What Makes A GOOD Hunter?

[MountainMan]

I got asked this question this last weekend, and to be honest, I really didn't know how to answer it. So, I'll post it to the GS. Please don't take this as a chance to rag on someone else because they have a different answer than you. That's the beauty of the question, I don't think there is a RIGHT or WRONG answer.

So here's the question:

What makes a good hunter? Is it the person who consistently shoots big deer/elk/moose/etc? Is it the person who regularly kills the game they're after? Is it someone who introduces alot of people into the brotherhood of hunting? Is a good hunter someone who only purses a single animal for a season even if it means eating tag soup? Or is a good hunter something else?

To me, a good hunter is 2 things. First, he's someone who sets goals for himself (i.e., I'm going to shoot a mature buck/bull/etc) and then sets out and accomplishes that goal. And second, I think a good hunter is one who makes an effort to maximize his skills such as making a one shot kill, in blood tracking, etc., never gives up learning, and never says "That's good enough".

So, What make a GOOD hunter to you?

[bjstockard]

I good hunter does all of the things you have mentioned, but a great hunter kills doe and management bucks, so other hunters can have years of great hunting ahead of them.

[Archery1st]

1. One who leaves the outdoors better than they found it.

2. One who puts in the effort to accomplish his/her goal...Be it first buck/deer with a bow or one who finds a specific buck and goes for that buck or bust.

Examples of one that is not...

1. Those that buy a bow/gun a week before bow season and expects to bag the biggun.

2. Those that leave or ignore trash where ever they come across it.

[Bisch]

I think part of the answer lies in your definition of "good". I think the guys who have killed everything are accomplished hunters; some good hunters some not so good. I think the good hunter is the guy who is always legal and ethical and treats the outdoors with respect and reverence. I do not think that a good hunter can be measured by the number of animals he has harvested.

Bisch

[Snacks]

I think the things you mentioned and someone who introduces the outdoors to a kid and teaches good ethics.

[Coach W]

Patience and the will to do things "right"

[PBFrijoles]

i think he/she is they type of person who will eat tags because they are looking for quality not quantity, one who is willing to pass along good hunting ethics to others and children, one who would rather see a loved one have the kill if it presented itself, one who you can always count on to do work at the ranch, and one who really has a love for the outdoors not just your weekend warrior.

[Snakelover]

As long as he or she doesn't diminish someone else's enjoyment (i.e., is a good steward of the environment, courteous to others, obeys game laws, etc.), I think the best hunter is the one who has the most fun!

[Cam-Mac]

I think part of the answer lies in your definition of "good". I think the guys who have killed everything are accomplished hunters; some good hunters some not so good. I think the good hunter is the guy who is always legal and ethical and treats the outdoors with respect and reverence. I do not think that a good hunter can be measured by the number of animals he has harvested.

Bisch

^This

[Cam-Mac]

i think he/she is they type of person who will eat tags because they are looking for quality not quantity, one who is willing to pass along good hunting ethics to others and children, one who would rather see a loved one have the kill if it presented itself, one who you can always count on to do work at the ranch, and one who really has a love for the outdoors not just your weekend warrior.

^ And this. A lot of times hunting involves more than actually hunting. The work (at the ranch) in the offseason is just as important to be prepared when the season starts.

[2B4Him]

I agree with a lot of these comments. One addition I have is that I think the 'better' hunter you are, the less shots (bullets or arrows) you take that aren't kill shots. You have prepared, you take only good shots, you execute them well.

[Punkin]

That's pretty much a question that has no answer. It all depends on the individual and how they view hunting. Every hunter has their own morals and standards. I would say a good hunter is one that stays true to their standards and is always trying to better themselves and preserve nature.

[Mike Javi Cooper]

A GOOD hunter is someone who can put meat on the table anytime it's needed.. The rest of it is just PC

[wellingtontx]

Ethics and respect for the outdoors and the animals being hunted.

[MountainMan]

That's pretty much a question that has no answer. It all depends on the individual and how they view hunting. Every hunter has their own morals and standards. I would say a good hunter is one that stays true to their standards and is always trying to better themselves and preserve nature.

I think you answered it pretty well!

I agree that it is different for everyone and that's why it's a good question.