two hunting buddies discussing how we could mad what shots or called a little different as my sister makes "bacon 'n biscuits". Then taking a shower and falling asleep on the couch while watching football.

jimbob86 · November 30, 2012, 08:37 PM

The Very Best Thing about hunting: Watchin' your kids do things that you taught them to do, with skill and confidence!

A close second is DIY butchering/sausage/jerky making ...... and fresh deer steaks!

It will be a very fine day indeed when I visit the Grandkids and their mom is showing them how to make summer sausage.....

WillyKern69 · November 30, 2012, 08:40 PM

Sunrise.

jimbob86 · November 30, 2012, 08:45 PM

Watching the wonder that an 8 year old expresses on their first hunt is a great thing, too ..... My daughter wrote a story for school in the third grade, and spent a whole page describing the sunrise and and the natural world waking up around us ......

reloader28 · November 30, 2012, 11:23 PM

I love the stalk/sneak.
Find the critter and then start putting the sneak on them. Or sneak along real slow and see how close you can get.

Theres been many times that I put the sights on the critter and call it a kill without even firing a shot. Put my gun down and go find another one.
If I actually shot it, I would be done hunting. So I just stop and go find another to put the sneak on.

FlySubCompact · November 30, 2012, 11:47 PM

For me it's like a backwards Bell Curve of enjoyment.

The beginning...just being in the woods on a cool day, nature, exitement of first seeing critters in nature.

The middle.... killing/field dressing/hauling a carcass out.

The end....enjoying the harvest....cooking and eating.

Rebel9793 · December 1, 2012, 12:17 AM

I enjoy getting into my stand before daylight and watching the sun rise. Just enjoying nature is enough for me. I absolutely love watching the squirrels play. That or the adrenaline pumping when putting the stalk on a big ol hog with the old stick and string.

DennisCA · December 1, 2012, 01:15 AM

Opening morning of deer season!

Backwoodsboy · December 1, 2012, 03:54 AM

For me I would say that the best part is when all of your preparations come together. That moment when a deer, or turkey first steps into your view, and whether you shoot or not it does not matter. if that animal dies or not I was better than it on that day. This followed by the moments after the kill. I can only imagine for now, but I look forward to taking my 3 boys to get there first deer when there of age. Only a few more years

arch308 · December 1, 2012, 07:56 AM

I love all the above but I must admit it's the kill I love the best when all the hard work and money spent on gear and such comes together. I still get an adrenlin rush, even when taking a doe. If I ever lose that aspect of the hunt I'll quit hunting and just hike & camp.
Where I hunt I always see deer. But when a good mature buck shows up it's all I can do to calm myself down to make the shot. That's what I hunt for. Well that and the meat from the does and hogs. If I had to kill something in order to enjoy hunting I would have quit a long time ago but the kill is still my favorite part.

kraigwy · December 1, 2012, 11:23 AM

The companionship:

Having the only snowmen in elk camp.

A not to bright granddaughter

loaded4bear · December 1, 2012, 05:07 PM

I would say the part I like the best is trying to catch my breath back after a big whitetail comes into my shooting lane (usually archery). Normally the distant kills are not as worthy for me, but the close ones sure make my day!

BerdanSS · December 1, 2012, 09:01 PM

Favorite part?

It comes after getting out of the truck and loading up....SHUTTING MY DANG PHONE OFF

Being the #2 guy in a fast paced business with two crews is taxing to say the least. If it's not the owner, one of my guys, or a customer calling...it's a text or email

I enjoy the BS'ing with my buddy and the call to the other guys bragging as we hike out of the woods dragging our deer out too.

November 30, 2012, 09:23 AM	#1
Woody55 Senior Member Join Date: June 19, 2012 Location: East Texas Posts: 407	What's Your Favorite Part of Hunting? I realize this depends on what you are hunting. So feel free to answer as many times as you like. I like hunting deer and hogs. And the part of that I like the best is what I call the reconnaissance phase. I like figuring out the trails they use, when they use them and which way they are going. I like thinking about the prevailing wind and where the sun comes up and goes down and how to take advantage of it. I like looking for good concealed positions with good fields of fire. The shooting part is mainly about confirming the work I've done. I suppose I could use a camera, but I like hanging out with hunters more than photographers. And a rifle feels so good in my hands in the woods.

November 30, 2012, 10:37 AM	#3
Pahoo Senior Member Join Date: February 16, 2006 Location: IOWA Posts: 8,783	From the prep to the freezer !! There are so many elements or phases involved that it's really hard to single one out. However, if I had too, I'd say it's getting there and getting home or anticipation and satisfaction. Although acceptable, I'd never say that the killing was my favorite part. ..... Be Safe !!! __________________ 'Fundamental truths' are easy to recognize because they are verified daily through simple observation and thus, require no testing.

November 30, 2012, 02:16 PM	#6
gwpercle Senior Member Join Date: November 30, 2012 Location: Baton Rouge, Louisiana Posts: 1,748	What i like best My favorite part of hunting is just being out in the woods, sitting with my back up against a tree, watching the sun as it rises and the animals and birds start moving about. It makes me feel close to God...closer than in any building we call a church. I have my best talks with the Lord when I'm there. The second best part is the comradery with the other hunters, cooking and swapping lies and stories around the fire. gary

November 30, 2012, 06:07 PM	#10
grubbylabs Senior Member Join Date: October 11, 2009 Location: Hansen Idaho Posts: 1,465	Hunting, I am a big fellow, but I was still pretty happy to get out an hike over five miles and gain and loose over a 1,000 feet of elevation in a days hike looking for a elk this year. __________________ * (Swinging club) Whack! whack! whack! * Nope, the old nag's still dead . (Capt Charlie)

November 30, 2012, 06:28 PM	#12
Mayor Al Senior Member Join Date: March 20, 2011 Location: Southern Indiana, Near Louisville. Posts: 211	This year was my first hunt with my wife as a companion on the hunt. Both our September Hog/Deer hunt and this month's Deer season at 'home' (literally). We grew closer together by sharing this activity and that made the hunting more 'special'. On a more practical note...Serving some great Pork and Venison to visiting family brought back the memories of the hunt to us and fed us at the same time. BTW We took 3 Whitetail Does in the past 10 days, from our back deck. Butchered and in the freezer now. We have tags for one more doe and two Bucks good til Jan 6, the end of Indiana's second gun season. Porch hunting is a nice way for old folks to get-it-done. Score now ME-1, WIFE-2 (one done in her robe and slippers in 19 degree weather) but the damn deer started to leave the orchard before we could get coats on (8 AM). Last edited by Mayor Al; November 30, 2012 at 06:38 PM.

November 30, 2012, 09:39 AM	#2
cdmckane Member Join Date: April 8, 2012 Location: Locke, NY Posts: 76	My favorite part happens at the dinner table. Everything else is just leading up to that point. Sent from my SCH-I510 using Tapatalk 2

November 30, 2012, 12:59 PM	#4
Art Eatman Staff in Memoriam Join Date: November 13, 1998 Location: Terlingua, TX; Thomasville, GA Posts: 24,798	I guess the "Gotcha!" moment at spotting a really good buck when he doesn't know you're around is a major Good Moment. Otherwise? The very-relaxed bull sessions around the campfire with good folks. "I wonder what the poor folks are doing?" "Aw, worrying about tomorrow's commute."

November 30, 2012, 01:19 PM	#5
ripnbst Senior Member Join Date: November 24, 2010 Location: Spring, TX Posts: 1,552	I like the hikes in the off season trying to learn abut where they are traveling. I like the prep more than anything. Stalk hunting is another thing entirely, I love it. I am used to tree stand hunting.

November 30, 2012, 05:13 PM	#7
WV_gunner Senior Member Join Date: December 14, 2011 Location: WV Posts: 938	Being able to relax is my number one reason.

November 30, 2012, 05:22 PM	#8
Erno86 Senior Member Join Date: September 22, 2012 Location: Marriottsville, Maryland Posts: 1,739	Getting back to my basic primal instincts...and communing with nature.

November 30, 2012, 06:11 PM	#11
AllenJ Senior Member Join Date: December 11, 2009 Location: Northern California Posts: 1,766	I love hunting enough that I often go alone but my favorite part is the comradery with my family and friends when they are along.

November 30, 2012, 08:29 PM	#13
SPEMack618 Senior Member Join Date: June 21, 2010 Location: Central Georgia Posts: 1,863	Depends on what I'm hunting, so I will relate them both. Up until this year, me and about four or five of my fraternirty brothers would go to my cabin the first weekend of rifle deer season that did not interfere with a home football game. Getting there friday about mid day, we would quickly check blinds and then come back to the cabin for dinner. Generally, we would light a big fire and grill steaks and then proceed to sit around said fire and eat said steak late into the night. Favorite thing about hunting were those friday night pre-camp fires. In regards to duck hunting, my favorite thing is coming back into the house, dumping my waders in the mud room, putting on dry socks, and sitting at th kitchen table with my two hunting buddies discussing how we could mad what shots or called a little different as my sister makes "bacon 'n biscuits". Then taking a shower and falling asleep on the couch while watching football. __________________ NRA Life Member Read my blog! "The answer to any caliber debate is going to be .38 Super, 10mm, .357 Sig or .41 Magnum!"

November 30, 2012, 08:37 PM	#14
jimbob86 Junior member Join Date: October 4, 2007 Location: All the way to NEBRASKA Posts: 8,722	The Very Best Thing about hunting: Watchin' your kids do things that you taught them to do, with skill and confidence! A close second is DIY butchering/sausage/jerky making ...... and fresh deer steaks! It will be a very fine day indeed when I visit the Grandkids and their mom is showing them how to make summer sausage.....

November 30, 2012, 08:40 PM	#15
WillyKern69 Senior Member Join Date: February 15, 2012 Location: Texas Posts: 160	Sunrise.

November 30, 2012, 08:45 PM	#16
jimbob86 Junior member Join Date: October 4, 2007 Location: All the way to NEBRASKA Posts: 8,722	Watching the wonder that an 8 year old expresses on their first hunt is a great thing, too ..... My daughter wrote a story for school in the third grade, and spent a whole page describing the sunrise and and the natural world waking up around us ......

November 30, 2012, 11:23 PM	#17
reloader28 Senior Member Join Date: October 13, 2009 Location: nw wyoming Posts: 1,061	I love the stalk/sneak. Find the critter and then start putting the sneak on them. Or sneak along real slow and see how close you can get. Theres been many times that I put the sights on the critter and call it a kill without even firing a shot. Put my gun down and go find another one. If I actually shot it, I would be done hunting. So I just stop and go find another to put the sneak on.

November 30, 2012, 11:47 PM	#18
FlySubCompact Senior Member Join Date: February 16, 2012 Posts: 306	For me it's like a backwards Bell Curve of enjoyment. The beginning...just being in the woods on a cool day, nature, exitement of first seeing critters in nature. The middle.... killing/field dressing/hauling a carcass out. The end....enjoying the harvest....cooking and eating.

December 1, 2012, 12:17 AM	#19
Rebel9793 Senior Member Join Date: October 11, 2012 Location: Florida Posts: 134	I enjoy getting into my stand before daylight and watching the sun rise. Just enjoying nature is enough for me. I absolutely love watching the squirrels play. That or the adrenaline pumping when putting the stalk on a big ol hog with the old stick and string.

December 1, 2012, 01:15 AM	#20
DennisCA Senior Member Join Date: June 3, 2012 Location: Union City CA (a.k.a. Poople's Republik of CA) Posts: 451	Opening morning of deer season!

December 1, 2012, 03:54 AM	#21
Backwoodsboy Senior Member Join Date: May 19, 2012 Location: Western, Ny Posts: 190	For me I would say that the best part is when all of your preparations come together. That moment when a deer, or turkey first steps into your view, and whether you shoot or not it does not matter. if that animal dies or not I was better than it on that day. This followed by the moments after the kill. I can only imagine for now, but I look forward to taking my 3 boys to get there first deer when there of age. Only a few more years __________________ "Si vis pacem, para bellum". If you want peace, Prepare for war!!!!

December 1, 2012, 07:56 AM	#22
arch308 Senior Member Join Date: November 6, 2011 Location: DFW, Texas Posts: 876	I love all the above but I must admit it's the kill I love the best when all the hard work and money spent on gear and such comes together. I still get an adrenlin rush, even when taking a doe. If I ever lose that aspect of the hunt I'll quit hunting and just hike & camp. Where I hunt I always see deer. But when a good mature buck shows up it's all I can do to calm myself down to make the shot. That's what I hunt for. Well that and the meat from the does and hogs. If I had to kill something in order to enjoy hunting I would have quit a long time ago but the kill is still my favorite part.

December 1, 2012, 11:23 AM	#23
kraigwy Senior Member Join Date: June 16, 2008 Location: Wyoming Posts: 11,061	The companionship: Having the only snowmen in elk camp. A not to bright granddaughter __________________ Kraig Stuart CPT USAR Ret USAMU Sniper School Distinguished Rifle Badge 1071

December 1, 2012, 05:07 PM	#24
loaded4bear Junior Member Join Date: December 1, 2012 Posts: 1	my favorite part of hunting? I would say the part I like the best is trying to catch my breath back after a big whitetail comes into my shooting lane (usually archery). Normally the distant kills are not as worthy for me, but the close ones sure make my day!

December 1, 2012, 09:01 PM	#25
BerdanSS Senior Member Join Date: April 3, 2011 Location: to close to other houses Posts: 1,176	Favorite part? It comes after getting out of the truck and loading up....SHUTTING MY DANG PHONE OFF Being the #2 guy in a fast paced business with two crews is taxing to say the least. If it's not the owner, one of my guys, or a customer calling...it's a text or email I enjoy the BS'ing with my buddy and the call to the other guys bragging as we hike out of the woods dragging our deer out too.

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