I am mentoring a new hunter this year. He is a buddy of mine and is in his mid-30's. He had never hunted prior to this year. I have to remind myself not to talk about bucks or big bucks when discussing hunting with him. I don't want to do anything that would take away the pleasure of just hunting for him. Any deer is a challenge with a bow and a good shot with a bow is something that is awesome. He is a hard working guy with little time to hunt like a lot of us. His first two sits the last couple of weeks he did not see a thing. It was hard on me as well because I set him up each time. Well yesterday I talked with him about his set up again, helped him pick a tree and got out of there. After dark he called me. He sounded like a kid on Christmas morning. "Man as I was climbing the tree to get set up a doe just appeared out of nowhere and was like 10 feet from and I froze!". "About an hour later a 4 point buck walked by and he didnt even know I was there! I couldn't stop him for a shot". "Right before dark a big doe stopped and looked at me and started bobbing her heard. I took a shot at her at 20 yards and shot right below her and missed!". I am telling you, he inspired me to enjoy myself even more than I do in the deer woods, and to not take for granted anything about the experience. One day I will not be able to hunt so each day afield is precious. Refreshing to hear a newbie hunter really enjoying himself. Awesome.
Good reminder. I catch myself stressing every now and then, but a day in the woods will always leave you with an experience to enjoy.
He even took a few days of leave in November. hahaha. I am going to work hard to get him set up for some shots at deer. And next year my daughter will be 13 and she wants to give bowhunting a try as well. Trying to pass it on.
It really is that simple. Fun to hear. I get excited anytime a deer is around and doesn't know I'm there. You can't hardly believe it starting out. Good for him and good for you.
Thats awesome man! Like I always say "A bad day in the woods is still better than a good day almost anywhere else!"
