Work hard and play harder!

I have given alot of thought to what my first contribution to this blog would be and I think I will start with a thank you. First to Nathan Bailey for inviting me to contribute and second to anyone reading this, like me you are never satisfied with what you know about bowhunting. You spend your spare time reading hunting magazines, listening to podcasts about gear and tactics, or reading hunting blogs. This thirst for knowledge is what sets us apart from other hunters when fall roles back around. I never stop planning, researching, or preparing for my next hunt, sounds corny but it is the force that drives me. There is no off season for people like us!

 As I lay here after a 12 hour day at work, knowing full well I have an even longer one tomorrow, I still can't fall asleep without reflecting on my most recent hunting applications or reviewing some new gear. I work hard so that I can play hard. I get alot of grief about how much time I get to spend in the field each year or about some of the amazing hunts I've had the privilege to go on. It's all about your priorities, you have to set long term goals and then see them through. Alot of my more expensive hunting adventures were planned 1,2, even 3 years in advance. Makes saving for them easier and gives you motivation to put long days in at work. It also gives you the opportunity to research the country, the animal, and the outfitter if one is required. If you budget your money and work some extra hours during the "off season" you will be surprised what you can afford to do.

This may not have been the most informative post you have ever read but it's late and I'm tired so bare with me! If you take one thing away from this, it should be that the only thing standing between you and the hunt of a lifetime is a little hard work and the best time to start planning is right now! Good luck and happy hunting!

Jake Downs