In recent months, a profound realization has reshaped my approach to archery hunting, just as the fall season unfolds. I’ve always been a bowhunter, a passion intertwined with the very essence of my being, creating cherished memories with family and friends. But amidst life’s whirlwind, my love for archery took a detour into the realm of competitive shooting.
It all began when my twelve-year-old daughter expressed her eagerness to join me in the hunt. Our dreams were simple: quiet days in the woods, arrows flying true, and the shared thrill of a successful hunt. Little did we know that this innocent desire would propel us into the fast-paced world of competitive archery.
During the past few years, my daughter and I found ourselves immersed in competitive archery throughout the country, captivated by the rush of adrenaline and the camaraderie among fellow archers. Managing Competition Archery Media (CAM) in event coverage, I delved deep into the intricacies of archery competition. In 2022, an additional shift occurred when I became the co-owner of ASA, deepening my connection to the sport. However, amidst the fervor of competitive archery and the demands of organizational roles, the fall season emerged as a poignant reminder of the simplicity and joy that had initially drawn me into the woods. This realization led to a return to the heart of archery hunting—a reconnection with the primal thrill of the hunt that had fueled my passion from the very beginning.
As the fall season approached, a season etched deeply into my heart, I found myself yearning for something more. The woods, once my sanctuary, had become a backdrop to endless checklists—perfectly hung stands, meticulously prepared food plots, and the constant surveillance of trail cameras. The essence of the hunt was getting lost in the details, much like the complexities of competitive archery.
In these recent months, I made a conscious decision—a decision to return to the basics and to rediscover the heart of archery hunting that had captivated me as a young hunter. I chose to revert to the days when I relied on the wisdom of the woods rather than the wonders of technology. I let go of the need for perfection, the obsessive tuning, and the constant measurements. Instead, I embraced the simplicity of archery, the kind that made me fall in love with it in the first place.
In my backyard, I practiced with my bow, not worrying about grain scales or tuning papers. I felt the familiar weight of the bow in my hands and the thrill of releasing an arrow, not for competition but for the sheer joy of it. I hung stands based on intuition, on what the woods whispered to me, not on technological calculations. The excitement of the hunt and the anticipation of what the next day might bring became my focus once again.
Now, as the fall season unfolds before me, I approach it with a newfound sense of freedom. I place trail cameras not to inventory the deer but to witness the wonders of nature. I revel in the rustle of leaves, the crispness of the air, and the golden hues of autumn. My goals are simple: to have fun, to fill the freezer, and to rediscover the clarity and peace of mind that had eluded me in the whirlwind of competitive archery.
In my deer stand, surrounded by the sights and sounds of the forest, I am reminded of the essence of fall. It’s not just about the hunt; it’s about the connection—with nature, with the primal instincts that drive us, and with the simple pleasures that life offers. The wind rustles the changing leaves, the sun sets on my favorite piece of timber, and the dew glistens in the rising sun. In these moments, I find solace—a reminder of the little things that made me fall in love with spending fall days in a treestand.
If you, like me, have discovered this newfound realization, embrace it. Don’t succumb to the pressure of perfection or the need for recognition. Instead, savor the moments—watch the day come alive, listen to the wind whisper through the leaves, and witness the magic of nature unfolding before your eyes.
The outdoors have so much to offer, far beyond the confines of competition or the demands of technology. It’s my ongoing goal, as I sit in my deer stand, to take a deep breath and just enjoy it—the simplicity of a bow in my hands, the beauty of the wilderness, and the profound sense of contentment that comes from embracing all that deer season has to offer.
