ORIGINAL: TastyTrout



Don't mean to pick but then what is it about the "hunt" specifically that causes you to do those things with no intention of pulling the trigger?

I'm not really looking for a "love of the outdoors" or "just relaxing in the wilderness" generic response. More or less why you take time away from work to take a weapon into the woods with no intention to shoot.

Good question and not sure I have a specific answer for you.  The thrill of the hunt and knowing that I "could" have harvested that animal I guess. Most times, I hunt for the moment.  There are days I go out with no intention of shooting one and end up shooting one anyways.  Some days I mentally take the shot and am fine with that.  The there are many days that I struggle to see a deer. Keeps me coming back for more.

Not sure why I pull the trigger on some and not the others. Just that it feels right at the time.

I'm with dpms.  I've go out probably twenty times during the year not planning on shooting anything, even if given the chance.  Sometimes is laziness, don't feel like dragging one or dealing with butchering one that night.  But other times I just want to get out and enjoy.  I know this is definitely not the norm in the hunting world, but I also don't usually enjoy hunting alone.  I'd much rather be out with my dad, son, brothers or uncles.  Maybe that's because I was brought up hunting in a group.  I also don't want to be steriotypical, but from my personal interactions, "trophy hunters"  seem to be the worst for not wanting to get their kids out with them.  I can't relate, but to each his own.