There is a good theory called the 5 Stages of a Hunter...but I think it applies to a lot of outdoor sports...
Shooter Stage
Hunters at this stage simply want to do a lot of shooting, be it doves, ducks, squirrels, rabbits or even deer (in which case shooting opportunities are acceptable too). They want to test their shooting abilities, as well as that of their
rifle or
shotgun. These hunters are beginners and are often young as well.
Limiting-Out Stage
Eventually, simply burning through a lot of
ammunition is no longer sufficient. Hunters at this stage still gain a lot of satisfaction from shooting, but now the number of birds or animals bagged becomes important too, and limiting-out, or filling a tag, is the gold standard.
Trophy Stage
Eventually the weight of the
game bag becomes less important and the emphasis shifts from quantity to quality. Hunters at this stage gain satisfaction from being selective in taking game, such as a duck hunter who shoots only greenheads, a turkey hunter who only shoots long beards, or a deer hunter who takes only mature bucks. These hunters often travel long distances to hunt trophy animals.
Method Stage
For this hunter, taking game is still important, but more important is how that game is taken. True satisfaction comes from the method used to take game, with particular emphasis on more challenging methods such as
archery or
muzzleloading. This hunter will spend a lot of time scouting and using
trail cameras, studying their quarry and practicing hunting skills such as calling and, in the case of a deer hunter, may even choose to target one specific animal.
Sportsman Stage
After many years in the field, the hunter begins to place the emphasis on the total hunting experience. Being in the outdoors, enjoying the company of friends and family, and seeing nature in all its beauty, now outweigh the need for taking game. These hunters often turn to mentoring other younger hunters for ultimate satisfaction.
I love hunting, and the actual moment of pulling the trigger or letting an arrow fly, or having a rod yanked out of your hand by a hard hit, or a rod popping off in a downrigger and the reel screaming....I still get a massive rush. I've always said the day I don't have my heart in my throat when I shoot a deer is the last time I shoot one. I think its easy to attribute boredom as the reason why we aren't biting at the bit to get to the deer stand or brave 4' swells to get on the fish. For me its more that I've had the experiences of harvesting game, and the actual kill just isn't AS IMPORTANT as it once was. I'm in the woods and on the water because its where I like to be. I'm really unconcerned if I come home empty handed. Just being able to be out there is my reward....
...except a cooler of perch or a fat deer in the shop makes the work pretty OK also....
