Realistic expectations & being satisfied with them.

[Edcyclopedia]

I'm clearly a crappy Beast - I've got no illusons about that...

Here's my 50 year old take in a less than desirable hunting area...

GO HAVE FUN!
I spend time on my stand thanking God for that day and the restitution it brings me with "woods therapy".
Life's been way too fast the past 3-years with deaths, trials & tribulations...
I also Thank God for reasonably good health, great family and network of friends.

When you are pushed/shoved in a corner, think about the lesser fortunate people in our Country And World!
Smiles usually come from this and a shoulder shrug or head nod of acknowledgmen ensues...
Live for that moment my friend and don't look back...

[GoInLight]

Great post in this thread. I needed the reminder

[mheichelbech]

One thing I've learned and seen in life....whether it's deer hunting or anything else, some have it a lot better and some or many really (if you count in foreign countries), have it way worse.

I try to be grateful for what I have and usually am. The only thing I ever get envious about, is when someone has a better work ethic at something than I do and I wish I had the motivation to work as hard as they do.

It can be difficult not to measure yourself again others however I do think that is what a lot of the most successful people in sports do. They are so competitive that anything less than being the best is not good enough for them.

I've come to accept that I'd rather be happy and not worry about being the best than to be miserable and always struggling. May sound a bit socialistic or liberal but you have to cap it somewhere. I do enjoy the struggle of pursuing mature bucks but I am not devastated if it doesn't happen.

[SplitG2]

Excellent post Stash and very humbling.

I couldn't agree more. I have always enjoyed the hunt, sitting back and taking it all in and I still enjoy it above everything else to this very day. Sure there was a day in my hunting career that I would get upset about having to cook myself some tag soup but still always enjoyed the journey to failure just as if I was successful. I hunt older deer and I know I am playing a game where the odds are always not in my favor but it's so fun to play. Despite hunting a different type of deer today than what I hunted in my teens and early 20's when any racked deer would do, I still enjoy it just as much and more importantly I take something away from every success and every failure.

[tbunao]

Chuck you rock man!

I know you read joes article and you hit the nail on the head with your comment

I'm still more prepared than last year. I have a handful of quality spots. That if I hunt smart. Should give me a crack at at least a 2.5YO. With a crack at a doe or 2 mixed in.

With what's going on in your life and limited time, your still doing it right man! Slow motion is better than no motion. Keep stacking spot

My expectations and being realistic:
1.Continue to at least get visual of shooters from the stand.
2.Continue to stack information from previous years.

I'm getting sub par Intel on a decent one now. Things can change when that velvet comes off and I know that. 50/50 chance he goes to a specific area. I'm not normally that lucky. I will target a few of his areas and give it a shot as of now. Hoping another good one moves into another piece like last year.

I don't feel like I've completely deserve it and haven't put in the stand time but if I'm eating a bowl of tag soup this winter it isn't from a lack of effort. I'll keep to the 2 expectations said above, continue closing the gap from watching them to killing them and continue growing.

[GoInLight]

I've always lived my life wanting to dominate every area that I was involved in. My work, my family, and my hobbies. I've just had the mindset that if I was going to do it, then I wanted to be the best.

As I get older(42) I've learned that there are more important things than being 1st. I've also learned nobody really cares if I am dominating or not. It's silly really.

Teaching my son to enjoy the outdoors, spending time with friends and family, and helping others reach their goals. These are the things I focus on now.

I'm by no means trying to act like a know it all, but my advice would be to try putting others before yourself this season. Take a kid hunting or help a friend that's struggling to put the pieces together. It'll change how you look at our sport.

[<DK>]

Its time to get ahead of the game Chuck

[Boogieman1]

Its time to get ahead of the game Chuck

talk about a drive by shooting

[whitetailassasin]

I agree with all that was said, but there is also a flip side to this. Nothing wrong with setting expectations that can be higher than that of someone else's. To each his own. To some peace, quiet, and nature gets them by, to some the pursuit and trials of chasing mature whitetails does it. Some like the work, others don't. Some hunt for friends and family, some are solo. Some are brown its down, some hold out for the best buck they can find. Some are physically limited, some are not. Some are willing to get wet and some want to stay dry, point is, each person finds happiness in his or her way. No one should ever judge or look down on that. If you can see that someone is hunting for what you think are the wrong reasons, maybe you should first check yourself, as to thinking your reasons are the only right ones.

[stash59]

Its time to get ahead of the game Chuck

Tried golf!! Didn't do it for me. Not a fan of portable blinds.

[stash59]

I agree with all that was said, but there is also a flip side to this. Nothing wrong with setting expectations that can be higher than that of someone else's. To each his own. To some peace, quiet, and nature gets them by, to some the pursuit and trials of chasing mature whitetails does it. Some like the work, others don't. Some hunt for friends and family, some are solo. Some are brown its down, some hold out for the best buck they can find. Some are physically limited, some are not. Some are willing to get wet and some want to stay dry, point is, each person finds happiness in his or her way. No one should ever judge or look down on that. If you can see that someone is hunting for what you think are the wrong reasons, maybe you should first check yourself, as to thinking your reasons are the only right ones.

I'm actually pretty surprised about all of the comments this thread is getting. Some of the comments are pretty moving to me. I was basically trying to do some cognitive therapy on myself. Sharing my thoughts with others. Instead of keeping them to myself. To me carries a certain risk. It's like letting someone into your brain. So it helps me keep my thoughts even more grounded.

I've dreamed of killing a large antlered mature whitetail buck. Ever since I heard my dad's northern Wi. big buck stories. As a very little kid. Just hasn't worked out for me yet. I've messed up all of my chances so far. I'm not getting any younger. Health wise I'm more like a 78 year old man than a 58. I see time slipping through my fingers.

So having to accept that the odds are way against me. For another season is a pretty big deal for me.

WA I agree with you. Setting a standard that is almost impossible. Is the pinnacle of mature buck hunting. For me personally. Cause if you reach it. You can have great satisfaction within yourself. But in the whole scheme of life and living. It's not really all that important. But it sure is fun trying!!!!

[Lastcast#1]

43 years old.Third year bowhunting whitetail. 3rd year beast wannabe. Just assume I quoted everything mentioned above. I havent hunted long enough to be unsatisfyed with anywhere I hunt. I love the grind, the work, the muck, gettin up at 3am or earlier.
Living in Michigan I know that giant bucks are far a few between. Doesnt matter. Maybe there is one, maybe not. Doesnt matter because I believe. I set my goals high and combine that with realistic expectations.I scout with a purpose and scout as if I am going to kill a mature buck regardless of the odds. I feel its very important to have this mindset as I develop as a hunter.Darn right that a 2.5 year old is getting an arrow and I will be all smiles. The goal to shoot something bigger or older will always be there. Its the carrot in front of my nose.

Starting this journey later in life is an advantage in some ways. I think it has allowed me to start out hunting with a more mature mindset. In the end, killing a big deer is not the ultimate measuring stick, it is my goal, but it is not a factor that is considered when assessing my enjoyment of the sport. Gimme blood sweat and tears. Gimme sunrises and sunsets. Man , this dude is in heaven.

Regards,
Chad

[whitetailassasin]

I agree with all that was said, but there is also a flip side to this. Nothing wrong with setting expectations that can be higher than that of someone else's. To each his own. To some peace, quiet, and nature gets them by, to some the pursuit and trials of chasing mature whitetails does it. Some like the work, others don't. Some hunt for friends and family, some are solo. Some are brown its down, some hold out for the best buck they can find. Some are physically limited, some are not. Some are willing to get wet and some want to stay dry, point is, each person finds happiness in his or her way. No one should ever judge or look down on that. If you can see that someone is hunting for what you think are the wrong reasons, maybe you should first check yourself, as to thinking your reasons are the only right ones.

I'm actually pretty surprised about all of the comments this thread is getting. Some of the comments are pretty moving to me. I was basically trying to do some cognitive therapy on myself. Sharing my thoughts with others. Instead of keeping them to myself. To me carries a certain risk. It's like letting someone into your brain. So it helps me keep my thoughts even more grounded.

I've dreamed of killing a large antlered mature whitetail buck. Ever since I heard my dad's northern Wi. big buck stories. As a very little kid. Just hasn't worked out for me yet. I've messed up all of my chances so far. I'm not getting any younger. Health wise I'm more like a 78 year old man than a 58. I see time slipping through my fingers.

So having to accept that the odds are way against me. For another season is a pretty big deal for me.

WA I agree with you. Setting a standard that is almost impossible. Is the pinnacle of mature buck hunting. For me personally. Cause if you reach it. You can have great satisfaction within yourself. But in the whole scheme of life and living. It's not really all that important. But it sure is fun trying!!!!

Never stop trying! As long as the good lord is allowing you to do what you can, I believe in giving your all to whatever it is you do in your life: that way there isn't a regret for lack of effort, lack of intelligence and knowledge maybe, but not heart. Keep at it Stash, your more of an inspiration than I ever could be. When I'm down it's guys like you that keep me pushing because I can physically and mentally. When I'm pushing my body to its limits I think of how much effort you go to, and EXO, just to hunt, that is the second wind I need. I hum the marsh ode with pride and victory at that point.

[stash59]

I agree with all that was said, but there is also a flip side to this. Nothing wrong with setting expectations that can be higher than that of someone else's. To each his own. To some peace, quiet, and nature gets them by, to some the pursuit and trials of chasing mature whitetails does it. Some like the work, others don't. Some hunt for friends and family, some are solo. Some are brown its down, some hold out for the best buck they can find. Some are physically limited, some are not. Some are willing to get wet and some want to stay dry, point is, each person finds happiness in his or her way. No one should ever judge or look down on that. If you can see that someone is hunting for what you think are the wrong reasons, maybe you should first check yourself, as to thinking your reasons are the only right ones.

I'm actually pretty surprised about all of the comments this thread is getting. Some of the comments are pretty moving to me. I was basically trying to do some cognitive therapy on myself. Sharing my thoughts with others. Instead of keeping them to myself. To me carries a certain risk. It's like letting someone into your brain. So it helps me keep my thoughts even more grounded.

I've dreamed of killing a large antlered mature whitetail buck. Ever since I heard my dad's northern Wi. big buck stories. As a very little kid. Just hasn't worked out for me yet. I've messed up all of my chances so far. I'm not getting any younger. Health wise I'm more like a 78 year old man than a 58. I see time slipping through my fingers.

So having to accept that the odds are way against me. For another season is a pretty big deal for me.

WA I agree with you. Setting a standard that is almost impossible. Is the pinnacle of mature buck hunting. For me personally. Cause if you reach it. You can have great satisfaction within yourself. But in the whole scheme of life and living. It's not really all that important. But it sure is fun trying!!!!

Never stop trying! As long as the good lord is allowing you to do what you can, I believe in giving your all to whatever it is you do in your life: that way there isn't a regret for lack of effort, lack of intelligence and knowledge maybe, but not heart. Keep at it Stash, your more of an inspiration than I ever could be. When I'm down it's guys like you that keep me pushing because I can physically and mentally. When I'm pushing my body to its limits I think of how much effort you go to, and EXO, just to hunt, that is the second wind I need. I hum the marsh ode with pride and victory at that point.

Not feeling like much of an inspiration lately!! My current Lyme protocol has knocked me off my feet and kicked me in the but!! So I haven't been even close to being able to hunt. Since opening weekend.

Haven't been posting on the Beast either. Partly because it's just too hard to use the computer. Partly because by staying away from the Beast abit. I can keep some sense of sanity. Though I'm very happy for everyone else. Especially for those that have filled their freezer and put some bone on the wall. It's just a harsh reminder of my inability to participate in hunts myself.

I haven't given up. But like in war, sometimes the best thing to do in some battles. Is to retreat and regroup. Looking at the big picture this set back should eventually lead to being rid of all of this.

So to all of the killers. To the rest of you, keep at it. With each sit your odds are getting better!

Thanx

Chuck

[SneakyHunter]

I've come to terms with the fact that I should be happy with any buck 3.5+ despite its headgear, or anything 100"+ despite its age. Those are just the facts of life in almost all of the areas I have access to hunt in Michigan.

I completely agree with your expectations. For my area in PA, I look for the same thing as you. On Saturday I shot a 10pt that was 180lbs dressed but still not real close to PY. Beautiful frame but short tines. I'll shoot a buck like that every year and be happy. I've been spotlighting probably 5 times this year, I haven't seen one buck over 115". Between poor soils, big laurel covered mtns, PA hunters, and 2 little baby girls at home, I'm trying to be realistic.