Before the days of social media, hunters had nothing more than magazines, outdoor TV, or hunting videos offered on VHS tape or DVD to gain wisdom, knowledge and growth. It was from these media sources that we also learned to copy or mimic the catch-phrases of our favorite hunters.
However, those days are long gone. Fast forward to 2024, and you’ll find the daily scroll through social media on our smartphones is all we need to gather all the hunting jargon we can handle.
But let’s be honest, much of the conservation we find on social media or YouTube videos can be tough to take. In fact, some of the things hunters say can seriously chap our tail. With that said, here’s a look at the most annoying phrases in deer hunting – according to a few surveys we conducted on social media.
Can’t Eat The Horns – This is one that particularly grinds on our buddy, Catman. Grandpa used to say it back in the day, but for some reason hunters now use it as an excuse for shooting a small buck they later felt bad about.
Needs Another Year – Lots of hunters like to drop this phrase. It makes the hunter sound like a biologist or something. Truth is, he probably needs more than just another year. He’s a spike buck! He needs a lot more than just another year.
If I Didn’t Shoot Him, The Neighbor Would – This is the lie of the devil. Don’t believe it! It’s a lousy excuse. Maybe the neighbor will kill it, but chances are, they won’t. Don’t get greedy. Stick with the plan.
That’s a Cull Buck – Classic excuse to cover ground shrinkage and any lingering regrets about the buck you just killed.
Hit List Buck – Unless you’re a Mark Drury or Lakosky, you probably don’t have an actual hit list. Yet, every year countless hunters like to boast about their “hit list” like they’re part of some kind of whitetail mafia. Truth be told, this list typically includes 1 – maybe 2 – big bucks they captured a photo of one time at midnight.
Observation Sit – Observation sit can be translated into, “I didn’t kill anything, as usual.”
Roll Call – This is a Facebook favorite. Most every deer hunting group on Facebook has that one guy that’s faithful to post it live from the treestand on opening morning, and every Saturday morning of deer season that follows.
Stay Tuned – Old-school TV hunters said this right before going to a commercial break, and for some reason they’re still saying it today, even on their 7 minute YouTube video, when there are no commercial breaks.
Got Me Another Freezer Queen – I shot another doe, and wanted to make sure everyone knows about it.
On the Board – But who’s keeping score, right?
If It’s Brown, It’s Down – This was the mantra of deer hunters everywhere back in the day before the QDMA came on the scene.
Game Changer – “This new product is a game changer!” Aren’t they all? Is your new milkweed holder really a game changer?
“Let’s go!” – I was hoping the Let’s Go movement would have been contained to 4th graders and the Dude Perfect guys. However, that’s not been the case. And the only thing worse than an excessive amount of post-shot, “Let’s Go!” is when the hunter takes things to the next level with a, “Let’s freakin’ go!”
He Woulda Been a Monster Next Year – This is one of the most passive aggressive comments a jealous hunter can make. A simple, “Congrats!” would suffice.
Coyotes Have to Eat Too – This comment is often made by lazy hunters giving up on a wounded deer too quickly.
Last Day Buck – When you get down to the last day and all your goals, standards and aspirations go out the window.
Dirt Nap – I never really understood this one. Are we killing critters or just putting them down for a nap? This was once a turkey hunting phrase, but it seems to have slipped into deer lingo as well.
“Run” – The use of “run” or “running” as opposed to actually saying you use or are using a product or piece of equipment. This seems to make hunters feel like they are a pro bass fisherman, or NASCAR driver.
Smack Down – “Just stop. You shot a deer. And enough with the pacific warrior face paint. You’re in a $5000 fiberglass blind. My daughter can make that shot.” Glenn Adcock
He’s Not a Trophy, But He Will Do – Shaming the buck you killed is pathetic. You killed it. Be proud of it. There’s no need to make excuses for its size.
Hit Him a Little Far Back – This is the classic phrase uttered by the hunter that struggles to admit he just gut shot a deer.
Big Buck Down (BBD) – “Big Buck Down” gets used pretty loosely these days. And understandably so. A big buck for one hunter may be considered a small buck by another. No big deal. But for some reason, the simplified use of, “BBD!” is particularly annoying.
What about you? What are the most annoying things you hear hunters say each hunting season? Comment below, and let us know.