How have you grown as a sportsman

I had some more time on my hand and was just reflecting back on myself and wondering if others were like me. When I started hunting if it was brown it was down. When fishing if it was big enough to keep I kept it and always strived for the limit. As I have matured more as a sportsman I started seeking more quality than quantity. I find myself deriving more pleasure now watching the deer or watching a child or friend harvest an animal. I have helped many a friend harvest pope and young bucks with archery. I derive more pleasure now watching my kids, others children, or friends catch fish. I enjoy the fellowship more and more between friends and my desire to keep a lot of fish has dwindled. I find my passion and fire to be on the water or in the woods sharing the experience with someone more than being alone. What have you guys and gals experienced throughout the years. Are there any goofballs like me.

I've grown by over eating to often. :(

I like you JW have grown by enjoying the sharing and friendships made while fishing and hunting. The best buck in my life was harvested this year by my daughter Brooke. Attachment 153794

One of the best fishing trips I've had in a Loooong time was a few weekends ago as I watched you and Autumn fishing in the front of my boat while I sat in the back and ran the trolling motor. For me, that was awesome, and I thank you both for allowing me to share that with you guys!!!! I would have posted a pic, but you forgot to send them to me. :)

JW, I think you saw how I would rather have some family catch more than I. I had some of my best trips last summer with you and the in-laws, and the old man did 90% of the catching that day. I also had more fun watching Catfish reel in all those huge nimrod wiskered fish later in the summer.

I was like you, but I still put meat in the freezer come deer season. I just don't feel too sorry for the 1st legal one that steps out. After that I get pretty picky.

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/03/10/qu3uququ.jpgThx for the pics JW. These are some of the Priceless moments that friends share with each other. Attachment 153802

When you see that gobbler coming the ridge to you sixty yards out on a crisp, cold morning with a heavy dew and the colors on everything are brilliant and your stomach doesn't start churning and your knees don't get weak you have paid your dues. That's when you start getting more enjoyment out of kids or anyone getting a first time experience. It's been over 30 years ago but my son's first big bass I remember like yesterday. He was nine. The fish broke water about thirty feet from the boat and he started yelling Daddy get him, get him. I told him he would have to get him a little closer for me to lip him. He finally got him to me. He was a nervous wreck. I have many of those memorys that are etched in stone.

Since my Dad growing up didn't hunt/fish I very rarely participated in hunting or fishing. When I was 25 my uncle convinced me to go with him and try deer hunting. After seeing deer in the stand I was addicted to the adrenalin rush. I love when I harvest animals but I enjoy being in God's country even more. The only regret I have is not getting started when I was a kid and all I hope for is my 3 year old son will enjoy the outdoors as much as I do.

I said this year I was not going to fill my freezer with fish. But I don't mind folks taking my catch if they can use them. I got more joy out of watching kids (young and old ) catch lots of Catfish last summer.

Nice thoughts. I think I have grown as a sportsman too. LOL
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great pics great post

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Originally Posted by CrappiePro

Nice thoughts. I think I have grown as a sportsman too. LOL
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Where'd ya get that picture of JW Russ? Never seen him without a beard!!! Hehehe