Are You Prepared?

My client had to take a break even though the bull was standing broadside, 304 yards away. I had him on a tripod rest, but he was breathing way too fast to make the shot. Our quick walk through the trees to set up on the bull left him winded, and he couldn’t hold the crosshairs steady. That bull made it back to the dark timber, unscathed. What should have been a relatively easy shot wasn’t even taken because of lack of preparation. He admitted later that he really should have gotten into better shape prior to the hunt, but he didn’t have time. He was disappointed in himself and that his opportunity at the bull of his dreams was gone.

I get frustrated when someone else’s lack of preparation impacts me. Like that buddy we all have that always runs late. His or her lack of preparing to leave on time impacts others. That’s why I am so picky about who I choose to hunt with.

Lack of preparation can cause injuries and even death. It can impact every part of our life, whether it’s our own lack of preparation or others. It can be simple stuff like that hunting partner that never prepares for cold weather and is always borrowing the extra gear you pack in or serious things like not preparing for inclement weather or not having a way to defend yourself from a wild animal or another person.

I think if we don’t prepare for something, then we should just prepare to be disappointed, so it won’t shock the system when it happens to us.

I think if we don’t prepare for something, then we should just prepare to be disappointed, so it won’t shock the system when it happens to us. I am as guilty as anyone else. I can remember quite a few tests in school that I was shocked that I failed, despite not studying or preparing for them whatsoever. I have seen the same look on my sons’ faces. So, now I just say, if you don’t want to prepare, prepare to be disappointed.

It applies to anything really, but since I guide hunters for a living, I most often see it when people are hunting. For example: when someone's equipment fails, or when fitness (or lack thereof) makes a hunt impossible or more difficult than it should be; when they don’t sight their rifle in properly, mount a scope correctly, or aren’t familiar with their equipment.

I have become a tad overboard in my preparation for anything that might pop up for multiple reasons. One reason is that I feel, as a guide, I am responsible for my client's safety. I also have learned that being prepared can help nip problems before they arise. If they still do arise, I at least have options to try and rectify them.

I went on an arctic hunt one time with my bow and was told the temperature might be as low as -30. I wasn’t sure how my equipment would function, so I put my bow and equipment in a freezer, then I pulled it out and tested it. I learned a lot about where the weak spots in my gear were and changed some things so I would have the best option to be successful.

Being prepared can mean different things to different people. I may go overboard with this, as I am the guy that carries extra shoelaces in my pack because I once had a lace break twice on a hunt. I also carry a firearm at all times – not necessarily because I am scared of anything, but exactly the opposite. I have been in multiple circumstances where firearms have saved me from being mauled – once by a brown bear, once by a leopard, and once by a black bear. I also once found one of my clients in a blizzard because he finally heard my gunshot, and I was able to keep shooting while he told me on the phone whether I was getting closer or farther from him until we met up.

I have had some people question why I carry a handgun during archery season. I think it's the same reason I carry a lighter, extra shoelaces, rain gear, a first aid kit, and often a satellite phone. I figure it’s better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it. It’s a lot like a spare tire on your vehicle. We don’t plan on a flat, but if we aren’t prepared, it can ruin a day.

I realize, of course, that it’s impossible to be prepared for everything, but by being as prepared as we can be, hunting and life can be way easier and more successful.