President Theodore Roosevelt's hunting ethics were put to the test during an exhaustive black bear hunt in Mississippi in 1902. When his hunting party secretly captured a bear and tied it to a tree for him, Roosevelt refused to shoot it, calling the act "unsportsmanlike."
In the real world, most often we have time to think a situation through before making a decision. In the world of deer hunting, these types of decisions come up in an instant, and within seconds we must decide to shoot or not. Regardless of the choice we make in that instant, we will have to live with the consequences. For this reason, you should have your mind made up before you ever set foot into the woods on what you would do in a certain situation. You should be familiar with all of the game laws, be sure of your shot, and if there is any uncertainty at all—any—pass on the shot. Do the right thing, be ethical, and be a true sportsman.
What did Randy do? He never lifted his bow. He watched the beautiful buck for about 30 seconds. It walked away, then came back, gave him another chance at the shot, and then was gone. He said it was an awesome experience to get such a close look at such a magnificent deer. He has told me that deer is still on his mind and he hopes to have another chance at him this season. Randy was never tempted, because he knew and respected the law. But above that, he is an ethical and honest hunter, and one I that am proud to call my friend!
Randy Levingston carries on the tradition of honoring the sportsman's unwritten ethical code.
7 Responses to: A Timeless Test
Great story!!!only a true sportsman would have a smile like that after dragging that deer through the mud,,
Good article. My old man always said if you want to know who a person truely is, go hunting with them.
Great article! Randy may not have shot the big buck but no one can ever take the memory of that hunt away. I’m sure he considers it one of the best hunts of his life. Way to go Randy!
Man, good artical Ricky.How many people do you think would have just stood there and not shot???? …..Im willing to bet not many.
I know he will remeber the exact look of the rack to the last inch for the rest of his life. Truely a at great sportsman that I would like to meet one day and shake his hand.
Great article Ricky. Perhaps it will have a positive effect on someone if they are in that situation in the future.
Bottom line, that’s what the hunt is about. Ya’ll got the meat, and the experience of a lifetime. Great story.