This should be enlightening, and dammit I sure would like to see EVERYONE posting their answers ... I will post mine after a few of you other folks respond.

What do you think are your top 3 attributes/skills/etc. as a Hunter ??



99er

If I can ingore the fact that I am presently disabled, and be allowed to retreat back, say 10 to 20 years, in time..... Not trying to brag, or "blow my own horn", just stateing facts, as you asked.............

I was a better shot than almost anyone I've ever known. But then I was raised shooting from the time I could hold the BB gun Dad cocked for me.

Over the years I had been taught, and I worked hard at learning, the art of properly, and quitely stalking.

I learned not to be impatient. I knew when to pass on a shot, and/or wait for a better opportunity.

Expierence, Patience and Skill

Not sure if this applies but area access would be my first.In other words a monkey could kill a deer in those loaded up game preserves the pros do.Having said that I won't count it.

1-scouting
2-patience
3-experience

I would probably say
shooting, and that's just cause I'm really anal about how I shoot

tracking, cause it's my favorite part of hunting

maybe stalking, cause I like to scare the bejeebus out of some animals( 'specially 'dillos)

Don't really make me good at them, but, I suck at patience and being quiet makes me fall asleep...so, really they're the only things I'm the best at out of all.

Going back a few years I would have to say persistence,shooting skill, and thinking like the animal I was hunting when stalking and tracking. Since I have put on a few years and pounds and been busted up a few times the persistence has lessened a little.

I can only think of two. Persistence and luck.

Here's mine:

1) Persistence, first and foremost.
2) Technical ability (i.e. booksmart)
3) Scouting

Butch A.

P.S... For the "worst" of abilities, I would also include:

1) Not much patience
2) Lack of experience
3) Frustration

Non-inherited outdoor wisdom. I did not have a dad that hunted nor uncles or relatives to show me the way. I had to learn everything myself. To this day I’m still learning and enjoying every bit of it too. From shrooms, to outsmarting a coyote, to hunting grouse on sunny southern exposure winter slopes. This is what makes being in the outdoors exciting.


Sadness that many of the game species that once were born from nature have to be stocked. My son never experienced the outstanding ring neck hunting that I experience as a kid and young man. Rabbit hunting, deer hunting, just not like the old days.

Seeing all the wonders of nature confirms that there is a God. For example: Things like: fawns that have no scent and spots when born so predators can’t find them. Turkey vultures having strong enzymes in their stomachs so they do not get sick from tainted meat. While predators have eyes in the front and prey have eyes on the side. Things like this just do not happen. Yes there is a creator. What a boring place this would be to have something lay on a rock and have the sun hatch it.

UB...I agree... and I just can't understand why so many liberals today want to deny the existence of God, and/or want to remove Him from every aspect of our daily lives... This nation was founded on beliefs in a Supreme Being...and our nation and it's people were alot better off in every way before this movement began to deny Him...Could that have something to do with what all is happening and going wrong today? ... I haven't watched the news in years. It is just too depressing... But it didn't used to be like that...... It seems to me that just the simple fact that we, and everything around us exist, testifies to His existance... If someone doesn't wish to believe in Him...that is their business...and I would never argue with them about it...but I don't understand it.

Well, here are probably my top 3, probably not necessarily in any order of strength:

1. Observation Skills - my hearing & sniffer might suck, but luckily I can still see like a Hawk.
2. Shooting Skills - I get plenty of practice thru the year on varmit erradication.
3. Gift of Gab - I knows howz to rap with dem der Farmers !!


99er

I felt listing what I thought were my best attributes or skills would look like I was bragging so I asked my long time friend & hunting bud what he thought my best is.
Heres the list.
1 When I see a deer or what ever I'm hunting, I dont get exited, I stay composed and calm. Afterwards I get so exited that sometimes my lower lip will shake

2 My shooting skills. I put alot of time into practiseing year round.

3 I like to hike away from the road systems, this has also been a bit of a problem a couple of times when I shot deer aaaaaallllllooooonnnnng ways from the nearest road and had to work the next day.

Jamie

1. I really love being outdoors. That's 80% of the thrill

2. I have the patience to wait for a good shot. I don't want to wound and lose an animal.

3. I'm a pretty good shot. I spend a lot of time at the range developing loads and I wait for a good shot.