How big of a roll does hunting play in your life?

[Nambaster]

I have been wondering how many forum members are as invested as me. To give light to my obsession. I struggle to adhere to a career due to the obligation to work in the fall. I once had a career but when I submitted my PTO it was denied and it blew my mind to learn that PTO had to be approved. That PTO got paid out when I submitted a letter of resignation. Since then, I have opted to work in sales positions earning commissions or as an independent contractor so that I can really maximize my fall activities.

My question is; how many members work non traditional jobs in order to be available to pursue your passion in the fall?

Hunting, is such a priority to me, that I prefer to live a life of commission over the consistency of a salary or wage.

 

[Caseknife]

I just retired the end of July, so now I can do what I want and when I want. That being said, I lived by the mantra that I work to live not live to work. I had the fortune to be able to schedule vacation easily throughout my working life. Didn't have to schedule a year in advance, sometimes it was less than a week, " I will get all the loose ends taken care of, but I will be gone next week." Primarily worked in automotive technician jobs and powersports technician. That said, I don't think I would ever quit a job because I wanted to go hunting. Took too much pride in my job and didn't feel like adding something else to my resume'. Have only missed one hunting season since 1976.

 

[geetar]

I'm not as obsessed or committed as you but it's something I've always done and probably will till I die or am too old to do it anymore. At times that has looked like years between out of state trips with only local hunting, other times it's been multiple out of state trips and local hunting, most recently I've tried to do one out of state trip each year and hunt as much as I can around home. I wouldn't describe myself as obsessed or addicted like some do but I also wouldn't think of giving it up.

 

[MS 9x56]

I have hunted and fished since I can remember. I bought a house in the country so I could help raise our children to hunt and fish and love animals. I taught both my kids how to handle firearms safely and kill humanely. I bought property and put up a cabin so we had a place of our own to hunt on. My kids were raised eating fresh caught fish and game meat. My son never had a beefsteak until he joined the army. My house is full of mounts and photos of my family. We always take our family vacations where we can fish or hunt and enjoy friends and family. Yeah I guess you could say I am committed to hunting and fishing with my family. The only thing I failed at was getting my kids to grow their own food. They do enjoy helping gather sap and making maple syrup. There is a lot more to living an outdoor life style than just hunting. Our family loves and respects nature and is thankful for her gifts.

 

[brymoore]

Well, I’m obsessed but I can keep a job. I figure out ways to make things work. I work in corporate America. 5 weeks vacation, all federal holidays and a day or two thrown as employee appreciation type days.

Starting September 20th I’m off for a month except for 3 days.

I probably hunt/fish at least part of over 100 days a year.

 

[Lostinthewoods]

Between hunting, trapping, and fishing - I spend more time doing those things combined than not each year.

So I would say it plays a big roll in my life.

It’s helped me with a lot of some internal peace.

 

[cgasner1]

Well, I’m obsessed but I can keep a job. I figure out ways to make things work. I work in corporate America. 5 weeks vacation, all federal holidays and a day or two thrown as employee appreciation type days.

Starting September 20th I’m off for a month except for 3 days.

I probably hunt/fish at least part of over 100 days a year.

Haha I leave the 18th for a month enjoy those 2 days

 

[NoWiser]

It used to be a huge part of my life. It’s all I did. If I wasn’t fishing or hunting, I was getting ready to go fishing or hunting. Since I got married, my wife and kids became my priority. I took a job in the public sector so that I could spend more time with them each day. My flexibility and time off each year took a huge hit, but I have a steady job with good benefits. I still get out as much as I can, but it’s closer to home and for shorter periods of time. My kids are young once and I want to be present for them as much as possible. My wife works full time and deserves help around the house. As my kids grow older they are starting to be able to tag along, which definitely helps.

 

[rjthehunter]

It's a pretty big part of my life. Between local hunting, western hunting, and fishing, I stay busy.

My fiancé has a sweatshirt that says "he's hunting" if that gives any insight.

 

[kodiakisland]

Other than the military, I've found jobs that had more time off and the ability to take leave when desired. I use all my leave in the fall. Family vacations are scheduled around hunting seasons. At least one summer vacation is an extended camping/scouting trip.
For the last 17 years I have averaged working around 23 weeks a year.

 

[buckbull]

With the kids out of the house i moved permanately to my hunting cabin. Just me and my dog Jack. I love it. Planted a huge garden this year and have been squirrel hunting every weekend. Took my 5 week rutcation starting the last week of october and ending in december. Plan on bowhunting every day.

When the kids were home i didnt hunt like i do now. Both were heavily involved in sports and did that thing. No regrets. Really enjoyed them compete.

 

[Doublecluck]

I decided in my early 20’s I was going to do whatever is necessary so I could hunt a lot. Have done exactly that since then. At 45 I’ve spent the last 20+ years hunting anywhere from 40-80 days of the year for various things. I’ve introduced 6 daughters to the outdoors and hunting and it’s a significant portion of what we do in our free time.

 

[brockel]

I’m lucky to work an 8 on 6 off schedule and have 5 weeks of vacation. I get to hunt as much as I want.

 

[Nambaster]

This forum is good company I am glad to not be an outlier. I keep the bills paid, but I am not taking some desk job just to conform.

 

[MTGomer]

It was a major motivation for me to be self employed. Going tomorrow morning. Went Monday and Tuesday. Going all next week. Don't have to ask permission from some dork in an office.

 

[elkhuntinfool78]

Growing up as a 6th generation Montanan hunting and fishing was like religion and still is for me. It was a big reason as to why I am self employed. I work long hours through out a good part of the year but I have a lot of freedom from September through November. If I'm not hunting then I'm thinking about the next hunt. Thankfully I have an understanding wife who also would rather be outdoors than anywhere else.

 

[noharleyyet]

Not too many days pass without handling a hunting tool, discussing upcoming travel arrangements, discussing weather trends/water/browse/ health of vegetation, discourse with you people. Way of life really. We also consume a lot of fish & game. I'm fortunate to be able to do it as much as I want, economically and health wise. Also damn lucky to be able to do it with our son, SIL, and good friends.

..and this joint has really been a helpful resource for western hunting.

 

[F250]

For 36 years my LE job in Fish and Game controlled my time and ability to hunt and fish. My wife and I were able to plan hunting and fishing excursions across the US and Canada to avoid the busy work times for my job. For most of my career I didn’t even hunt deer in my home state due to work commitments. I was never able to hunt turkeys until after I retired because spring time was so busy for me. Now we are both retired and enjoying our time pursuing hunting, fishing, and camping with our horses.

 

[recon6036]

Work gets in my way!

 

[nrpate05]

Career isn't the limiting factor for me. I've got enough PTO/ sick days to take the next month off. Boss doesn't really care that if I give him much notice. I've got a 4yr old and a 2 yr old, so my presence is required on the home front.