What does it take to get respect as a bow hunt? Is it how many bucks you put in the P&Y or BC? Is it a hunter that shoots only mature bucks? Is it a hunter that shoots bucks and doe’s every year? Is it a person that hunts 100 days a year and in an ethical manner? Is it the person that hasn’t shot a deer in five years and just loves to be in camp with all his hunting buddies? It could be all of these and more. I always respect a bow hunter that is ethical in their hunting. A hunter that wants to bow hunt hard every day they can. A person that is willing to teach others how to be better bow hunters. In my eyes it is more about the man than the trophy animals they have shot. I have a great deal of respect for a bow hunter I know that has kill at lease 100 deer with his bow and only has shot 3 P&Y and none are in the book. He was never a trophy hunter but always a deer hunter. He is one of the best bow hunters I have every known, for to many reasons to list here.
I suppose if this hunter is hunting simply from a numbers standpoint, I don't care how many bucks or how many record book entries they have, they're not necessarily going to get my respect (although you almost have to respect their ABILITY if those numbers were achieved in a fair, legal manner). For me, it's more about the person as a whole. Usually the type of person they are in life is reflected in how they are in the woods (not ALWAYS, but most of the time). The guys that volunteer there time to help others, put others on deer, take time to educate others on their decisions in the woods, etc. I suppose you could say, I REALLY respect those who give back. For instance, many of the guys on this site would bend over backwards to help another hunter in need. To me, that speaks more to me about them than what they've killed in the field.
For me it's doing the right thing at the right time. Shooting an injured deer or waiting for the ethical shot. stuff like that
For me it is my grandfather, at 30 years old I still envy his love of just hunting...that does not mean horns, meat or anything else. It means his love for the outdoors, and sharing the outdoors. I will always remember him saying you hear that, and I would go what...nothing at all, no phones no people...just the sound of nothing. It took a long time for me to understand what he meant, now I comprehend, but some days I still struggle to get it. I guess to answer the question and end my ramble anyone who has hunting in their heart, regarless of methods...or their definition of a trophy.
NOthing. Just do it. If you hunt to "Get respect"... well hell, you're in it for the wrong reason. Why would you care what anyone thinks about your bowhunting. It's suppose to be fun... remember? You can admire achievements and all that, but really, "RESPECT"? I'm sorry, I don't think that's why we hunt. You can respect a person or something like that, but it's character etc... not because he killed a damn deer. Hell, I've killed a few people. How many do I have to kill to "Be granted respect"? Nope, I'm not buying respect for numbers or whatever. Hunting grounds are different, people are different, time devoted it different... you can't be comparing yourself to someone else. All you have to know is you're having fun and love the hell out of it.
lmao. I don't know that I respect anyone because of their bowhunting skill. I can respect some people's accomplishments (immensely), but to respect a person it is more about who they are as a person to me.
Speak very little, and know what you are talking about when you say it. People who talk too much are either liars or idiots.:d
I respect the hunters who are just good people.. Pretty simple. There are a lot of people out there that kill the big buck(s) every year, put a lot of time in and have a lot of experience over the years. And....they are the first to offer advice, or wish you good luck, help some new bowhunter get started, etc.. I respect that. There are a lot of people like that on forums like this. Unfortunatley there are guys who are just the opposite, but thats life. Respect goes to the bowhunting mentors of the world...
Respect??........for what?.....sneaking around the treetops shooting animals that walk by on their way to eat?? Dude.....time for a reality check. It's fun and all of us enjoy hunting but c'mon man.
A lot of good things said here. I have talked to many people that think the only way you can get respect as a bow hunter is to Kill Big deer. I AM VERY GLAD TO HERE THAT ALL THE BOW HUNTERS THAT HAVE RESPONDED TO THIS QUESTION DO NOT THINK THAT WAY !!!! KUDO’S TO YOU ALL
Very well said. I don't know if I could respect someone that is out there for purely antler inches and self glorification (see: most TV Hunting hosts) Those who deserve respect are the ones you know will do anything to help out a fellow hunter. This could mean anything from helping someone track a wounded deer, helping to setup stands or scout. I have quite a bit of respect for many of the guys on this forum (who I know of because of a different forum). Because those people have shared knowledge and experiences with myself and others.
It's sure nice to hear a small group of guys on the Internet talk about how they don't respect bowhunters because they kill big deer, but in the "real" world, that's what it takes. Let's not kid ourselves here fellas. Guys who kill big animals, and lots of them, get the respect. Remember, this is the Internet. Everyone on the Internet makes 100K/year, has a hot wife, an IQ over 150, and lives their life by the highest set of moral standards and obligations. If anyone here thinks for one second that bowhunters who kill big deer aren't respected by others for their accomplishements, they are dead wrong.
The hunter you describe sounds a lot like my step brother in Arkansas. I respect his hunting skillz but he can be a complete moron and we haven't talked in a year because he tried to tell me a friend of his shot that big Amish buck from Ohio and I called him out. I respect the guys who have a passion for the sport, many have much more time spent than I in their yearly scouting and shed hunting. I respect you as well Stacy, it was great meeting you and shooting together at the GTG.
alot of guys get respect as a bow hunter who shoot big deer, i guess i can respect that.never seen a guy who didnt shoot big deer do a comercial or get free bows from the manufacture. but i dont have respect for them as people until i meet them... guess what im trying to say is that i value who you are not what you shoot more.
I don't really care. For some reason I am most drawn to respect people in any field that show a passion for what they do, are friendly, and work hard. I try to distance myself from people who are emotionless and have a poor work ethic. The same can apply to the people I respect as hunters, whether you kill a big buck or not. In some places it is hard as heck to even draw down on a doe twice a year. Everyone's hunting environment is different and so respect can be gained in many different ways.
