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

Hunting and fishing is what do if I’m not working. I am single and childless so my world revolves around my work , hunting fishing and whatever gal I might be dating from time to time. And in that order. I have no illusion why I am a life long bachelor.
 
Hunting has been a part of my being since I can remember. My earliest childhood memory is waking up in the bedroom of my grandparents house and looking at the gun rack on the wall. There were 2 model 12 Winchesters, one 12ga. and one 20ga. a Savage 99B octagon barreled .30/30, a Winchester 61 .22 and last but not least, a Winchester 100 chambered in .308.
I killed my first deer with the Savage and it resides in my safe today. I’ve been hunting on my since I was old enough to draw a slingshot or a bow made from a hickory limb. I was deemed old enough to hunt alone with a .22 rifle when I was in the 5th. grade and I’ve been ate up with it since. I turned 68 last November and put 6 whitetails in the freezer this fall. I have had some medical issues that have necessitated some changes in the way I hunt but I’ll never quit.
 
My hunting priorities have changed. The price of admission has become more than I am willing to pay in a lot of places. I don’t spend much on points anymore. Most of my hunting now is focused closer to home which means white tails, turkeys, and grouse. I wouldn’t mind duck hunting if I had a good partner. Duck hunting solo is more work than fun. I used to be obsessed with big whitetail bucks to the point I wouldn’t even enjoy deer hunting unless I got a good one. I’ve eaten enough big rutted up bucks. Now I’ve learned to enjoy deer hunting more than deer killing. I respect the heck outta big bucks but honestly, does and small bucks are actually good eating. For at least 4 more years, volleyball will be the main event each fall. My daughter can play.
 
My hunting priorities have changed. The price of admission has become more than I am willing to pay in a lot of places. I don’t spend much on points anymore. Most of my hunting now is focused closer to home which means white tails, turkeys, and grouse. I wouldn’t mind duck hunting if I had a good partner. Duck hunting solo is more work than fun. I used to be obsessed with big whitetail bucks to the point I wouldn’t even enjoy deer hunting unless I got a good one. I’ve eaten enough big rutted up bucks. Now I’ve learned to enjoy deer hunting more than deer killing. I respect the heck outta big bucks but honestly, does and small bucks are actually good eating. For at least 4 more years, volleyball will be the main event each fall. My daughter can play.
It's funny how we still prioritize hunting but the priorities within that change over time. I know mine do every few years.
 
It's funny how we still prioritize hunting but the priorities within that change over time. I know mine do every few years.
Heck mine usually change a couple days into a hunt. I’m holding out for a good one quickly turns into meat in the fridge and back to work. Guess that’s part of owning my own business though. If I was punching a clock I’d probably stretch that sucker out till the last day.
 
Heck mine usually change a couple days into a hunt. I’m holding out for a good one quickly turns into meat in the fridge and back to work. Guess that’s part of owning my own business though. If I was punching a clock I’d probably stretch that sucker out till the last day.
Pros and cons of each.
 
Heck mine usually change a couple days into a hunt. I’m holding out for a good one quickly turns into meat in the fridge and back to work. Guess that’s part of owning my own business though. If I was punching a clock I’d probably stretch that sucker out till the last day.
I understand this^
 
Heck mine usually change a couple days into a hunt. I’m holding out for a good one quickly turns into meat in the fridge and back to work. Guess that’s part of owning my own business though. If I was punching a clock I’d probably stretch that sucker out till the last day.
As a feller who works for someone, I think the role plays a big part too. No one does my work if I don't. No one picks up in my absence, and in the end, I'm responsible for turning the project over on time and under budget. Start/finish dates play a huge role in my stress levels before & after a hunting trip.

I'd be lying if I said I haven't responded to some big issues via my satellite messenger a couple of times in the past 5 years. It comes down to being prepared to leave for 7-10 days at a time (and taking 2-3 weeks to catch up once you're back). I've definitely gotten better at it the past 2 years!
 
I liked the mention of hunting up thread as one of the Six Pillars in Life. i hope when folks are mourning my life or celebrating my passing that Hunting is mentioned as such for me.
 

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