Do you still feel the "magic" in the woods?

I've been deer hunting since 1973. I remember the anticipation of my first opening day, and I get that same anticipation now. This up close bowhunting thing is intense. I have to say, I get a feeling I can't put into words when I'm hunting in Alberta. Knowing that there's a reasonable chance at a monster, is a feeling I don't get here in Pa. Either way, I'm not truely happy unless I'm in the woods!

 

i love the smell of the dew on the leaves, the crispness of the fall air, the anticipation of that first lil'bit of light.the birds and squirrels jumping around and then the slow footsteps of a big heavy deer or when its nice and cold and the chill is amplifying your rushing heart when you hear that big bruiser off in the distance or my favorite in either season fall or winter that phantom buck that appears out of nowhere god bless our forefathers for ensuring our god given right to hunt

 

I'm not sure.. sometimes I think its just gas.

 

yeah, but on Quantico it ends right about the time some dumb a$$ walks in front of your stand w/o a clue

 

Unfortunately, I have to say not always. After 9 years of owning and operating a fishing and hunting camp here in Ontario, I have become numb to some of it. Next year I'm taking a step back from camp a bit and I believe this will bring that lost feeling back some.

 

Dan, I could see where hunting and fishing as a job could diminish that feeling. Good luck finding it again.

 

Sean, I rarely ever see another hunter at any point of my hunt. I get off the beaten path and cross through terrain that most people quit walking through after 400 yards.

 

Well said everyone.If to much time goes by without an opportunity to get into the woods I get a little grouchy.I don't have to be hunting though I'm anticipating that.Just being there does it for me.Therapy for the soul!

 

Dan,

I couldn't help but to get the image of Tom Cruise's female counterpart singing, "You've lost that lovin feeling". Pull it out before you crash and burn!

 

Yep, still feeling it. after 30 + years its still there

 

This will be my 5th year bowhunting

I still feel it.

 

31st year. I still feel it or I wouldnt be doing it.

 

Like Rybo said nothing like hearing the lawn being mowed, or planes land at Hartsfiled. Each time you think you hear something a car or 200 cars go wizzing by. I really love it, but I cannot wait to get to S Alabama each year and just hear nothing but the woods.

 

The day I lose the feeling is the day I stop.

 

Quiet, dark, the smell of the woods, the birds waking up right before sunrise, the gray of the sky, then the glow in the far distance. Nothing else lke it in the world.