#2006670 - 07/25/10 05:40 PM
Let's talk....MENTAL.......
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Bottom Hunter
16 Point
Registered: 12/29/06
Posts: 15499
Loc: Hatchie Bottoms
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A little different topic this time........
We all have our own opinions on gadgets, tactics and even what's ethical or not...BUT.....what part of the "whitetail success" game due you attribute to MENTAL TOUGHNESS.....?
Do you believe that those with the mental toughness to stick it out have more success than others...?
Not all of us live or hunt in excellent areas where seeing big or lots of deer is commonplace. Most hunters give up while others stick it out until the bitter (or sweet) end....
Being "mental" about deer, as in knowing your quarry and being prepared, can help you be successful...BUT, sometimes it's simply good old fashion...DESIRE and Mental Toughness that gets it done...
IMO, we don't attribute enough of our success to this trait, especially those that are successful most every season.
Staying that extra hour or even all day takes a great deal of "fortitude", especially during the middle of Winter and that can easuily separate the men from the boys, so to speak.
Thoughts appreciated......
thanks
_________________________
There are some people who always seem angry and continuously look for conflict.
Walk away; the battle they are fighting is not with you, but with themselves.
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#2006703 - 07/25/10 06:15 PM
Re: Let's talk....MENTAL.......
[Re: Bottom Hunter]
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backstraps
12 Point
Registered: 09/19/03
Posts: 6358
Loc: NE Tennessee
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I think the mental side plays into the game a lot more than people recognize. However, I think the mental game also comes easier with confidence...confidence gained by seeing more mature deer, finding sheds of a deer you hunted hard to assure he made it through the hunting season, etc
So I do agree the mantal part of the game has a lot to do it with, especially in areas where building confidence is harder to do.
_________________________
" a smart man learns from his mistakes, the sign of intelligence is learning from others mistakes"
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#2006755 - 07/25/10 07:16 PM
Re: Let's talk....MENTAL.......
[Re: backstraps]
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MRUTVOL
6 Point
Registered: 12/16/02
Posts: 868
Loc: Goodlettsville,Tennessee,USA
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Personally for me I think the "LUCK" factor figures into the equation more than some give it credit. Sure it helps to know that there is big deer around your area but it is more up to the deer to put himself there on that particular day and time that your there hunting him. I agree with you about having to be mentally tough to wait them out . The only time I really spend long hours watching and waiting is during the rut simply because a buck will roam far and wide and can pop up at any time of day. When I was younger I would take my lunch and sit all day from daylight to dark in hopes of seeing that big buck but when I look back over most of my mature deer kills "LUCK" was a big part of that particular success. I would say if you put in long hours and have a prime area that the odds of your success most definately go up but not guaranteed.
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#2006774 - 07/25/10 07:37 PM
Re: Let's talk....MENTAL.......
[Re: MRUTVOL]
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TheAirMan
16 Point
Registered: 06/18/01
Posts: 10332
Loc: Moss, Tennessee
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I am sure it plays some role. However, I don't think you can say it does the same amount from one hunter to another without all things being equal. To me, its a lot easier for the hunter that hunts a great spot, with trail cam pics of big deer, has a lot of time to hunt, and is seeing some deer everytime to be mentally tuff than it is for the hunter who's in a bad spot, has no pics of big bucks, can only hunt one or two days a week and rarely sees deer. Man talk about a run on sentence.
_________________________
VooDoo Mafia
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#2006843 - 07/25/10 08:25 PM
Re: Let's talk....MENTAL.......
[Re: TheAirMan]
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Football Hunter
18 Point
Registered: 10/22/07
Posts: 24568
Loc: Wilson Co/Perry Co
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Staying in the stand is the biggest thing to me,and "mentally" you Have to beleive you are in the right spot,right weather,time of year,etc
_________________________
The best day to plant a tree,IS TODAY!
You wont know,if you dont go!
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#2006876 - 07/25/10 08:49 PM
Re: Let's talk....MENTAL.......
[Re: Football Hunter]
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Bone Collector
12 Point
Registered: 09/09/09
Posts: 6132
Loc: Murfreesboro, TN
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I think that the mental aspect does play into hunting success. Usually the people that do more scouting, stay in the stand longer, and hike further in (when necessary) are usually more successful.
However i also agree with MRUTVOL. I think LUCK plays a big part in it to. Sure there are things you can do to help your odds, but even if you scout, set your stand right and sit in it all day, the deer still has to come through during the time you are there.
_________________________
Don't let the screen name fool you spikes are made of bone too  Semper Fidelis! The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants. - Thomas Jefferson
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#2006897 - 07/25/10 09:01 PM
Re: Let's talk....MENTAL.......
[Re: TheAirMan]
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redcorn
4 Point
Registered: 09/07/06
Posts: 252
Loc: Chattanooga, TN.
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I think having a tough or positive mentality is important when facing hunting challenges, but I don't think you have to incite or develop that toughness when you're doing something you really enjoy.
I like to think I'm reasonably tough, physically and mentally, and that toughness helps me a lot. I have come to realize each morning when I walk far in the dark up hills and through obstacles that I am doing it for enjoyment and only the slightest chance of killing a deer. I think someone who's mentally tough will account for small successes in times of seeming failure, and build confidence for the future.
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#2006905 - 07/25/10 09:03 PM
Re: Let's talk....MENTAL.......
[Re: Bone Collector]
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tickweed
10 Point
Registered: 11/25/09
Posts: 3557
Loc: medon,Tn.
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As for luck, its great, but you can make some of your luck. Its like playing bingo, the more cards you play, the better the chance.
_________________________
The hardest thing about Bowhunting Turkeys is leaving the gun at home!
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