The hunter and Pro Hunter

[houseofwhacks]

I have been watching a lot of hunting shows for a number of months now.
I see a lot of shooting but not many hunters doing the shooting
(IMO)

Got me to thinking about what makes a man or woman who pursues a game animal a hunter.
Also, what hunter is the best hunter, when speaking of skill required.

I am all for killing deer or whatever is in season but I dont call myself a hunter most of the time

Here is the premise.

Ranking from Fred Bear (100% ground hunter) and Tiffany (100% tree hunter?), what does it take to get the shot off?.
Considering that both Fred and tiffany are making the same movements on the draw, I would say that Fred had it harder.
Considering that Fred had to play the wind more cautiously, I would say that Tiffany has the advantage there too.
and on and on.

I guess everyone sees where this is going now.
So, when do you get to call yourself a true Pro hunter?.
I dont think I have seen more than one or two in the last few months to be very honest.

Maybe I have it all wrong though.
Maybe, being a Pro hunter means getting paid to kill animals on film regardless of the means.

If that's the new rule, I guess everyone is a hunter as long as they kill something.
Maybe I'll end up "hunting" if a deer jumps in front of my car today.

Come to think of it, If the Insurance cuts me a check after the kill, I can call myself a Pro.
Right?!.




My wife read this post and said that I'm just an old traditional guy who is trying to one up everyone.
That's not true at all!
(She is just jealous ;D )
Actually, I am attempting to find out the mentality of the modern age hunter as well as open up the challenge within the individual.

What I have seen over many years are old hunters who no longer hunt.
I would say that 90% of the time (when queried) the old retired hunter will say that they just grew weary of the chase.
I believe that the weary was caused by the fact that they had just gotten to good at the way they hunted.
Most are gun hunters who know for a fact that they can kill anything that gets in thier line of fire.
I believe that the modern compound shooter can get that same amount of confidence going for themselves as well.

So, this is truly the reason for this thread.
To cause reflection in the present rather than waiting to reflect from the old recliner.

[SPIKER]

I don't watch hunting shows.

There is nothing realistic about hunting someones ranch because you have sponsors dollars. High fence is not hunting in the traditional sense.

Around here, we call that "shopping with broadheads."

To scout a property, and hang a stand based on the sign that you discover is the first step in real hunting.

To be able to take a deer at close range, where every smell, and movement is critical is real hunting.

Pro hunters? I guess the definition in itself is laughable.

If I had the time I could tell you about this sponsored guy that took a pic with his buddie's trophy buck after a hunt.

This guy then went on to promote himself as if he harvested this animal, and when his buddie got mad after finding out, he said he was under pressure to produce for his sponsors..

I hunt because I have to, not because I'm getting paid.

Now, if someone is willing to pay me for it, then well....I'm in..

[royden]

I would venture to say that the current pro hunter is anybody who hunts while sponsored by another company. They may / may not be honest, kill something, or have a clue.

Each style of hunting; tree stand or ground will have it's advantages and disadvantages. A hunter could be an expert at either one and quite deadly. Here in NW montana hunting has changed dramatically in the last 10 years and the expert is one who can consistently come home with blood on the tailgate despite the changing conditions. Most hunters here are ground hunters and the better ones are able to adjust their hunting style to the current conditions "on the fly".

I certainly do know some hunters who I would rate as "expert" (not professional ) - I also know many more hunters who have killed lots of deer/elk around here, but are now unable to seal the deal due to not recognizing the changes or being unable to cope.

Myself, I never watch hunting shows (no TV for one thing : . All I need is a blind, deaf, stupid elk and I might could do pretty good. I hunt because I want the meat ... and like the chase!! Of course the days I get back to the pick-up empty handed I have to remind myself that I am having fun

Most of the old-timers here are the ones who hunt the most (they have the time ) and only quit when they wear out. It is still only about 10% of the hunters who kill 90% of the game here though.

[farmdude]

let any of them so called PRO hunters try it from a wheelchair like I have to and not in a high fence...see how many critters get shot then...be4en in wheelchair 2 years and 1 buck bow...2 deer, 3 antelope and a coyote rifle..I can only shoot one direction...so ya gotta anticipate where the critter will be

also Fred vs. Tiffany...Fred didn't own land and groom it for big deer..huge difference...Tiffany and Lee are not hunters they are simply rich and shooting

[BT]

I hear what you are saying!. I think too many people know what you are saying