The World's Greatest Deer Hunters
Posted By
Bill Winke
at
4/13/2009 12:00:00 AM
Filed under:
journal
The greatest deer hunter in the world is probably someone who hunts in a high pressure state like PA or MI but still manages to shoot 2 1/2 year old bucks on public land just about every year. That person is not going to get on the cover of Outdoor Life or have his own hunting show, but he may still be the best when you account for his situation.
Really, it is hard to determine who the best hunters are unless you look at context (where they hunt) and consistency. Antler size is not a fair comparison because the people that live in areas like mine are going to shoot big deer simply because they are here - at least some of them are here every season. We have more mature bucks to hunt so naturally we are going to shoot bigger bucks than people who don't have any mature bucks to hunt. That doesn't make a person a great deer hunter.
When it comes to sheer woodsmanship and moment of truth execution, antler size is not the best indicator. I look at the age class of the bucks someone is shooting as an indication of their dedication, time spent in the field and knowledge of deer behavior. Next I would have to compare what a person is shooting to the age class of the bucks everyone else is shooting in the same area.
One year also doesn't make an expert. It takes consistency. So next I have to look at a decade or more of hunting success.
In the end, you have to admit that the best deer hunter in the world is very likely someone you have never heard of.
I don't write this because I am into comparisons. I am not. I think everyone has their own story to tell and their own place in this great sport. However, it is not fair for others to watch some of last season's episodes on our show and feel that our successes with these great bucks somehow diminishes their own experience. Our situation is different. We may or may not be shooting bigger deer than you, but that doesn't mean much because we may or may not have more old bucks to hunt than you do.
So take heart. True success is all in the challenge and process and not the outcome. If you stay focused on the process and the thrill of the hunt, you will never have to worry about what someone else is doing. You will love every minute of it - the way it should be.
