Burnout happens on almost every hunt. Here’s how to avoid burnout, stay motivated, and make the most of every hunting adventure.
by Josh Kirchner
What an exciting time of year it is for hunters. As much as we anticipate the to-come trips and opening days of seasons, the following days can be trying. And suddenly all of that steam we once had starts to wane gradually. Battling burnout is common on challenging hunts, and I have not been immune to it. I have found a few ways to help me stay “all systems go” and fight off the grumpies.
You Got What You Wanted
Ups and downs during a hunt are entirely regular. They are part of the natural trajectory of our experiences out in the field. Thinking there won’t be any potential low points is quite silly.
I was about halfway through a 15-day elk hunt. Watching the sun set on another day in the mountains, I sat on a rock outcropping, feeling sorry for myself. Not 15 minutes beforehand, I missed a bull multiple times. This hunt that I had waited so long for was pressing every button I had. And as funny as it may sound, a chunk of me wanted to go home. I felt undeniably defeated and even foolish. Then it hit me. I asked for all of this.
You put so much time into preparing for your hunt. Now is the time to execute and have fun.
After all of that pre-season anticipation, the daydreaming of potential encounters with critters, and the ultimate hope that your cooler comes home much heavier than when you left, you asked for all of this. By signing up for a hunt, you’re not signing up to just kill an animal. You’re signing up for the good, the bad, and everything a hunt brings. It’s supposed to be a roller coaster ride. So, enjoy every bit of it, even when you might be at your lowest point. In these low moments is often when we learn the most. They shape us as hunters.
Communication Works Wonders
I had hunted for eight solo days in the Arizona backcountry. Black bears were the target, but this solo adventure had been a grind like many hunts. Up until this point, I had seen no bears. I was operating off of hope, but that well was running dry fast. Miraculously, I got service and could call my wife to vent. I told her that I was leaning on the side of coming home due to how slow the hunt was going. After some positive encouragement, she lifted my spirits and convinced me to stay another day. Not two hours later, I found myself looking at an empty rifle casing. The mountain lion I had just shot didn’t go far at all. What a surprise it was.
When you’re in a positive frame of mind, good things tend to happen.
There is 100 percent power in communication. Whether it’s with your hunting buddies in camp, your significant other at home, or even a stranger you met out in the field. We tend to soak in our own world when we’re on these brutal hunts. We stew in our thoughts, and often, that stew smells like home cooking and a warm bed. I’ve given in to that aroma more than once and regretted it every single time.
Communication devices like Garmin’s inReach Mini 2 are worth their weight in gold in the backcountry.
If you’re out in the field with someone and they’re down, do your best to lift their spirits. That’s what great hunting partners do. They, in turn, should do the same for you. I’d seriously consider snagging some satellite communication devices if you’re alone. I like the Garmin Inreach Mini II. Receiving kind messages from home is enough to pull me out of whatever mental pit of despair I think I am in at the time. Remember, at the root, hunting is supposed to be fun, not a stress test. Have fun out there, and never let go of that.
Stop Comparing Yourself
Comparison runs thick these days. With social media at our fingertips, it’s easier to come by now than ever. And as we scroll the minutes away, it’s also easy to get a false perception of what’s real. Don’t get me wrong. I’m not saying your friends are posting fake photos. I am saying that we are seeing a highlight reel of success across the board from many people. Seeing buck after buck after elk after bear harvest photo makes it seem like success is easily harnessed. You don’t need to compare yourself to anyone. You need to strive to live up to your own goals. Comparison drains the fun from every backcountry hunt you embark on.
Stop comparing yourself to others. The only goals that matter when you’re hunting are your own. Don’t rob yourself of joy!
A friend of mine, Brian Barney, often says, “Comparison is the thief of all happiness.” He’s so right. At the end of the day, your hunt is your hunt, not someone else’s. You need to own that and run with it. Instead of comparing yourself negatively to all of the success photos you’re seeing, I say use them as inspiration. Those folks fulfilled a goal, and so can you.
Our Time is Limited
The time we spend outdoors hunting is, without a doubt, a privilege and a gift. And the clock is ticking, folks. There will come a time when you can’t hike as far, climb as high, or hunt as hard. I don’t know about you, but I want to be at peace in those moments, knowing that I absolutely crushed it and lived for every second out there when I could. I want to ride that roller coaster from the top to the bottom and have a smile on my face while doing it. A person only has so many hunting seasons in their life. So, this is where I leave you so I can do my own hunting. Remember, all systems go, and no grumpies. Good luck out there.
