Hunting as a mental challenge can put you on an emotional roller coaster and you better be buckled in to endure the ride. No matter the hunt or the situation, I always question myself on the “why’s”. Why did I choose this ridge over that one? Why choose this route of travel? Why climb this tree or that tree? Should I draw now or wait? Draw fast or slow? Why are the the animals coming from that direction? Take this shot or wait for him to turn?
I mentally do the best I can to predict the unpredictable, after all, this game of hunting has no time schedule. They know the lay of the land better than I. It’s not just being at the right place at the right time, it’s making it happen once the opportunity presents itself. Understanding the calls, sounds, and behaviors of the wild may give you a clue to an approaching trophy. Long hours of patient sits at full alert through the severe cold, rain, or hot temperatures alone is a battle of the mind. There are no rain delays in hunting! I find myself saying just five minutes more. I know that the longer I sit, the more my chances increase for success.
Mentally dealing with rejection can be tough to get over. Imagine sitting for days and a mature trophy steps out, you ready your aim, squeeze and miss. It happens! Get over it and learn from what you did wrong. Hunting is the only sport where you must maintain control over your adrenaline flow. If you let the rush get to you, you may find it very difficult to steady up on the vitals. It’s all about becoming one with nature. It’s the chirping of the birds, whistling of the wind, and viewing the slow rise and fall of the sun and moon. I get to experience lifetime memories that others will never understand or get the chance to observe. Commit to the preparation, commit to the journey, comit to the CHALLENGE! Hunt Strong, Train To Hunt!!