Bow hunting is about the whole experience

Here we go again, entering the season of all seasons.

I got a bit deer happy this morning when we were riding the bus for my son's kindergarten orientation. Ken is the kids' bus driver, and we always talk hunting and fishing when we see each other.

This morning we both got to see some Lake Shore bucks. We saw four and another dad on the bus saw a fifth.

I don't normally get super excited about early season deer hunting because of the bugs, the heat and all the foliage in the woods. But this season is a bit different because we are going to do some filming, which should be interesting.

For me, deer hunting with a bow and arrow is therapy. I absolutely love disappearing into the woods and finding a spot to settle in for the evening (or morning). Someone asked me the other day how many deer I have shot in the last five years. I had to think for an instant, then answered "zero." I don't hunt (at this point) to feed the family or to say that "I shot five deer this year." It's funny how some people measure their success. Fishing, on the other hand ...

I, like many hunters I know, like to hunt for the whole experience. I guess I'm considered a trophy hunter who doesn't have a true trophy rack on the wall. Don't get me wrong, if you legally go out and shoot your quota of deer and eat them up, I'm happy for you and thankful that you are helping to control the population.

Yes, I have a number of buck and doe bow kills under my belt, and that is part of the reason I don't necessarily have to prove my hunting abilities with a kill (or numerous kills) every season. I know what I can do, and I'm sure a number of you readers can relate.

Another reason I haven't harvested a deer as of late is because of my wife - she likes beef and chicken. I will more than likely harvest a deer this fall with my bow and arrow and will make sure it isn't wasted. I grew up eating deer, ducks, pheasant, grouse, geese, Hungarian partridge and fish. But when you have a wife who was brought up on beef, it's hard to get her to go to the wild side.

WALLEYEDAN Eigen may be reached at (218) 839-5598, walleyedan@brainerd.com or www.walleyedan.com.