coues Report post Posted October 27, 2004 This is a subject near to my heart. I've hunted big game seriously for 20 years in AZ. I filled every tag I had, (as many as 5) for several years in a row. I put a few animals in both books. I did some guiding and had good success. Then it happened. I got burned out. Everybody became trophy hunters overnight. The magazines started putting numbers on every animal. Any elk under 400", or mule deer under 30" wide is a dink. The tags have gotten so hard to draw you have to rely on someone in your circle of friends to draw something so you can even go. It wasn't until I found the pure joy of pointing dogs that I got my enthusiasm back. Nothing compares to watching your dog do what he was breed to do with such enthusiasm. The days and miles in the field create such a bond... a team. I find myself looking at the sunrise again. I enjoy every mile more. I can go where I want, when I want. I don't have to rely on the dog's work schedule to make my plans. The small successes matter. A dog on point, a difficult find, or a long uphill retreive can highlight the trip. It's not any easier, at least not for me. I put more miles in on my quail hunts than I do on my big game hunts. I'm still learning. I miss the days when hunting big game wasn't about how big, or even if you tagged one. It was about the experience. Shaking off the crust of the city, and spending time with good friend around a campfire. For me, I've found my passion for the outdoors again. I still hunt big game, but now my season isn't based on whether I draw anything. I consider that a bonus. I always have my 20 gauge, and my dog. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BRYCE CANYON Report post Posted October 27, 2004 Well said! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kilimanjaro Report post Posted October 28, 2004 Coues, AWESOME POST!!!! Finally, someone else that feels the wat I do about quail hunting. I consider every season a complete sucess if I can just get out there and bust a few coveys with my dogs. Now don't get me wrong about big-game hunting, I love it too, but nothing compares to being out in the field with a couple of your best buds and watching those dogs do their thing! Can't beat it! Scottyboy Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
firstcoueswas80 Report post Posted October 28, 2004 scott, as i have told ya i have never hunted over dogs, but am looking forward to our appointement for this december. that should be a heck of a time and i would love to do that it sure as heck seems like its a bunch of fun! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
