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You are a "Know It All" Todd Hulm It’s shocking, but it’s true. You, like every other hunter, are a “know-it-all.” Don’t take it wrong, it’s just the simple truth. Do you need some explanation? Well, it’s like this. Every time you go into the woods, plains, or desert in pursuit of game, whether it be with a rifle, shotgun, muzzleloader, or bow and arrow, you know everything. Simply stated, what you know at the time is ALL YOU KNOW. This fact brings us to the issue of what makes a successful hunt. Sure, some guys and gals are lucky enough to bag a trophy class animal, and indeed, their hunt can be considered a great success. On the other hand, many hunters venture into the field and return home with no material prize, only a bit more experience than when they started. However, I would say their hunt is also tremendously successful, that is, if they learned something. This past elk season in Arizona, I was fortunate enough to draw a license along with several other people in my archery league. All of us had licenses in adjoining units, so we spent some time together in the evenings and at camp. Most of the group truly enjoyed the hunt. That is spending time out of doors and pursuing wild game. Unfortunately, one member of the group was seriously disappointed with his hunt, due to the fact that he didn’t shoot an elk. In fact, following the hunt, he stated, “I’ll never apply in this unit again.” This is quite a shame in my view, but perhaps the attitude with which he entered the field played a major role in his inability to bag an elk. This individual arrived in his area for the first time on the evening before opening day. He had never scouted the area but was relying on the experience of others in the group for his benefit. In addition, his bow and arrows were not tuned, and while practicing, he could not hit a Morrel target with his broadheads at 30 yards. Furthermore, his camouflage was fresh out of the package and had never been washed or scent treated prior to opening day. Needless to say, his chances of getting an elk were not good even before he began his hunt. Over the next week, many of the people in our group helped this young man a great deal. He was exposed to a number of circumstances that should benefit him in the future. One of the more experienced hunters in the group took this individual to his own stand and offered it to the young hunter. In addition, this veteran helped the young man set up his own stand and explained how the patterns of sign dictated stand placement. Another hunter helped the young man tune his bow and arrows and explained the reasons for particular arrow flight and how to maintain equipment. Yet another opportunity for learning was presented as one member of the group arrowed an elk late in the evening, and we would all track it during the night with flashlights following tracks and blood. Needless to say, these events went unremembered as the comments about not returning to the area were stated. And, I would say, chances are, not much was learned by the young hunter. With that, I would encourage all who read this article to consider why it is they hunt. I would also hope that they want to go ‘hunting’ and not ‘getting.” And finally, I would suggest that each opportunity to go into the field after wild game will be successful if hunters realize they are indeed a ‘know-it-all’ and take the opportunity to learn a little more for next time.
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