Professional or Jack of all trades?

[Birdbuff]

I often have discussions with my hunting peers on various hunting styles and various species. We recently asked ourselves......what are we really good at?

We read all the hunting magazines, the incredible stories of chasing all kinds of game species across Canada. We read many online posts of everyone’s successes and mishaps. In almost all cases we are able to carry on a conversation and compare it to some kind of relatedable situation that’s happened to us. So we began to wonder. What if? What if we stopped trying to cover all the bases and focused on one or two species? Would we be experts? More successful?
Does it even matter?

I guess what im interested in, is how many of you guys chase all that Ontario has to offer versus specializing in one or two species?

Personally I have just about done it all. From small game to big game at one time or another in the last 20 years I have had the luck to be part of many hunts. I have yet to go out for Elk in Ontario, that’s about it. I am no real expert in anything, just a jack of all trades hunter. I equally enjoy all of it.

So, what’s your story? Expert or Jack of all trades?

[finsfurfeathers]

I'd call myself and expert jack of all trades. by being versatile it keeps you busy 12 months out of the year. Granted there activities I do when there is nothing else to do and activities I do above all else. I fish and hunt to have fun it may not be the way the expert specialist might do it but it works for me.

[oaknut]

I often have discussions with my hunting peers on various hunting styles and various species. We recently asked ourselves......what are we really good at?

We read all the hunting magazines, the incredible stories of chasing all kinds of game species across Canada. We read many online posts of everyone’s successes and mishaps. In almost all cases we are able to carry on a conversation and compare it to some kind of relatedable situation that’s happened to us. So we began to wonder. What if? What if we stopped trying to cover all the bases and focused on one or two species? Would we be experts? More successful?
Does it even matter?

I guess what im interested in, is how many of you guys chase all that Ontario has to offer versus specializing in one or two species?

Personally I have just about done it all. From small game to big game at one time or another in the last 20 years I have had the luck to be part of many hunts. I have yet to go out for Elk in Ontario, that’s about it. I am no real expert in anything, just a jack of all trades hunter. I equally enjoy all of it.

So, what’s your story? Expert or Jack of all trades?

Interesting querie.

From my standpoint, every time I become "a professional " the excitement fades. I wish to be challenged in what I do be it outdoors related or otherwise. I will gladly stay a jack of all trades and continue to enjoy the excitement of being outwitted by nature more times than not.

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[greatwhite]

I don't think I would even call myself a jack of all trades for hunting. I'm somewhat knowledgeable but I am always learning.

[fratri]

I think I am a jack of all trades because I enjoy building the entire house(hunting all game), from choosing the right plan (scouting) to picking the finishes, (tree-stands/decoys/setup locations etc...) maybe my drywall taping isn't too good at times (shot hit ratio) and at times frustrates me but building the entire house on my own, makes me feel a sense of pride. If I only focused on one thing (drywall for example) then it would feel like a job and I already have one of those...

[Sam Menard]

Most of all, I identify myself as a deer hunter. I’ve had hunting licences for over 40 years, but only started hunting deer with passion for 35 years. I read a ton about deer and deer hunting and take that knowledge into the field to ground truth it. I’m not vain enough to call myself an expert or professional but consider my skills and knowledge to be above average. I could fill my tags annually but normally don’t as I like to hold out for a mature buck. I get more enjoyment locating and exploring new locations than actually shooting a deer.

[Species8472]

Seeing as no one pays me to hunt and instead I pay to do it I would definitely rule out professional. I will hunt anything and laugh at myself when i fail in epic fashion. Lately been focused on deer, bear, turkey, grouse and bunnies with the odd coyote thrown in.

[tom gobble]

What is a professional hunter anyway? . Just because someone is on T.V i don't consider them an expert or professional. As for myself, Im like an all season tire. I'm good at everything but not best at just one thing and i'm happy this way. Theres always things to learn and that keeps me interested. When I find hunting or fishing easy, I most likely won't do it anymore. I like getting deer fever and I love my heart pumping when a Tom gobbles behind me. These things keep me alive.

[gbk]

For few years i was trying and doing everything-grouse,rabbit,waterfowl,turkey,deer,moose.And bear- as a "side"activity along the annual moose hunt.
Way back i realized ,any time i am out hunting "any"species ,i am watching everything deer related(rubs,scrapes,beds,trails etc)so i dropped all small game,and do hunt deer.Mostly.
I am into moose almost every year again,and bear as a "side"activity along the moose hunt.
I think i got a lot of knowledge about deer hunting from many trials and errors,books,friends and videos ,yet hunting Pay for use Public land in Southern Ontario can be a challenge..........

[bellerivercrossbowhunter]

I have fished the Detroit river for about 45years now. If you want spring walleye I can bring you to some guaranteed spots.

Started out hunting bunnies & moved up from there.

Now I concentrate on Deer & Turkey hunting. I'm not in the position & don't have the time to trophy hunt. I hunt and fish for food & now prefer the good eating animals. Big bucks and big Tom's are nice to see when there mounted but not the best on the plate...