Thinking about quiting

[SaltwaterSlick]

One of the things I found that I enjoy really more than taking the shot is to take someone and put them on a nice deer and be the cameraman. I'd rather just run the camera... In the past 5 or 6 years, my guests have taken WAY more animals than I have. I still love the pre-hunt activities such as working on stands, filling feeders, playing with trail cameras, etc... but I'd honestly rather do the camera work and let someone else do the shooting...

I did however get a new bow at the end of last season that I broke in on a nice management buck and several hogs.... I'm looking forward to hunting ol' big buck with it this Fall though.

I'd suggest maybe you don't "try" so hard, and just enjoy what you can do without worrying about what you no longer can do.

I too am well into phase 4 and enjoying it with my kids, and in a few years, my grandsons... they're just not quite big enough yet...

[Rich-Kat]

I still hunt but I get more enjoyment seeing my sons and grandskids killing something knowing I showed them how.

[RR 314]

One of the things I found that I enjoy really more than taking the shot is to take someone and put them on a nice deer and be the cameraman. I'd rather just run the camera... In the past 5 or 6 years, my guests have taken WAY more animals than I have. I still love the pre-hunt activities such as working on stands, filling feeders, playing with trail cameras, etc... but I'd honestly rather do the camera work and let someone else do the shooting...

I did however get a new bow at the end of last season that I broke in on a nice management buck and several hogs.... I'm looking forward to hunting ol' big buck with it this Fall though.

I'd suggest maybe you don't "try" so hard, and just enjoy what you can do without worrying about what you no longer can do.

I too am well into phase 4 and enjoying it with my kids, and in a few years, my grandsons... they're just not quite big enough yet...

Well written. I enjoy watching deer as much as killing deer these days. I love spending time with the kids in the stand and can laugh when a big mature deer busts us and hauls when my son or daughter exclaims "Look how big he is" or something along that line. We know most of the bucks by name except for the newcomers during the rut and I am at the point where I would much rather watch my kids/nephews shoot a deer. Don't get me wrong, I still love to stack the hogs up like cord wood and like to get away by myself every now and again , but the kids rule the day.

[SouthTX1911]

Not to worry brother. Ain't nothing wrong with wanting to watch others be successful in the woods. One amazing thing about hunting, you can "quit" and just decide one day to come on back. It ain't a one and done deal. Spend some time healing and hangin with the chillins and see where you are at with it next season.

[Shane]

I love to hunt still, but I'd MUCH rather watch my kids hunt than go all serious by myself. Getting those younguns outdoors is awesome. I went almost 10 years, beginning when Zach was 5, where I only killed maybe 5 deer total. Zach killed over 20, and I was along for the ride on every one of them. THAT was awesome.

[Bob G]

I have been in the youth stage and helping others take animals basicly for 14 yrs now. The joy it has brought has been very satisfing and rewarding. Building strong relationships putting together outting, breaking bread and burning meat and making memories has become the highlight of my hunting. I still do as much scouting and location setups as I can throughout the year. The huge reward comes with the smiles and happiness those hunts bring. I will pray you too can feel the joy from your ventures wherever you go...

tending the fire,
Bob G.

[Hunter Dan]

I like to change it up by going out of state and hunting other things like elk and mule deer to keep it fun. A crossbow will help the shoulder, I have one and although I don't use it much it is tons of fun and now I am letting my 11 yr old use it to learn how to bow hunt.

[Slingblade]

Great advice guys. I think my problem is I just need to get back in the saddle. I think once I go hunting and run an arrow through a deer the desire will return. It's time to go practice. Thanks everyone.