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Q:
I'm a sophmore in highschool and days like this i'm busy with school work garbage. As a kid how did you pass the time and fight your hunting withdrawl? Cause honestly I'm dying here guys!
Question by collin.lewis. Uploaded on February 08, 2012
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Answers (24)
I subscribe to the work-hard-play-hard philosophy. Work always comes first.
You likely will be fighting this battle for most of your life. Just remember that even though you may only get to hunt a few days out of the year, the time between makes those few days that much better.
I agree with buckhunter. Work hard now and you can hunt for the rest of your life. Trust me, you have all the time in the world right now. Just wait until college. I'm an engineering major, I went out a total of three days this year. Then you'll understand the meaning of having no time. Just have to grit your teeth and get through it. You're not alone
Well I just graduated last year and am now in college. Last year in my digital imaging class, I opened up a tab for F&S and of course had one opened with my work. I've been raised on computers, so of course I was done early and got to read all I wanted about the outdoors. My teachers for the most part were hunters, or their husbands were. So I even talked to them, believe it or not they can help with tips and techniques! And this year, my freshman year in college, I scheduled every class I could for the evening, so I could hunt mornings. This semester, my earliest class is 2PM, so I can turkey hunt all morning this spring.
As time permits, thumb through some books and study the wildlife in your area, so that when you are able to get to the field you'll be more knowledgeable, more aware as an outdoorsman. Time is on your side. This is will pass and, when the time comes, you'll enjoy your time afield all the more!
during deer season i bow hunted every evening after school, and in the spring turkey hunted every morning before school, i did way more then i fair share of hunting in high school.
now im in college though, i get to hunt deer only a few weekends and christmas break. thank god i get to hunt my entire turkey season or id go insane.
Hang in there and get the proper education, school work is not GARBAGE! Put the same amount or more interest and attention toward school work than you would put to hunting. You will always be able to fall back on the education for the rest of your life. I was once asked if I was chemical engineer because I knew so much about the subject, and I answered "NO, I took high school chemistry AND JUST REMEMBERED IT". You will have a lifetime to hunt so get the day dreaming about it out of your system during school. Remember, just studying to pass a test will get you through school but remembering what was on the test will get you through life.
You will only spend about one percent of the total hours of your lifetime in high school, and have the rest to spend any way you like. I am not against hunting or fishing in any way, but they do have their time and place. I dropped out of college just two courses short of a sheepskin in order to take a job designing and testing fishing tackle. In later life, not having that sheepskin has bit me in the gluteus maximus many times.
Ti-i-i-ime is on your side. Yes it is.
When I was a teenager I was either trying to wipe out the local groundhog community or bass fishing one of several local farm ponds, riding my bicyle or walking until I got my driver's licence. My nearest neighbor and best friend was also my high school principal. He taught me loads about bassing and groundhog hunted with a .30-06 with 180 gr. roundnoses. He was a character and I thought the world of him.
Before I answered, I should have read deeper into the responses above as they are spot on with their wisdom. Your life right now seems tough but you have no idea what's waiting for you in the future, bills, family obligations, a mortgage, health concerns, etc, etc. These are quite likely the best days of your life with little to be concerned with other than the next hot date, keeping your grades up, and the next hunting or fishing opportunity as hopefully your parents are keeping a roof over your head and food on the table. Enjoy it, give thanks for it, and live in the moment while you can. Regards.............
As everyone else has said,try your hardest at whatever is put in front of you at the time, and then enjoy your time off when it comes. I can certainly relate because I was exactly like you when I was a teenager, always looking out the window , thinking about rabbit hunting or ice fishing and hating being stuck in that prison(school). Ironic as it is, I just retired from 30+ years of being that guy in the front of the room with the big desk. Hang in there.
These guys are right - enjoy high school while you can. As for your hunting withdrawal, get outside however and whenever you can. I don't know what your situation is - if you live in town or out in the country, or how far away your hunting grounds are - but see what there is to do nearby. When I was in high school, I was lucky enough to have a neighbor who had a couple of really good farm ponds and about 120 acres of hardwoods, and he let me enjoy both any time I wanted. So every day after school I would either hunt what was in season (doves, squirrels, deer, rabbits, turkey), or go fishing. Be sure to utilize your summer months, too. Get out and hike around your hunting area as much as you can, scouting for the upcoming season. Just remember, though, if you do find someone generous enough to let you enjoy their land and game... Don't overuse it! I fished and hunted on my neighbor's land a lot, but he was okay with that because he knew I always practiced catch and release, and didn't shoot every single critter I got a chance to.
Expand your horizons. Pick up a hunting dog to train in the off season. Or build yourself a hunting rifle. You can find everything you need on the net from various sources. A dealer/gunsmith will have to order the action but the rest of the stuff you can order in the mail (as long as it doesn't cross international border). Gunsmith will need to fit the barrel to action but everything else you should be able to learn for yourself. Heck, your dad might be interested in helping even if he's not a hunter. A very cool project and leaves you with something you'll treasure for a lifetime.
You could also take up fly tying or build yourself a new fishing rod. Those are all things that kept me busy in the off-season when I was a kid in high school.
And, yes, don't neglect your schoolwork. I played pretty hard with the gun, dog, and fishing rod in high school (not so much with the hot dates or cars) and consequently graduated in the bottom third of my class - BUT I took all the toughest courses (lauguages, physics, chemistry, trig, etc.). Left me in good shape in later years when I returned to college. I now have a doctorate that I completed at the top of my class. Have fun in the field but don't waste your time at school either.
I feel your pain man, i'm a senior in highschool. I work 2 jobs and on top of that have a baby due in June. I've gotten to hunt only a few times this year and it's been killing me. the key is you have to take care of your responsibilities first. work, school, and family always come first. you just have to be patient and wait for a day to come along when you can go and you make the most of it. as time goes on you'll have more time to do the things you enjoy but education is key to being able to hunt more later
My Father, an old rancher, told me to work hard in school and at a decent occupation and I would have more time to enjoy the outdoors rather than working outdoors as a cowboy. He was right, I hunt around a hundred complete days a year. Sure, I was and am lucky, but I never painted myself into a corner. I have seen to it that my children and grandchildren all have a good education.
Whether we like it or not hunting is costing more and more money every year. As many claim, a rich mans sport. I suggest getting a good education now, and hopefully a well paying job.
In your spare time go shoot. Its good practice and it takes your mind off things.
Collin,
Having a good education is the most important thing you can have in your life. It is someting you will draw on everyday and one of the very few things that can't take away from you.
The folks above have shared from their life experience and provided excellent examples of why school work is not garbage. Work hard at school and excell. Manage your available time to enhance your time outdoors. The time you spend hitting web sites and blogs can probably be better spent outside. If you look hard at how you allocate time you can always find new and even innovative ways to utilize it.
Easy---Girls and books.
I'm also in highschool. i personally pass the time by planning my next hunt and working to be able to afford the things i want in order to hunt. i live strongly by school work before fun, because if i dont pass i lose those privileges.
I pass the time either on here, running, or taking care of my reptiles & fish.
Shooting range & fishing!
I think there's a lot of good insight here...
Honestly, I skipped a lot of school during deer season. That usually landed me in detention with additional work to make up for it but I couldn't resist. The only way I got away with it at home was that I still got good grades and got into the college of my choice. GO HOKIES! Otherwise, mom and dad would have had my butt in a sling.
But do as I say and not as I do. You have a whole life time to hunt and fish. Be patient.
After reading my own words I felt the need to provide the same insight as my fellow writers in that you don't get anywhere in this life without an education and good work ethic. Work hard in school now, find a subject that you are interested in and follow your dreams. Regardless of what they are, don't ever let go and don't let anyone deter you and have fun along the way. When you love what you do, you never work a day in your life.
You will also find that a good career will open even more hunting opportunities. Again....be patient.
Post an Answer
I subscribe to the work-hard-play-hard philosophy. Work always comes first.
Expand your horizons. Pick up a hunting dog to train in the off season. Or build yourself a hunting rifle. You can find everything you need on the net from various sources. A dealer/gunsmith will have to order the action but the rest of the stuff you can order in the mail (as long as it doesn't cross international border). Gunsmith will need to fit the barrel to action but everything else you should be able to learn for yourself. Heck, your dad might be interested in helping even if he's not a hunter. A very cool project and leaves you with something you'll treasure for a lifetime.
You could also take up fly tying or build yourself a new fishing rod. Those are all things that kept me busy in the off-season when I was a kid in high school.
And, yes, don't neglect your schoolwork. I played pretty hard with the gun, dog, and fishing rod in high school (not so much with the hot dates or cars) and consequently graduated in the bottom third of my class - BUT I took all the toughest courses (lauguages, physics, chemistry, trig, etc.). Left me in good shape in later years when I returned to college. I now have a doctorate that I completed at the top of my class. Have fun in the field but don't waste your time at school either.
Collin,
Having a good education is the most important thing you can have in your life. It is someting you will draw on everyday and one of the very few things that can't take away from you.
The folks above have shared from their life experience and provided excellent examples of why school work is not garbage. Work hard at school and excell. Manage your available time to enhance your time outdoors. The time you spend hitting web sites and blogs can probably be better spent outside. If you look hard at how you allocate time you can always find new and even innovative ways to utilize it.
You likely will be fighting this battle for most of your life. Just remember that even though you may only get to hunt a few days out of the year, the time between makes those few days that much better.
I agree with buckhunter. Work hard now and you can hunt for the rest of your life. Trust me, you have all the time in the world right now. Just wait until college. I'm an engineering major, I went out a total of three days this year. Then you'll understand the meaning of having no time. Just have to grit your teeth and get through it. You're not alone
Well I just graduated last year and am now in college. Last year in my digital imaging class, I opened up a tab for F&S and of course had one opened with my work. I've been raised on computers, so of course I was done early and got to read all I wanted about the outdoors. My teachers for the most part were hunters, or their husbands were. So I even talked to them, believe it or not they can help with tips and techniques! And this year, my freshman year in college, I scheduled every class I could for the evening, so I could hunt mornings. This semester, my earliest class is 2PM, so I can turkey hunt all morning this spring.
As time permits, thumb through some books and study the wildlife in your area, so that when you are able to get to the field you'll be more knowledgeable, more aware as an outdoorsman. Time is on your side. This is will pass and, when the time comes, you'll enjoy your time afield all the more!
When I was a teenager I was either trying to wipe out the local groundhog community or bass fishing one of several local farm ponds, riding my bicyle or walking until I got my driver's licence. My nearest neighbor and best friend was also my high school principal. He taught me loads about bassing and groundhog hunted with a .30-06 with 180 gr. roundnoses. He was a character and I thought the world of him.
I feel your pain man, i'm a senior in highschool. I work 2 jobs and on top of that have a baby due in June. I've gotten to hunt only a few times this year and it's been killing me. the key is you have to take care of your responsibilities first. work, school, and family always come first. you just have to be patient and wait for a day to come along when you can go and you make the most of it. as time goes on you'll have more time to do the things you enjoy but education is key to being able to hunt more later
during deer season i bow hunted every evening after school, and in the spring turkey hunted every morning before school, i did way more then i fair share of hunting in high school.
now im in college though, i get to hunt deer only a few weekends and christmas break. thank god i get to hunt my entire turkey season or id go insane.
Hang in there and get the proper education, school work is not GARBAGE! Put the same amount or more interest and attention toward school work than you would put to hunting. You will always be able to fall back on the education for the rest of your life. I was once asked if I was chemical engineer because I knew so much about the subject, and I answered "NO, I took high school chemistry AND JUST REMEMBERED IT". You will have a lifetime to hunt so get the day dreaming about it out of your system during school. Remember, just studying to pass a test will get you through school but remembering what was on the test will get you through life.
You will only spend about one percent of the total hours of your lifetime in high school, and have the rest to spend any way you like. I am not against hunting or fishing in any way, but they do have their time and place. I dropped out of college just two courses short of a sheepskin in order to take a job designing and testing fishing tackle. In later life, not having that sheepskin has bit me in the gluteus maximus many times.
Before I answered, I should have read deeper into the responses above as they are spot on with their wisdom. Your life right now seems tough but you have no idea what's waiting for you in the future, bills, family obligations, a mortgage, health concerns, etc, etc. These are quite likely the best days of your life with little to be concerned with other than the next hot date, keeping your grades up, and the next hunting or fishing opportunity as hopefully your parents are keeping a roof over your head and food on the table. Enjoy it, give thanks for it, and live in the moment while you can. Regards.............
These guys are right - enjoy high school while you can. As for your hunting withdrawal, get outside however and whenever you can. I don't know what your situation is - if you live in town or out in the country, or how far away your hunting grounds are - but see what there is to do nearby. When I was in high school, I was lucky enough to have a neighbor who had a couple of really good farm ponds and about 120 acres of hardwoods, and he let me enjoy both any time I wanted. So every day after school I would either hunt what was in season (doves, squirrels, deer, rabbits, turkey), or go fishing. Be sure to utilize your summer months, too. Get out and hike around your hunting area as much as you can, scouting for the upcoming season. Just remember, though, if you do find someone generous enough to let you enjoy their land and game... Don't overuse it! I fished and hunted on my neighbor's land a lot, but he was okay with that because he knew I always practiced catch and release, and didn't shoot every single critter I got a chance to.
My Father, an old rancher, told me to work hard in school and at a decent occupation and I would have more time to enjoy the outdoors rather than working outdoors as a cowboy. He was right, I hunt around a hundred complete days a year. Sure, I was and am lucky, but I never painted myself into a corner. I have seen to it that my children and grandchildren all have a good education.
In your spare time go shoot. Its good practice and it takes your mind off things.
Easy---Girls and books.
Shooting range & fishing!
I think there's a lot of good insight here...
Ti-i-i-ime is on your side. Yes it is.
As everyone else has said,try your hardest at whatever is put in front of you at the time, and then enjoy your time off when it comes. I can certainly relate because I was exactly like you when I was a teenager, always looking out the window , thinking about rabbit hunting or ice fishing and hating being stuck in that prison(school). Ironic as it is, I just retired from 30+ years of being that guy in the front of the room with the big desk. Hang in there.
Whether we like it or not hunting is costing more and more money every year. As many claim, a rich mans sport. I suggest getting a good education now, and hopefully a well paying job.
I'm also in highschool. i personally pass the time by planning my next hunt and working to be able to afford the things i want in order to hunt. i live strongly by school work before fun, because if i dont pass i lose those privileges.
I pass the time either on here, running, or taking care of my reptiles & fish.
Honestly, I skipped a lot of school during deer season. That usually landed me in detention with additional work to make up for it but I couldn't resist. The only way I got away with it at home was that I still got good grades and got into the college of my choice. GO HOKIES! Otherwise, mom and dad would have had my butt in a sling.
But do as I say and not as I do. You have a whole life time to hunt and fish. Be patient.
After reading my own words I felt the need to provide the same insight as my fellow writers in that you don't get anywhere in this life without an education and good work ethic. Work hard in school now, find a subject that you are interested in and follow your dreams. Regardless of what they are, don't ever let go and don't let anyone deter you and have fun along the way. When you love what you do, you never work a day in your life.
You will also find that a good career will open even more hunting opportunities. Again....be patient.
Post an Answer