Handgun Hunting Discussion

Last week's HHI bear Hunt in Maine was one of the best hunts I've ever been on. I thoroughly enjoyed being with other handgunners, and the camp atmosphere was fantastic. Everyone got along and ended up laughing and having a great time together. I did learn some lessons, though.

First, hunting is not cheap - we all know that. Having been brought up in a place where I never had to draw, pay a guide, or pay to have game processed means spending a few thousand dollars on a hunt is not something I've done often. However, the experience, the new landscapes, the hunters, and game not typically available to me have convinced me that it is well worth it. Since we are such a small community, it is important that we get together for events like this when we can. If you prioritize hunting, you can save a little at a time to make it happen.

Second, I won the shooting competition that Wade put together. Many of you know the struggles I've had with target panic. I still deal with it when I pull the trigger, I've just learned to reset quickly when I feel myself starting to flinch. I still do not consider myself as good a shot as I would like to be, but I am overjoyed at the progress I've made. I hope my example is useful to those of you with the same struggles.

Lastly, I shot a dink bear. I did not realize that I was pulling the trigger on a small bear. Several things conspired to cause this.

-The bear I shot stood over the bait and I thought it's back paws we're on the ground. Turns out, he was standing on logs behind the bait.

-When the bear I shot walked out, he was several yards closer to me than the one behind it. Forced perspective made him look bigger.

-In the heat of the moment, I didn't even think to use my 3 MOA dot to help judge the size of the bear.

Before this, I had never seen bears in the wild. Given the circumstances, I don't know what I could have done differently. I was so thoroughly convinced that I was shooting a bigger bear that I believe only experience could teach me otherwise. Nevertheless, I will be enjoying some bear meat and a Euro skull.

Also, I am happy to be among the ranks of the Dinksmen.

Thanks to all of you who went on this hunt. As always, it was a pleasure to share camp with you.