Is there a rule that says a hunter must punch the tree stand clock at least seven times before they’ll get an opportunity for success? I think that rule only applies to some, and of course, I am included in that group. Just because you go into the woods, your backyard, or your neighbor’s backyard, (with permission of course), with the intention of harvesting an animal, it does not mean that’s what will happen. That’s why it’s called hunting!
Worth Your Time?
Is it worth it to you to prep your Killer Instinct SWAT X1 Crossbow, pack it up, carry it to your favorite stand, then nock a Killer Instinct Lighted HYPR 20” bolt, and spend who knows how many hours, in hope that your target game will show up? If your answer is no, then you may want to consider whether or not you enjoy the hunt.
Hunting is not just about the kill and the harvest, at least not to me, and well…I know I’m right. If you’ve been hunting for any amount of time I want you to do me a favor. Massage the sides of your head to stimulate your brain and think back to your hunting history. Do you have any stories to tell? Stories of things that you witnessed that had nothing to do with the game you were after, that you may never have, if you hadn’t been hunting?
I can think of a few things!
One of the most memorable moments was when I decided to spend the night in my stand to observe the local white tail deer. With my thermal monocular I was able to capture two very nice bucks sparring, this went on periodically throughout the night. I was extremely thankful for that experience! Every moment was well worth it, guess why? The next morning, I rattled my very first buck in! I learned how they did it and was able to imitate it well enough to achieve success!
Your Turn, Just Imagine!
There was the time I witnessed an eight point buck save the life of a raccoon. Just imagine yourself sitting in your ground blind. I want you to put yourself there so you can get a feel for the excitement I felt. What type of hunting equipment would you have? Maybe you have the same equipment as me because you want to be me? You said that’s going a little too far? Okay, okay!
Oh you’d have the TenPoint Siege RS410 because you want to be like you! I’m okay with that, really, I am. You have the ATN THOR LTV thermal scope mounted on your crossbow, you’re going to get a great view of what you’re about to witness!
Here we go! Two ring-tailed, masked bandits show up to enjoy a few bites of corn. As they wash their meal in the water before eating it, you begin to hear a coyote closing in. You’re not the only one that hears it, both ring tails take off into the woodline! Only seconds later, chaos ensues and it’s on! Growling, fussing, hissing, fighting, it’s all the sound of violence just out of sight!
The chaos stops as quickly as a light is flipped off. Intensely you sit, you wonder if the ring-tail bandits became a meal or did they escape the teeth of the coyote? You stare into your thermal optic hoping to see the outcome, you do not want to be left guessing!
The Relief Comes
Oh what is that? It’s a hotspot coming toward the edge of the treeline to make its appearance, what is it? The relief cuts through the air when you see the gorgeous eight point white tail deer enter the field and he’s not alone! At his feet is one of the ring-tailed bandits, though he seems to be missing an eye, survival seems sure for him.
If you never went hunting and weren’t willing to pack up your gear like me, the Killer Instinct SWAT X1 Crossbow, and spend an hour or a few hunting, there’s a lot you’d miss out on! Is hunting just about the kill or harvest for you or is it an adventurous opportunity to see things you otherwise never would?
