We hear it all the time, but do we really pay attention? I am sure we all understand the difference between right and wrong in most cases, but here is a story of how doing the right thing can pay big dividends. 

I recently had the opportunity to travel to Alberta, bow hunting whitetails for two weeks with some great company. Two hunters stood out from the crowd because they "did the right thing."

We traveled to Alberta and hunted with Northern Wilderness Outfitters (www.huntingalberta.com) near Slave Lake, Alberta.

The first week I was joined by Earl Yocum of Pennsylvania, among others. Earl, in his late 60's, is a veteran bow hunter with more than 30 years experience and a variety of animals under his belt. I was with Earl when he killed his first Moose last year, which was his second trip to Northern Wilderness Outfitters. Earl's bow hunting adventure in October, 2004 was his fifth time hunting with NWO, and he will be returning in November again for more hunting. 

However, during our most recent bow hunting trip, Earl connected on a dandy 8 point whitetail buck, which unofficially scored 130+ Pope and Young. This is Earl's finest buck and will land him in the record book. 

We were both amazed at the animal's size, its live weight being nearly 350 lbs! Great weather, awesome scenery, and abundant opportunities for record book animals made this a fantastic week.

Joining me during the second week was Sean Coary, also from Pennsylvania. Sean, in his mid 30's, is relatively new to bow hunting with a handful of years experience, and a few trophy animals taken. I had never met Sean before, and this was his inaugural trip to Northern Wilderness Outfitters.

Sean's first morning on stand was not too eventful, and the weather was not too cooperative. Driving snow and dropping mercury kept it challenging, but Sean knew this was only Day One and kept a positive outlook. Following a warm lunch provided by the lodge chef, Sean and I headed out for the afternoon. As our guide, Don McClanaghan, dropped me off , Sean and I exchanged the typical "good luck" wishes and I got hunting. 

But before the day ended, Sean would earn his trophy, a fantastic non-typical buck taken at 23 yards. Rough scores on this buck are 189-3/8 most likely landing him in the Boone and Crockett book before we're through.

By now you're wondering what all this has to do with "doing the right thing." 

Although these two hunters have some differences, it's what they have in common that is important, and what made them successful. 

• Both hunters booked a trip with a reputable and licensed outfitter. They relied on personal references, and past personal experiences to help them make their decision.
• Both hunters prepared for their trips. This means making sure your equipment is ready to hunt, and tuned properly before leaving home.
• Both hunters practiced in preparation for their hunt. Throughout the Summer months, and prior to leaving, each hunter made sure his shooting skills were ready.
• Both hunters verified their equipment survived their airline flights by shooting once they got to the lodge.
• Both hunters showed determination while on their hunts. Nothing stopped them from getting on stand and staying alert. See where mental sharpness plays a role?
• Both hunters were patient during their hunts, waiting for the right shot opportunity within their maximum range. 
• Once the opportunity arrived, both hunters placed their shots properly because they maintained composure.
• Both hunters paid attention to the animal, and its reaction following the shot. They made mental notes of where they last saw the animal, and what it was doing when they saw it last.
• Both hunters notified their guides, and gave detailed descriptions of what happened. Again, composure, and mental sharpness are important.
• Both hunters participated completely in the hunt, helping track the animal. They worked with the guide, respecting the guide's judgments and decisions.

If you would like more information on how to book a hunt with Northern Wilderness Outfitters visit their website at www.huntingalberta.com
or call their toll free number at 1-866-204-8299 ext 0644

Northern Wilderness Outfitters also offers family vacations and wilderness tours during the Summer months for everyone to enjoy. 

Most importantly, do the right thing.
 

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