So Albert at The Rasch Outdoor Chronicles and Rick at Whitetail Woods came up with the idea of an outdoors bucket list. I’ve spent a surprising amount of time in the last couple of days thinking about my own goals. I used to make outdoor goals when I was younger, but most of them ultimately turned out to be luck and/or time related. For instance, it was only a matter of time before I killed a banded drake or a P&Y buck. As long as I stuck with it they would come. With that in mind, I tried to avoid similar “goals” on this list (in no particular order):
1) Kill a Big Bear – 5 Years ago this would say, “Kill a polar bear” but then the CITES treaty made that difficult if not impossible. Now it may have to suffice to chase brown or grizzly bears. Because of the financial and personal logistics involved this may be the most difficult item on the list to cross off. Nonetheless I fully expect a full body mount of a big bear in my trophy room for my grandkids to be in awe of.
2) Kill a Bull Elk DIY – I’ve killed a few bulls over the past 10 years, but the thinking and planning part of each hunt has been done by someone else. I enjoyed each hunt immensely, but I think a DIY kill would be even more satisfying. I’m saving my points in Wyoming for a good opportunity at this goal if I don’t draw in Kentucky or New Mexico first.
3) Kill a Boone and Crockett Buck – This one probably fits into the “time/luck” category, but I can’t ignore the hold a 170″ net buck has on me. I used to believe that any idiot could kill a big buck; that it was more a matter of luck than any other factor. To an extent I still believe that, but now I realize the skill required to consistently get into good bucks. I figure if I keep my standards high and consistently get into good bucks, eventually it will come together. I wouldn’t be surprised if this turns out to be the easiest item on the list to accomplish.
4) Hunt Asia – This one has been a long time member of the list as well. Probably 10 years ago I hunted with a guy who lived to hunt Russian brown bears. The idea of very different country, game, and culture has intrigued me since. Ultimately I’d love to hunt Asian sheep or ibex but there other quality options including bears and moose.
5) Kill a Sheep – And not one of those pathetic tame Texas sheep! I’m not sure what the manifestation of this may be. I’m collecting points for Rocky Mountain sheep, but I would love to chase Dall’s as well. If I won the lottery I might even add Stone and Desert sheep to this list.
6) Kill a Bull Elk with a Bow – It is not impossible for this to coincide with #2. I missed what would have been my second chance at this one this past September when my daughter was born. Now it may be a few years before this goal gets back up to the top of the list.
7) Kill a Mule Deer DIY – I am fascinated by the idea of an early season archery alpine hunt for mule deer. I’ve got enough points in Colorado and Wyoming to be assured of quality tags but this hunt lacks a partner with sufficient points (and skills) and is still down on the list a bit.
8 ) Bird Hunt Argentina – Having only one wingshooting adventure on the list shows how dramatically my focus has changed in the last 15 years. Still I can’t deny that I love the idea of 20 duck limits and all the doves your shoulder can take. This hunt may be climbing closer to the top of the list, particularly because it can be done during the North American off season.
9) Kill a Pope and Young Animal other than Whitetail – This may also be a matter of time and luck. I’ll be chasing black bears next spring with a good shot at this. I also could take a shot at this in September 2011 with a DIY Wyoming Antelope hunt. Once again, I’ve got the points to provide a quality opportunity.
10) Finish a Turkey Slam – Alright, I’m reaching here. I set a goal of ten and I was really struggling on the last two. Still, I’d love to chase Merriam’s anyway. I love the idea of those white tipped fans in wild, rugged, big, country. If I could get a Merriam I would only need to grab an Osceola to finish up. Honestly, that’s the least attractive prospect on this list. Not that I wouldn’t like it, I’ve never found a hunt I didn’t like. But Osceola’s are only found in part of Florida, and can be both very pricey and very managed. I’d rather someone hand me a map and turn me lose than be told where to sit, when to call, and what to shoot. Still, with two in the bag and the addition of a Merriam, it would be difficult not to try and finish it out.
So there you have it. It’s been fun and honestly challenging to put this together. Three or four of these have been my stated dreams for many years. A few have been things I’ve thought about but never formalized. And I came up with a couple more over the last couple of days of thinking. I would encourage you to think about your own list. As Rick said, “Life is too short…”
No related posts.
