What are YOUR favorite parts of hunting? I DID NOT EXPECT THIS!

I was thinking of this lately and figured I'd see what YOUR thoughts are.
Genevieve's Second Life Taxidermy website: www.secondlifetaxidermy.com
Her Facebook: www.facebook.c...
Her KZbin: / @secondlifetaxidermy2109
My "perfect" crossbow setup these days includes:
Killer Instinct SWAT X1 (starting 2023) (My new "one gun")
Burris Oracle X Scope (since 2022)
Burt Coyote Lumenoks (since 2012 or so) (save 15% on lumenok.com with coupon code BUNJIE )
Swhacker #251 3" cutting diameter crossbow broadheads (for our last 20 or 30 deer/hogs and woodchucks). Swhacker stopped production of the #251 in 2023 but never fear: the #243 is the same exact item, although a different color. Bunjie says you're good to use that one :)
Dragon Claw arrows from Wyvern Creations (good outfit, been buying different gear there for years, these arrows were great in the SWAT X1 throughout the 2023-4 Crossbow Seasons!)
2024 sees us using AJ's Custom Arrows. More on those soon!
Check out the Gear Page on our website, deathbybunjie.com. You can see what gear I like and don't like on that site. And if you buy from Amazon.com using one of those links, Death by Bunjie receives a small referral fee and you DO NOT pay more! How cool is that?
Bunjie (The Original Bunjie, The O.B.) is my 2010 Excalibur Axiom that got me hooked on crossbow hunting. This was my "one gun" for more than a decade and Bunjie's reliability is the reason I ONLY hunt with a crossbow. After killing dozens of deer, hogs, squirrels, woodchucks, and even a bear, Bunjie is now semi-retired, but still gets out every year and even killed two deer 2023--and a woodchuck at 81 yards, and in 2024 we killed two deer together in Maryland. Just like old times!
Bunjie, Jr., is my daughter Genevieve's crossbow, an Excalibur Micro Suppressor 355. This crossbow was also a much appreciated gift from a Friend of Bunjie, and it changed Death by Bunjie forever by inspiring Genevieve to become a part of our story as a second-generation crossbow hunter. It also convinced me there is a benefit to a newer, faster crossbow back in 2020 when I began the Quest for a Successor to Bunjie.
Enter Bunjie III (or Bunjie '21, Bunjie 3.0, The Slick Black Cadillac of Crossbows), a 2021 Scorpyd Deathstalker 420, the result of trying various models and looking at dozens of them online for characteristics I liked. It is, in fact, a gift from a Friend of Bunjie, which goes to show how important Friends of Bunjie are to this channel and what an impact they can have. Bunjie III is a testament to modern crossbows, producing over .7 slugs of momentum and almost 140 ft-lbs of kinetic energy with stock arrows--at around 400 fps! This crossbow helped expand the Kingdom of Bunjie by introducing me to compound crossbows and showing me they're nothing to be feared, and also helped me get my first deer on public ground. This crossbow also inspired the "Rule of 400" that I talk about from time to time: a crossbow that can shoot a 400 grain arrow at 400 feet per second is my definition of a modern crossbow--producing over .7 slugs of momentum and over 140 foot pounds of kinetic energy, the envy of the archery world.
Bunjie and I have written two books: The Death by Bunjie Crossbow Method ( amzn.to/3zJbAI0 ) and The Death by Bunjie Crossbow Story ( amzn.to/2Peq4aC ), both available on Amazon.com with those links. BOTH OF THESE BOOKS ARE AVAILABLE ON AUDIBLE AS AUDIOBOOKS, NOW, TOO!
Check out the Death by Bunjie podcast, Talking with Bunjie! It's available on deathbybunjie.com or on the podcast app of your choice.
Facebook much? deathbybunjie
This channel is the result of combining my interest in filming and hunting...and music, too! The soundtrack for this channel is provided by my band, Yankee Militia. The albums "Live Free or Kill" and "Zombies Gotta Eat, Too!" are available on Amazon.com and elsewhere. A third album is in the works.
If you've read this far, then there is only one thing left to say:
All Hail Bunjie!
--Rich Wilson
Death by Bunjie

[@jakekrumnrich7823]

The peace from sitting in the woods and seeing nature

[@Glenn-q9e]

I love the that too.

[@jacob4047]

💯

[@brianlurten3028]

Happy Thanksgiving. I always liked the hunting, not just the killing but sitting in the woods, quiet peaceful. Now that I'm older & disabled I can't do any of it for as long a stretch as I like. When I was in my late teens & twenties I could hunt a total of 600+ acres. I liked sitting against a tree behind some brush or under a cedar. Now I need to be in a blind & access to 30 or 40 acres of private land. I injoy watching you do it & keep them coming

[@hunter-rl8dt]

I love the hunting stories from my fellow hunters. Ruff cut bunch of people, they turn into poets when they talk about their experience and the shot

[@kevinhaas4240]

From start till end is my favorite I love it all. What I hate is when it's all over

[@rongarofalo3482]

Great topic Rich. I think I like when you see a shooter buck or doe heading your way, you get your crossbow into position long before they ever come in range. They are still walking towards you and your heart feels like it wants to walk out of your chest. Minutes turn into hours and now the moment of truth is at hand and the rest is up to your ability. The end of the story is how you performed and only you.

[@tonycarrozza5274]

When I started hunting years ago I was so surprised that, while I loved every aspect of hunting, the thing I most enjoyed was the butchering process: my table and knives set up next to my deer hanging there on a gambrel, taking my time getting every cut just right while I’ve got my favorite playlist going. It’s the sweetness after a successful hunt and enjoying the fruits of my labor.

[@Deathbybunjie]

❤️💯👍

[@kennethmedlock6381]

Hopefully it won't be so long between videos. Rich I really appreciate what you do great videos...

[@scottmyers4802]

Love the whole experience. For me it is also the comarottery with all my hunting buddies. Deer camp for a week is a special thing also. Tracking can bring such high and low emotions all at one time. Especially if you loose an animal. Witch is the worst thing. That is why prep and practice is very important. All hail Bunjie.

[@moosejcthunter5686]

Happy thanksgiving to Rich and all the FOB. I live and breathe deer hunting year round. It's more than hobby, it's my life. Every part of it is my favorite. Every thing I do makes me a better hunter. The hard lessons are where you learn the most. Filling a tag is just a cherry on top.

[@jongutierrez9116]

3:33 is a pivotal moment that plays a vital role in the health and growth of our local deer herd. I've discovered that fostering a thriving habitat for all wildlife not only benefits the ecosystem but also significantly lowers the predation rates of fawns by their natural predators. As for my hunting experience, here are my top three joys: 1. Scouting the land by foot and by cell cam. 2. Prepping stand locations 3. Observing whitetails and witnessing their interactions with one another

[@larrye2749]

Rich hope you and the Bunjie family have a Happy Thanksgiving!

[@Deathbybunjie]

Same to you!

[@oldgrumpyhunter]

For me, #1 Being in the woods and seeing all the critters running around. #2 Watching the deer fall over. In my area, the woods are full of things that poke you. #3 Being able to say to my wife "Deer down." #4 Saving money by processing my own and putting the last package in the freezer.

[@johndoe-st8rl]

Mine used to be spending time with friends at deer camp that I rarely got to see. Now that I don't do that, my new number 1 is spending time with my kids and teaching the to hunt and spending time with them in the outdoors.

[@douglasborgaro6801]

I feel a great sense of accomplishment getting the meat for the freezer. I have not really had to do much for tracking. The deer that ran the furthest was this year. 18-20 yards after a heart shot. Crossbow perfection! It wasn’t a “run” it was more of a careful trot. 6 seconds and drop like a stone.

[@kadyscout]

Tracking! #1. Love it. I tend to find my Sons deer 🦌 each season. Lol he gets rather upset with me. He wants to do it. So I must make myself stand back. So hard for me. Lol a work in progress. I’m 62. He’s half that. Lol. Great times. I’ll find his deer up ahead. Then tell him we’ve lost the trail. No deer. Let him stew a bit. Then point to his deer 🦌. Lol lol. While filming his reaction. Such great memories. The emotional ups & downs. He’s gotten wise to my tricks now. Yip. Tracking is #1 for me. Love seein the blood trail. Hound dog baby! Hound dog !!!! Cheers Ken. Ps. Hello to Gennie. Great work.

[@jeffhays1968]

Having a venison pot roast on a cold rainy Thanksgiving is good thing too.

[@tunafish8769]

The anticipation of the coming season and the anticipation of eac hunt.

[@billymynes6071]

Scouting is my favorite. I consider it a challenge to try and outsmart a deer, to figure out their patterns of movements. A challenge that the deer wins more times than me. 2nd is food plots. 3rd is equipment preps, 4th is hunting. I love the way it gives me time for reflections, and mental clarity, and distresses me and recharges my batteries. 5th is tracking. A skill that furthers one’s knowledge of how game react when in flight/ preservation mode. 6th is processing the meat. 7th is Taxidermy. Which to me is honoring the animal I harvested. PS, love your channel and videos!!!

[@CopeyJ325]

My favorite part of hunting is everything about it. Seems like a cop out I guess. But I love Learning. The learning process to each factor is so amazing. Then getting to sit in Gods creation to do all of it. He has blessed us to be able to do it and I think that because He loves us He gave us the privilege to do this.

[@redneckurbantransplant5931]

This bow and rifle season I got a young 6 point buck with my new crossbow (wicked ridge RDX 410). And he dropped on the spot, a clean heart shot. I got the doe rifle season. Besides hunting I like to try new products. This year I used the wyndscent 2.0. This system worked well. It brought the deer right to my spot. I get to do it all over again in December for crossbow season.Happy hunting and God bless you and your family.

[@JohnDoeEagle1]

I have a Wicked Ridge RDX 410 also and really like it. Reverse draw baby!!

[@rockmclaughlin3199]

Great video and very thoughtful list for your question/subject. My opinion is yes to all your categories, the complete package... I live in the woods I hunt in and am therefore privileged with being immersed in the entire process throughout the year/years. I broaden the typical definition of taxidermy to include whole-use of the harvest. This is something I continue to work hard on. Hunting to me is life and science. The most exciting things involve discovery and evolving our understanding and our wonder. To me, freely sharing the hunting life/journey is probably the greatest reward. I suspect that may be true for most hunters and I feel that is demonstrated by fans of channels like yours and your books. Sincerely appreciate your approach in video and books. An extension of freely sharing is generational. I know you "get that" because you have allowed us all to follow the growth of the outdoors-woman Genevieve of Genevieve's Second Life Taxidermy. What an awesome young lady and legacy!!!

[@racingruss7263]

I love it all..Sitting in my tree stand during the Vermont archery season is amazing..Watching the leaves fall, geese flying over head...Special time of year.Happy Thanksgiving to all.

[@Deathbybunjie]

Those geese! I love it!

[@csmuskie]

Harvested around 40 deer throughout the years with bow and arrows.. 57 year old that Just purchased my first crossbow ever!! I thought it was just for “old men” but through your channel- i have been discovering it very much that it isn’t the case! Thank you for all the awesome information

[@ryand5313]

Happy thanksgiving to you and your family 🍗🦃

[@Deathbybunjie]

Thank you, you too!

[@brob-zy8zi]

I love looking at maps, going into an area, looking over the terrain, tracks, trails, habitat/vegetation/ edges, subtle clues, historic sign and current sign, how likely it is to see pressure, and being able to break down an area and have a good idea how and when deer are using it. I enjoy that entire process. I love setting up cameras and getting the pictures to verify it. I feel good about being able to find big bucks even if I don't have all the time in the world to hunt them. A successful hunt is just part of the process. I haven't taken a buck this year but I've found more and bigger bucks than ever before in Pennsylvania through learning and scouting new areas. I love roaming the mountains here. I love spending time among the wildlife. To me, hunting season is year round. "Harvest" season is where it hopefully all comes together.

[@ultraclassic01hd]

Love those 45 to 60 degree days which to me is perfect hunting weather. Hate freezing my butt off on those cold cold days. The solitude of the woods is also special to me! Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family.

[@travisclay2875]

Happy Thanksgiving to U and your family Rich..

[@AYearInOhio]

Oh man, I love so many aspects of it, it's hard to nail them down to numbers. Mainly I love getting outside for the quiet. I love the hunting part because I think my senses are dialed-up to 11 when I hunt, and the "quiet" aspect of it dials it up even more. I feel like I can hear a squirrel in the dry leaves from a mile away. You also get to watch so many random animals going about their day, and they never know you're even there. I think most of us could write a book trying to answer these questions, Rich. Anyways, great video as always! Sending our love to you and your family from Ohio!

[@ronaldbeasley4945]

Being able to be in Gods great nature that He has given us the ability to enjoy His handy work. Learning from my uncles and cousins through the years. Then teaching my son how to track his animals through the years. Being able to see our son in the woods over the years and now watching him teach his sons our grandsons and how they are learning to scout pre-season. My favorite part is watching our children learn and their eagerness to learn, they are sponges. Your honesty is very appreciated and I look forward to your videos.

[@davidpakulski4820]

The trees are my cathedrals

[@jeffhouse9387]

I’ve come to enjoy the prep. Be it bow or gun, setting up the bag, saddle etc, gut and skinning stuff…all in prep for a single moment.

[@flatfour76]

I agree, I love the whole process. The order of importance changes everytime I try to number them lol. All so close. I have family and friends who think I'm crazy for working all year long prepping, habitat work, food plots etc. But when you see the fruits of your labor and get to enjoy the great outdoors and God's creation it makes it 100% worth it.

[@Brian-cy2hj]

Always love your new articles .i have only started hunting after a few decades not due to family and work commitments. For me it’s getting out into the woods. Seeing wildlife in its natural habitat. I was very lucky , two weeks ago after setting my trail camera where i will setup my stand. Blind. A beautiful 6 point Buck came in. Then four does another day. And last a few days of Turkey’s. So looking forward to Hunting this small wood lot that my farmer friend has allowed me to hunt

[@donfinley7502]

Memories with my hunting buddies are my favorite part. We hunt public land and walk in a mile or more and drag out a deer a mile or more. Sometimes, just recovering the deer can be an adventure. Overcoming obstacles, such as creeks, tickets, logs, stickers etc often leaves a bigger memory than the hunt itself.

[@bobkoval]

Yes please!! Cook book . This year I’m planning ring bologna in the pit boss. I love this life style

[@TommyLawson-yc3ru]

Hey Rich what was that thing in the tree @ the 1:46 mark? We dont have those here in oklahoma sir! Love your vids partner! Happy hunting!

[@Deathbybunjie]

That was a porcupine! Just one of those neat things I came across when scouting once, you don't get to see them too often but they're all over the place up here.

[@TommyLawson-yc3ru]

@Deathbybunjie oh lol wowza! That's kinda cool! T.y

[@paulbernitt4280]

Pushing myself by scouting and hunting fresh deer sign in real time with a mobile setup is my favorite part of hunting. 1st sits is where it's at for me. Combining scouting and hunting at the same time is awesome and a proven way to shoot a nice buck.

[@rwmack3523]

Number 1 is scouting. I love finding the hidden lives of these animals and then making sense of things. Once I actually GET an encounter, it solidifies my sucess before I even consider shooting. I already won. Right time, place and planning paid off. Second I'd say is diverting them using mock scrapes and scents to where I want them specifically for a blind or certain spot I prefer. I put that under habitat management and foodplottery. Now, I'm not just learning their ways, but interacting and manipulating things on THEIR level to influence the outcome I want. Third is eating. Fourth is the hunt itself, but sometimes it's third. Equipment prep is fifth because it's a time sink I don't always have enough room for. I've got two squirrel-managment pellet guns I can't even get time or space to sight in properly because of work and scouting and actual hunting and weather and surprises and you see how that gets difficult. Sixth is tracking because I'm colorblind so even a little rain or moisture on the ground makes my life miserable. Plus, if I need to track far like my first doe that was a pass through at 30 yard and total tracked path at 130 yards, I feel like I failed to do right by the animal. By contrast, by first buck was a spike I got at first light that ran off with my blue lit nock and dropped 46 yards from my seat after a 10 yard or less shot. I thought the arrow fell out and he ran off into the sunrise forever away and was terrified to track in the rain because I couldn't see any blood. Then I looked up and saw he dropped right where I'd lost sight of the nock. The second shot cut through his chest on a quartering two angle to embed in his opposite shoulder blade, but cut everything it needed to and he died after a 30 yard sprint. If it hadn't been for that shot cutting his major blood vessels, I wouldn't have been able to track him at all. Now I keep a spray bottle of h2o2 on hand and self-restrict to not hunt in rain when I know I'd need to track wet conditions. Taxidermy is last only because I don't have money for mounts. I have one euro mount for my first doe and a plastic skull plate I put the spikes on because that was my first buck. Other than that, I'll have to see as I go forward.

[@philiplang5256]

I also really like that tie.

[@Deathbybunjie]

😆

[@jacob4047]

There are many things. I love the feeling of having people over for a Venison dinner and the shock that often accompanies a piece of backstrap. This often leads people to want to try their hand at hunting and then I get the joy of passing on what I have learned. I have become addicted to entering the woods or slipping down a river edge well before dawn, hearing the "morning glory" when it seems everything, all at once, takes a moment to praise God, it is magical! The anticipation of what may present itself, the contemplation of life and death and considering my own life and actions toward others, there is too much for me to narrow it down to one thing. If I don't see a single deer, I try to think about everything else I saw, did I walk in a bit more quietly this time than the time before, did I learn anything from this hunt. Man, I love hunting, even if I'm not good at! Thank you for the videos and supporting new hunters! Happy Thanksgiving!

[@scottyflaker6507]

I am 52 years old and the older I get the more I love growing things. The habitat and food plottery is right up there with taking a mature buck.

[@CalebPyles]

For me it's always been being in your stand an hour or more before the sun starts to rise and listening to the woods come to life, hearing the first bird starting to sing to the sound of turkeys leaving their roost's.

[@useryggfdcc]

Shot 3 deer but saw no blood trail. I found trail cam setup to record the shot have immense benefits!!! Twice it proved I miss the shot. Back in South Africa Taxidermy is what make me connect with hunting.

[@wades4253]

What I like about hunting is the trip I take to Georgia almost every year to spend time with my brother hunting on his lease Usually we hunt together out of the same box stand and we both have success. We've gotten much closer since we started doing this and look forward to it every year. Didn't get to go this year but I did take a doe on State Game Lands with my crossbow, so we got to celebrate that over the phone.

[@robertstockton2036]

I agree Rich with all you have said. I love how you broke this all down. Hunted long and hard this year and finally got nice 3 year old buck last Sunday. It of course happens in a blink of an eye! Tracking was great fun with my hunting partner and will always be a great memory of this hunt. Now on to mounting the rack for my deer and also the deer my buddy shot earlier. You are right, it is not just the hunt but the months of preparation for the hunt! Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family. Keep the great content coming. Thanks again for your efforts.

[@walkersoutdoorproductions3624]

Scouting is by far my favorite... Hunters addicted to scouting usually are the most successful ❤

[@BackyardBroadheads]

Tracking, equipment prep, hunting, food plots

[@dualthreatoutdoors]

For me it would be 1. Tracking, because finding that deer is the highlight for me 2. Hunting, and seeing a spot I found while scouting produce deer 3. Scouting, and figuring out an area 4. Taxidermy, looking back and enjoying the memory 5. Cooking, I love cooking venison and so does my wife, I discovered venison steak fajitas this year and that was awesome 6. Equipment prep, don’t get me wrong I enjoy shooting my bow, but beyond that, everything else is a necessary evil to me lol 7. Habitat and Foodplottery would be higher, but I don’t have the private land to do so unfortunately

[@donutdan1508]

It's snacks.😳 My favorite part is the snacks. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours Rich! ✌️ 🍩

[@Deathbybunjie]

Lol love it! Thanks, you too!

[@richardlangel9954]

Being with great friends and family .

[@BrianKretschmer]

I'd have to say field dressing is my favorite thing because that means l got one also still hunting is right up there at the top. Hearing Turkeys talking in the tree before day light and watching them fly down

[@eugenedum3110]

Scouting would be my favorite. Putting the puzzle or clues together with the sign you see and if you solved it or not. It just adds to the satisfaction of a successful harvest.

[@JohnSmith-ly2qp]

My favorite part is the profound stillness, the moment when a deer steps into view, it's gaze meeting yours with a fleeting connection before it returns to its natural rhythm, unaware of your presence. The delicate challenge lies in moving with deliberate precision, preparing for the shot, fully aware that you are engaging in a timeless dance of wit and instinct, much like your ancestors once did to endure and thrive. There is no other feeling of being tuned into the moment of life and death. The heighted senses and the calmness. The only other feeling I can say that is higher is being into heavy ketosis where you feel like you're on another plane of time and space.

[@rangerman0033]

I love getting the kids outdoors so scouting gives me a great opportunity for that, so that is probably my favorite

[@KarlSchuler-r6g]

Ich bin aus der Schweiz,und kann sehr schlecht Englisch, und bin Jahrgang 57, seit 6 Jahren in den Staaten und liebe die crossbow Jagd. Ein tolles Video das einem zum Nachdenken bringt. Meine Nummer 1 ist das aufspüren der Hirsche; Lebensrytmus; Gewohnheiten und vieles mehr. 2. Die Verarbeitung um die Wertschätzung / Respekt gegenüber der Kreatur zu zeigen. 3. Die Natur während der Jagd geniessen. 4. das bereitstellen des Equipment. Als letztes das Tracking.

[@Deathbybunjie]

Good to hear and good luck out there!

[@Mike-cc2eu]

I love the after the you send that boult down range and here comes the second hunt looking for that deer!! And when your outside you never know what your going to see Happy Thanksgiving

[@brianbennett4374]

Happy Thanksgiving 🦃. All. Good luck to the gun hunters out there too 😊

[@locksbog4270]

Happy Bird Day Rich and Gen! 👍😃✌️💪🇺🇸❤️🦌🦃

[@chrisruzsa2798]

Being out in nature.

[@jobinmcdastard3426]

The anticipation and the excitement

[@Kurtdog63]

There is a category you left out Rich. FILMING it all. Hehee. I like to test equipment, be informative, share the moments, and relive the moments. Based on your list and the amount of time, my favorite thing is probably slinging arrows. Whether out of a compound, stickbow, or crossbow. I like experimenting with different arrow setups, testing flight, penetration, and accuracy. I would still sling arrows, even if I did not hunt at all. Number two would be scouting and checking trail cameras. Never know what is going to show up on trail camera. A dog, a farmer, a trespasser, or the biggest buck of your life. Rarely do still pics. Almost all trail camera monitoring is short video clips showing animals and how they are reacting in their environment. I run cameras pretty much year around for turkey hunting, deer hunting, rut activity, antler growth, and antler drop.

[@Deathbybunjie]

Good stuff!

[@huntnfishnuts5880]

That’s a tough question, I do all sorts of hunting but also fishing and fur trapping, I think it’s way more than a pastime it’s my way of life. It’s about wildlife interaction also being a provider, field craft knowledge, marksmanship it’s everything rolled into one. The Taxidermy is cool too. I like the Euro skull mounts also. Love the power tie by the way 👍

[@justinroethel7424]

Scouting (Eastern is my favorite even though I'm in the west now chasing Mule Deer and Elk, Tuning (Crossbow and bow work) and Practice, Hunting, Tracking not so much gives me an upset stomach until I see the animal down (more so in the west where it's really flat and brushy). Then Taxidermy it's a lot of fun to think about different poses to bring the memory of your hunt to life for others. Lastly the processing (more so east coast. When Sunday afternoon rolls around, and your family and friends all take part in processing your harvest while watching football in a garage the smell of the grill cooking up lunch for everyone from the animal you harvested earlier in the week. There is one more thing to add which does fall in the processing. But when I harvest an animal, not just my family eats. "The Village Eats Too" when the less fortunate see you in the store and tell you they had some of your game for dinner the night or week before and how good it was its a special feeling that makes the hard work you put in all year long worth it even more. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

[@brucelewis1017]

She does nice work

[@billgalante1181]

All of it is so great.

[@BStavFishingAndHunting]

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!!

[@Deathbybunjie]

Thanks so much, you too!

[@JohnGriffith-w2w]

Rich, Every rifle season I get my old Marlin 336 and my Ruger number one RSI international and I admire them and look carefully at their details heft their weight and I put them back in their cases and into the safe I go get my GRZ2 Excalibur Crossbow and go out into the cold dark spooky 👻 woods and hunt Deer 🦌!

[@Deathbybunjie]

Lol thats awesome

[@danfofi2388]

My favorite part of hunting is trying to see if my preseason work and observations have paid off. If Ive actually figured out where to put a stand. What time of day and wind direction is best for a particular stand placement as well. I dont even have to take an animal at this point. Its just knowing I figured it out. Whether its with my xbow or my camera its nice to know Im in the right spot.

[@fmrwayne]

For me scouting followed by equipment prep. Least favorite is processing.

[@williammeiklejohn2850]

Getting up at 5:00 in the morning and getting to the deer blind with my grandson to hunt sika deer in Dorchester County MD. Seeing the wildlife wake up is truly a sight to behold.

[@Deathbybunjie]

That's awesome 👌

[@GregK-pv5xe]

It might be different for me. I don’t have the property, finances, or health to do the food plots. I hunt the same private property every year from the same multiple spots. Over the years I’ve killed so many deer (not bragging, just explaining) that I don’t even care if I get a deer As bad as my health is I can still bathe, feed, & dress myself & I can drive the 6 minutes to the property. Getting to my spot takes all the effort & I have to stop every 25-50 yards to catch my breath. Now, outside of all that here’s what matters most to me. Silently observing Gods creation. Sunrise and sunset. A new day beginning & ending. The pure solitude of the woods. I’m just as happy to see deer as I am to harvest a nice buck. I especially love watching the up close antics of the young & dumb deer. But again, it all goes back to spending my time in silence with God & the swipe of his hand….Creation. There’s nothing more peaceful.

[@Deathbybunjie]

Beautiful!

[@GregK-pv5xe]

@ Thank you Rich & Happy Thanksgiving

[@roberthomiak5003]

Happy Thanksgiving brother

[@joeymcdowell7535]

I love it all

[@Xbowhunter35]

I use driveway makers for marking for tracking so if I lose the trail I can restart from the last marker

[@dellray1988]

The ride too the woods

[@taylorharbin3948]

At this particular moment, in time, as I walk back to my car, without seeing a single animal, except songbirds, I would have to say my favorite part of hunting is when I am successful if you think about all the hard work and effort that goes into this, whether you own land or not And all the money you have to spend on the licenses and equipment coming home with something even just one squirrel in the bag makes me feel like it’s been worth the effort.

[@andrzejtaramina2709]

You missed a huge category, Rich: evaluating, comparing and acquiring new gear…bows, guns, packs, arrows, tools (fletching rigs, bow presses, etc), tents, etc. I’m a gear nerd so that category is high on my list. Probably yours given how much gear you’ve bought in the past few years (the rest of us can’t get KI Swat X1s, since you bought ‘em all! 😂)

[@Deathbybunjie]

😆 but yeah good point 💯

[@Glenn-q9e]

Has be getting ready for season an scouting

[@douglasborgaro6801]

If I do say so myself, the SWAT MOAB is clearly one of the best broadheads I have used. They are tested and proven to beyond 500+ fps. They fly very accurate and they do incredible damage to the game. The front end is like a Rage with a 2 inch cut and the rear blades are like a Swahacker that open once the broadhead enter the body cavity and produce a 1.75 inch cut on a separate plane, Because of this, my buck only made it 18-20 yards on a good hit. It was a gingerly trot after the hit that pierced the top of the heart. The buck appeared deflated after the hit. It was crossbow perfection! The only down fall of the SWAT Broadheads is that they have been single use. Perhaps speeds over 500 fps would do the same to all broadheads. Blood trails are fantastic and accuracy is top notch!

[@marktate4466]

Good " food for thought " video Rich. ( see what I did there 😅) Happy Thanksgiving

[@hydrostreamking]

I would have to say tracking 🎉

[@robehrke6103]

I would agree with these 7, maybe in a slight order change but really the point is If your not doing most of the 7 things he listed you are missing out on the over all experience. I really enjoy setting up tree stands and scouting as much as hunting. Its also really good for non hunters to see there is so much more to this then just shooting a deer.

[@Deathbybunjie]

Great point about non hunters!

[@ryanlocklear3201]

Mine would be scouting and putting in the food plot.

[@mcnivenjjm]

I'm about the same age as you, so when we started hunting cell phones and the internet was not a thing. Surprisingly, I enjoy e scouting and then physically going to the area and seeing if my assumptions were right. PS hello from Alberta Canada ay.

[@Deathbybunjie]

I also enjoy seeing in person the stuff I saw on a map. Neat stuff.

[@donaldspriggle6928]

Being with my son. All the others pale in comparison.

[@malcolmjohnson5941]

My #1 favorite is the kill shot and second favorite is tracking and finding the animal. Usually my daughter comes and helps with the track.

[@gramps5157]

It's not something I plan on but when it happens it's the tracking jobs. I've had some really good ones. The kind where you're following pin drops or just turned over leaves. Then you get to the point where it's would the deer take this path or that path and what path would I have taken. Then a small clue puts you back on track and you're so focused on looking down and then you look 4 ft. to your right and there's your deer. Then it's time for your happy dance. I hate it and love it all at the same time.

[@Deathbybunjie]

100% same with me

[@drewwagner9584]

If I was in Pa and could hunt all bow season with a crossbow I probably would not hunt rifle season? But here in NY I only have 2 weeks to us my crossbow so I still riffle hunt to make my possibility of filling my tags better. I love it all from start to finish.

[@RedneckRepairs]

I'm primarily a rifle hunter, but I also have a good crossbow, and hunt with it. I would say "Tracking" is at the very bottom of my list. The reason for that is, likely, that rifle hunting has spoiled me. I've shot many deer. Of those, three (actually 2) had to be tracked. One just toppled down the hill, and my initial fear was resolved as soon as I walked to where it was when I shot it, and realized it tumbled 20-30 yards down hill. the second was a doe, that I was sure I hit well. No blood trail, no deer, searched for hours. The next evening, coyotes let me know that it did die, and that I somehow missed it/it went further than expected (again not a drop of blood). the third I did not initially find a trail, but went back to my stand and had someone else walk to where it thought it was when i shot, then found the blood as i had been off a good 20 yards when i walked there myself, and found the deer. I've learned that if they don't fall down dead the second you pull the trigger (or immediately thereafter) tracking will ensue, and that tracking is not 100% successful *even* if you did land a good shot, and the deer did die fairly shortly thereafter. Hunting with a crossbow virtually ensures that "Tracking" will come into play, and it is by no means guaranteed to be successful, even if you do everything right (or as right as the shot allows). I still have some concern about that, and it makes me hesitate...a *lot*...before squeezing the trigger on my crossbow.

[@Deathbybunjie]

Good stuff! Accuracy is #1 with crossbows, as I like to say. Close isn't good enough.

[@Xbowhunter35]

Can’t do food plot here in Pennsylvania

[@myronchamberlain7734]

I like to watch the sun come up from stand and shorty after the woods come alive first the squirrels start moving around then the birds and hopefully the deer

[@philiplang5256]

I like 4 & 6. Need to drastically improve on others. Like to keep second tag to extend the season and just keep getting out there to enjoy the different seasons.

[@usmc6157]

The peace and quiet…getting away from work and everything else. Throw in the animals doing what they do and it’s a win win.

I enjoy hunting and the process, but it's just the stimulant to spending time with my son while he's not on his phone.

[@zzz7zzz9]

I know what's NOT my favourite part. Getting up early this morning, loading everything, then finding out that my waterpump just failed. And the season ends on the 10th. Bright side though, it happened at home, and not way up in the remote hills, in -15C.

[@Deathbybunjie]

Oh man, good luck!

[@zzz7zzz9]

@Deathbybunjie it'll all be good. When these things happen, i see them as signs, that i just shouldn't have been out that day. With this one, it prevented me from being stranded in a much worse predicament. And i've gotten used to it. Starting in 2019, something has happened every year to prevent me hunting the rut. A cut eye. The rebuilding my truck, and parts coming in wrong, then delays in parts coming in. Then a flood. Then 3-4 ft of snow and -30C temps. Then last year, i got covid for the first time, and it was extreme. And the bad part, i pass on many bucks, early season, as my favourite is the rut and tracking deer in the snow. Always a bright side though, there's still 12 days left.

[@Thetruetank101984]

Never been hunting. Can't wait to do it for the first time next season. What is your input on the Rampage xs?

[@Deathbybunjie]

Wicked Ridge is good stuff 💯

[@Makita-nu4mr]

Hi quick question,I also hunt in pa can we use a crossbow instead of a rifle for deer. I know rifle starts nov 30 thank you. I got so use of using my crossbow especially with the oracle x on it. Thank you

[@Deathbybunjie]

Yes we can use crossbows during the rifle season, gotta love it, that's why I call it the Second Crossbow Season LOL

[@Makita-nu4mr]

Thank you for clearing it up for me. Been watching you videos for about 2 years thank you for putting all the effort into your videos top notch.

[@douglasborgaro6801]

I would be hard pressed to single something out. It’s all a great part of the deal! I can say that I am very focused on getting the meat. I’ve spoken about the quality of the meat and in town hunting. If you have access to some of the highest quality meat that exceeds the quality of the finest restaurant in town, wouldn’t you take advantage of it?

[@JohnDoeEagle1]

The same can be said about fishing. Think when you are in the grocery store or Wal-Mart and see all those housewives pawing all over that non domestic Tilapia fish. Those come from China or Asia and who knows what they really are. Forget that... out comes the locally caught Bluegill, Crappie, Yellow Lake Perch, Walleyes, Catfish caught out of a spring fed freshwater lake. Cooked in Shore Lunch Original breading and peanut oil they might as well be lobsters or crab legs. Also love to catch, cook and eat fresh caught frog legs cooked like that too. Mmmmm Mmmmmm

[@Tommie-p7w]

Good black Friday rich got buck and doe with c bow but have tag for doe but will use that so I use it for coyotes get me in for gun sat I want use tag probably can be out with family maybe driving but for me it coyotes time snow. Cold for me bow gun taxide and grandkids are my number one.