2000-2001: Trophy Period

Oftentimes "trophy hunting" can cloud one's vision about the true reasons for why we hunt.

As time went on and I had quite a few deer under my belt, I began to look at things in a different light. I started to realize that I might be getting pretty good at this. Then I got this wild hair and started thinking that maybe I should just hunt for “trophy deer.” I was going to be the next Bill Jordan. Boy, was that a joke. It didn’t take me long to realize that nature had a funny way of slapping me back into reality. I think everyone needs this from time to time. How many of us know someone that has gotten lost in their own egos? You know, the guy that seems to always have a better hunting story, has killed more deer than the next guy, or boasts about taking more big deer than anyone you know? I didn’t want to be that guy. Needless to say, my time spent chasing the notorious trophy buck was very short. Now don’t get me wrong, I love to shoot big deer as much as the next guy, but I don’t let it cloud my vision of deer hunting. To me, it should be what you want it to be, and not some distorted hallucination of an outdoor writer or television show host. If shooting a small buck or doe makes you feel good, then so be it. A true trophy is in the eye of the beholder. Remember the feelings you had when you took your first deer—how you were on top of the world and nothing could ruin your day? It felt good, huh? You know, all of these years later, I still have those same feelings. Isn’t that how it should be?
 

2002-Present: Family Period

The author's son, Grant Herpin, sums up in one picture the evolutionary cycle and purpose that envelopes us as deer hunters.

This is when my deer hunting took a hard turn to the left. For the first few years of my marriage, my wife was very understanding when I would leave for those weekend trips with my friends. But after the birth of my son, my time in the deer woods became ever-shortened. Most of us know what I’m talking about. I had other obligations to tend to: diapers, doctor appointments, and late night feedings (just to name a few). Luckily, it didn’t last that long. Kids grow up faster than you would like at times, and before I knew it I was back at it again. Often this came with a little extra baggage: a wide eyed boy with questions about everything. It’s funny how time can change things. Ironically, I went from years of being a student to being a teacher in what seemed to be overnight. After a couple of years of packing him around with me, he finally took his first deer. The joy I saw in that kid’s face was immeasurable. Man, I loved every minute of it, and I’m looking forward to doing it all again. Hopefully my wait will be short. I have a set of twin girls growing up quickly, and with any luck, they’ll have the same desire and enthusiasm that their old man and big brother have. Stay tuned for those adventures.