Thread: what makes a true hunter?

Originally Posted by quadhunter260

bit of self doubt and wondering i guess i see my mates shanksponying in into decent backblocks for hard earned stags,bucks n bulls or my pig hunting mates doing hard slog kms for pork
kinda feel a pretender/wannabe with having to have it "easier" (probs bad wording) or just over thinking and confusing myself highly likely 🤔

This is a bullshit statement @quadhunter260. The fact that you have a love of the outdoors and gathering food doesn't make you any less of a hunter than anyone else. If others walk for miles and do the 'hard yards' because they can doesn't make them better than you or anyone else. Each to their own and their own abilities, if it's legal and ethical do what you want/can and be happy mate.

"Hunting" and "hunter" as a term or definition are very subjective and what you think qualifies to be called a hunter and what I think qualifies can vary so much that it's also impossible to answer.
Until you first define what a hunting is.

I'll have a go, and this is my opinion on what I believe "hunting" is.

In my opinion "hunting" is an activity a man or woman under takes to hunt/search for "wild" unrestricted animals for sport, food and enjoyment. (wild and unrestricted been the key words) In my opinion "hunting" should NEVER have a pre determined outcome guaranteeing success or likewise before engaging in the activity.

Once that's done you can iron out traits and skill sets that really set "true" hunters apart from lack of a better word "wannabe hunters" I've seen the lot.

IMO what makes a "true" hunter is someone not driven by numbers and they hunt for the right reasons, They do not care when they come home from a weekend hunt where they saw 6 young stags and some pregnant hinds and the work mate asks why you didn't shoot any you must be useless? The true hunter just laughs... He knows what's up and he doesn't have to justify his decision to leave animals that he was not targeting to know one. They are also extremely resourceful and capable humans that can survive on an oily rag when needed, aren't precious about small stuff, have a huge heart and mental strength for hardship, and when things aren't going their way and the tent poles snap in the middle of the night they can still laugh and get shit done. They don't blame anyone for there unsuccessful hunts, They never go hunting just to kill "something" they ALWAYS have an idea of what animals they are targeting and more importantly WHY. They have 100% respect for there quarry and never intentionally aim to cause unnecessary pain to any animal. A true hunter is also someone you trust your life with, someone you know when your hunting with them if shit goes south this bloke or lass has your back and will make the right calls under pressure to save there mates life.

IMO a "true" hunter is made, not born and if you engage in the activity long enough around the right people you will become a "true hunter"

Bloody good first post ^^ Welcome.