In mid-May, I was fortunate to have the opportunity to participate in Ontario's pilot-project spring bear hunt. I used a rifle instead of a traditional bow, since a relatively short window of opportunity meant I might have to take longer shots in order to fill my tag.
Back in the late 1970s, Dr. Robert Jackson and Dr. Robert Norton of the University of Wisconsin - La Crosse conducted a study of over 1,000 hunters. Among other things, their study found that hunters pass through five distinct stages over their hunting lives in terms of their view of "successful" hunting.
They say that you are never too old to learn something new, and I believe that applies to the world of hunting as well. I recently came across a couple of unique learning opportunities that I'd like to share with you.
Life Coaches and other people who are far more knowledgeable about such things than I am will tell you that the best way to actually achieve something meaningful in your life is to set specific goals for yourself and then set a course toward achieving them. Accomplishing certain things as a hunter should be no different.
During a recent conversation with a friend, the subject of western big game came up. I was told by my whitetail-obsessed buddy that he had no desire to hunt any further west than Iowa. I was in a bit of shock. Even after a short debate, it was a one-sided conversation. I almost felt sorry for him, realizing that there are a small percentage of hunters who know what the western states have to offer.
