Bowhunting Is Like . . .

by:

A comment from my brother sparked this post when we were discussing the anticipation before bow season begins.  He said, “Bowhunting is like being a Seattle Mariner’s fan.  Before the season you’re filled with such high expectations you can hardly stand it.  By mid season, those hopes have dwindled and you realize you might not get anything in return from your effort.  By the end of the season, you question your sanity and ask yourself, ‘why do I even care?’”

So here is a list of things bowhunting is like.

Bowhunting is like . . .

  • being lost.  There is a certain fear that you can’t quite pinpoint, but you know it could all be made better in an instant.
  • a first kiss.*  The anticipation is high, the reality is better, and afterwards you keep asking yourself – “Did that really happen?”
  • getting dumped.  One moment you’ve never been happier, and the next moment your world is turned upside down, and then you ask yourself, “Did that really happen? It was right there!”
  • being an NFL quarterback.  You wake up the morning after the opener and every bone and muscle in your body screams in pain and rebellion.
  • dating.*  Your pick up lines keep getting rejected, but you keep hammering away at it because the next one could be the one that works.
  • driving a garbage truck.  You know something smells awful and everything within 500 yards can smell it and you hope it’s not you, but you know it probably is.
  • going to the ice cream shoppe and finding out a fudge sundae costs $500.  You are glad to be there, but it would be nice if the goal was a little more attainable.

* If you ever tell my wife I compared our first kiss and dating to bowhunting, I’ll call you a liar and I will deny, deny, deny.

7 Responses to “Bowhunting Is Like . . .”

  1. Kristine Shreve on October 2nd, 2008 7:08 am

    You’ve got some good analogies there. I’ve only shot a bow one time, but I could see how it could get addictive. Every once in a while you make a great shot and it carries you through all the less than great shots.

  2. The Hunter's Wife on October 2nd, 2008 7:18 am

    First I will say shame on you for comparing your first kiss. You know, us hunting wives have to stick together. I’m sorry, I might have to tell on you.

  3. Rick on October 2nd, 2008 8:23 am

    That is one of the best way to describe bow hunting that I ever heard, nice job.

    Oh ya, I won’t say a word my lips are sealed.

  4. Othmar Vohringer on October 2nd, 2008 9:24 am

    That is a very good list with some interesting analogies. Although I hunt with all different hunting weapons from the rifle to the muzzleloader and shotgun the bow has remained one of my favorite methods. When everything comes together just right there is no bigger thrill and sense of accomplishment than getting an animal at close distance.
    -ov-

  5. ch0p5 on October 2nd, 2008 3:20 pm

    Well said. It can be the most frustrating things you can do, but also one of the most rewarding.

  6. Arthur on October 2nd, 2008 8:42 pm

    Man, do I love bowhunting. That being said, this post was SO TRUE.

    Great stuff Tom.

  7. Jeremy Hoefs on October 14th, 2008 7:36 am

    Good stuff Tom. Bowhunting is a great sport, huh?

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