Success Isn't in the Harvest

Success isn't defined solely by the harvest; rather, it is found in the adventure itself. For me, success is about the journey, the thrill of the chase, and the countless lessons learned along the way. It’s about absorbing what you didn't know before and applying your past experiences to the varied situations you’ll inevitably encounter during your hunts. True success, in my eyes, lies in actively participating in these expeditions and emerging with a deeper understanding and satisfaction derived from the knowledge gained throughout the process.

Countless times, I have returned home without the animal I was pursuing, and these experiences have taught me more than any trophy ever could. The reasons for these outcomes are diverse: from failing to close the gap, to grappling with unpredictable weather, dealing with unexpected medical issues, or simply being in the wrong place at the wrong time. There are also moments when deadlines loom over me, forcing me to cut my explorations short, sacrificing the time I otherwise would have spent immersed in the wild. Yet, despite these setbacks, I find solace in the richness of those experiences—meeting new people, learning the intricate behaviors of the game animals, and reveling in the beauty and serenity of nature. It is this accumulation of knowledge that inspires me and rekindles my passion for the hunt.

My most recent adventure serves as an illustrative example of this principle in action. Under less-than-ideal circumstances, our camp was not ideally set up to facilitate successful encounters across various properties. The accommodations left much to be desired, and our scouting efforts fell short of expectations. Yet, despite these challenges, we rallied as a team, brainstorming and exploring all our available options. We attempted different strategies over the course of our trip, but ultimately we didn’t bring anything home. Still, at the end of the three days, we walked away with invaluable insights into animal movements and behavior. It was a kind of success in its own right, even if it didn’t result in a harvest. However, given our limited hunting window, I found myself reflecting on how different our outcomes might have been if we had conducted more thorough pre-trip research.

Deer hunting, in particular, ignites a deep-seated passion within me. Understanding their movements and behaviors poses the greatest challenge, especially in a new area where every tree and terrain feature is unfamiliar. Once you manage to crack the code and understand these magnificent creatures, the hunt can become significantly more rewarding. Although we didn’t harvest any deer this time around, we left enriched with a better understanding of the terrain, the unique flora and fauna of the region, and the movements of even elk. Even though the elk were not in season and we had no tags, observing and studying their behaviors added to our knowledge base and expanded our horizons.

Hunting involves far more than just grabbing your firearm or bow and heading to your stand. A successful hunt requires meticulous consideration of location, wind direction, weather patterns, moon phases, and careful placement of your hunting gear. Luck also plays a crucial role, particularly when navigating new terrain and relying on hearsay from others. There’s an undeniable advantage to having boots on the ground, conducting your own observations, and figuring things out firsthand. Alternatively, hunting alongside someone who possesses a wealth of knowledge about the land and its wildlife can be equally beneficial. Collaboration and shared learning enrich the experience and often lead to greater success in the field.

At the end of the day, it’s not merely about the weight of the harvest. It’s about the stories gathered along the way, the friendships forged, and the wisdom accumulated in the great outdoors. Each hunting trip is an opportunity for personal growth, allowing old lessons to meld with new knowledge, ultimately shaping us into more skilled and thoughtful hunters. In pursuing our passions, we find success not only in each harvested animal but, more importantly, in the adventures that unfold on our journeys.