Road Hunters vs Rode Hunters

Nearly every year you can find the "unfortunate" soul, I'll explain later, who has simply driven his ATV, jeep or family wagon up and down the road and stumbled upon, or lucked into a great trophy. I say unfortunate because the road hunter completely misses out on every good part or our passion. How proud can you truly be of your trophy, regardless of the "net" or "gross", when there is very little if any emotion invested in it. I'm sure you can think of one or many trips that have resulted in a trophy that by B&C, P&Y or SCI standards would not measure up. In your book they may be the #1 and rival any world class animal. Like beauty, Trophy is in the eye of the beholder, so to speak. My first Coues buck was just shy of hitting the 100 inch mark by 3 1/2 inches. Really not a bad buck at all. My understanding was flawed after hunting mainly for giant Muleys often pushing the 200 inch range. I later realized how my 96 incher was at that time my greatest trophy. This realization came after plucking stickers and thorns from my hands, knees and rear end for weeks. I still to this day,five years later can't wear one of my most favorite hunting jackets because it is still holding those little barbs that feel like a bucket full of treble hooks and razor blades dumped on your back. I made the mistake of spreading my jacket over a small plant of some sort to sit on while glassing. Back to the Road warriors who don't have the investment of the proverbial "blood sweat and tears". When you spend hours, or maybe days just getting in or out of your honey hole, what ever you take home is a trophy. Some times all you take home are the memories and a battle scar or two. Although my first trophy Coues would only make the LC book, the overall trip was a world class introduction to the challenge of hunting Coues Deer. We spent many hours each day reaching far beyond any roads. Both on foot and horse back we covered many miles. What we didn't physically cover, we visually covered, planted behind powerful optics for as many as 6 hours at a time with out moving. What a great way to learn what to do and what NOT to do. I was able to learn, experience, enjoy. I harvested my first coues. I also was in camp with some great Friends I learned much from. The last day of our hunt, Bobby brought in the best Coues I've ever seen. A true world class animal. Not one you will find from your jeep! Click play below to see this amazing buck.