Hunting or Fishing? Happy I Can't Decide!

Cole's First Fish
Photo: Mike Carden

I don’t remember catching my first fish, but thanks to a photo of the occasion, I can tell you who was there, about how old I was, and what I was wearing.  The species of fish was a little cloudy to me until recently when a friend and I found ourselves bored and the topic was raised. Thank goodness for Google.  I don’t think I have ever caught another fish that looked as ugly as that one! It is safe to say I have been fishing as long as I can remember.  If I am not mistaken, my first real hunting trip took place about age 12.

I owe my love of the outdoors to my older brother, Chuck.  In a recent trip taking my 10 year old son, Cole fishing, Chuck told him “your dad and I just drove around the state of Texas figuring it out”. Chuck was in high school and college and I was in elementary and middle school when that was happening.  I think it was more like he figured it out and showed me how to do it.  However, I did appreciate his including me in the credits there.

When I was a kid, I remember my grandpa referring to fishing as “drowning worms”, yet I'm told that he did enjoy hunting.  Unfortunately I never knew that side of him.  I have also known people who love to fish, but can’t stand to hunt.  I find humor in the fact that they complain about the same thing.  Drowning worms implies that fishing is boring.  People who aren’t excited about hunting are complaining that sitting in a deer blind for hours on end is boring.

Hondo Sunset & Hartcraft Broadheads
Photo: Chris Carson

Aquatic life or land loving mammals... It makes no difference to me.  I will stalk a redfish on the flats or deer in the woods. Also, as I have mentioned plenty of times before, there is something peaceful about sitting in a deer blind with no cell phone ringing or walking down a path with a pail of worms much like Opie on the way to a favorite fishing hole.  These are times to connect with our Maker and appreciate the abundance of beauty there is in this world whether it’s a beautiful green sea with a thin line of blue water on the horizon or a fiery sunset from the blind.  

I really don’t understand why some hunters don’t like to fish and some fishermen don’t like to hunt. Stalking and sight casting to a redfish in skinny water or a bass on the bed is no different than stalking a land animal.  Many hunters enjoy a good spot and stalk, and many fishermen enjoy sitting on a pier for hours on end.

I suppose the difference is that more often than not, when a hunter pulls the trigger or releases an arrow, the projectile finds it’s mark.  Many times a fisherman casts his bait into what seems like nothingness. Sometimes fish are finicky and don’t want the bait, color, or size you are throwing.  Fish can also be difficult to find if you don't have a boat with electronics.  "95% of the fish are in 5% of the water" is how I think the saying goes.  I would say that probably applies to wildlife and land too, but I guess it's easier to see them.  I do appreciate the challenge of "looking" (or HUNTING) for fish when you can't see them, but it can also be frustrating at times.  Sometimes you just have to grind it out.

Chris Castro of Next Level Fishing TV
Photo: Chris Castro

There will always be varying degrees of craziness associated with these endeavors.  Call it extreme if you will, but I must confess being somewhat drawn to them myself.  I have recently made friends with a group of guys, one of which is Chris Castro from Next Level Fishing TV.  Check out their YouTube channel in the link.  These guys go offshore kayak fishing for species one can find in the open waters and depths of the Gulf of Mexico.

Then you have folks like Cameron Hanes who puts it all on the line in the mountains of Alaska and other WILD places.  Check out his video here.  Whether close enough for a bow shot on a bear, or hanging on to a dall sheep that is mortally wounded and about to go over a ledge in the mountains of Alaska, he puts his life at risk in extreme conditions to to get the kill.

I too have dabbled in the extreme side of hunting. I can say that I have been swimming in the Trinity River with a hog while hunting with dogs trained to hunt hogs in some of the thickest briars and brambles East Texas has to offer.  A very strenuous and thrilling endeavor indeed.  I only wish I had a video of that!

Truth be told, I would take it any way it comes, fishing, hunting, or their extreme versions, it’s all the same to me.  I would like to be in much better shape than I currently find myself.  I’m not getting any younger, but then again… That’s a good reason to get myself back in shape.  My bucket list isn’t getting any shorter!

Have you had any extreme hunting or fishing experiences? Do you like one and not the other?  Share you comments with us here or on our facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/46outdoors/

8 Tips For Walking To Your Deer Stand

For quite some time now I have hunted on properties where I could drive (or be driven) to my stand. In fact, my friends and I have spent many a dollar on golf carts, ATVs, UTVs, and compact 4x4s, to get us to our stands. However, this year I find myself in the position of walking into my stand locations and this has had me thinking about preparing for that walk to my stand. How do I get there without spooking that big buck?

Fortunately, I have experience to draw on here as about 10 years or so ago I was on a lease where we walked to our stands. In my opinion, I think walking in is way over rated for a number of reasons, but that is another story (literally) and like it or not, I will be doing my share of it this season.

Control your scent... Go through your normal scent control routine and wear your scent controlled clothing. Use a cover scent if that is what you do.  I have been known to step in cow manure to kill the scent of the road and no telling what other scents are on my boots. (again, this is a another story by itself). Make sure you use a scent control spray AFTER you get out of the truck.

Carry a good flashlight (or headlamp) with a red filter or bulb (and a spare pack of batteries)...  Studies have shown that deer don't see the color red that well, go ahead and turn on that light.  It is much better to shine a red light than to trip over a rock or walk into a thorny situation.

Clear your path... Walk to your stand once or twice before deer season.  Make sure you path is clear of obstacles. Remember that something as simple as brushing up against a limb can leave human odor. When clearing that path, don't be stingy cutting that path back, but don't clear cut the forest either.

Mark your path... some landowners will frown upon the use of flagging tape and for good reason. I wouldn't want orange flags all over my property. If this is an issue, lay some tree branches down along the path at intervals and fashion them into arrows if necessary to point the way. Don't rely on landmarks. Even if you don't want others hunting your stands, you really don't want them wandering all over you area looking for your hidden stand. By the way, I have ended up lost headed to my own stand before, so don't think it won't happen to you.

Keep your backpack organized and quiet... Invest in a good QUIET backpack that will carry what you need to the stand.  When purchasing a backpack, rub it against itself or your clothes and think about what and how you will wear it. How much noise will in make? I once had a backpack that had so many pockets and crevices that I had to wad up a jacket and put it in the main pocket just to have something in there to give it some body.  I was glad I did though, because the jacket came in handy once when a cold front blew in while I was in the stand. Also, you are constantly handling that pack. It probably has snacks in it (or did at some point), or it rode in the truck with you, so don't forget to give it some attention during your scent routine. Stow all your gear and don't let items dangle.

Carry a deer call... If you stumble or crash into a bush, let out a bleat or grunt and pause for a few seconds.  Animals wander around at night too. Make them think you are just passing through.  Remember, you don't know if they are there or not, and they won't want to blow their cover if you aren't right on top of them. If you do stumble upon a deer bedded down, keep moving and don't make eye contact.  If you walk right on by, they might not run so far.

Photo by: Chuck Crowsey

Enter your stand early...  When heading out to your stand, think about getting there early.  Most of the time, a deer won't bolt out of a bedding area unless they are completely spooked. So, if you are detected and you can get there without completely spooking them, you might get a second chance if you can get settled quickly and wait them out.

Treat your daytime walk to the stand like a spot and stalk hunt... Always carry your bow or rifle as you would if you were going to stalk a deer to kill it, because you just might. Of course, gun and bow safety always comes first, but stop and glass every now and then; move slowly and methodically. I once had a hunting buddy tell me a story about jumping a buck on the way to his stand.  He was unprepared for the encounter. While he was in a stare down with this animal he was fumbling around for ammo and this big buck bolted before he could get a round chambered. While it made for a great story back at camp, it would have been better over fresh backstrap!

In general, the same rules apply.  You must fool the eyes, ears and nose to fool the deer.  This is not an easy task and can be tricky, but if you follow the simple guidelines above, you will minimize your chances of spooking that big buck.  It's not just the buck you have to worry about.  While that doe or little spike is blowing and stomping, and you are staring at each other trying not to move, that big buck is slipping off undetected.

So, what about you?  Feel free to comment and let me know... What do you do to slip into your stand undetected?

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