I have been fortunate to hunt Alaska 8 times. It was there I finally realized that mental toughness was just as important than physical toughness. If the mental part breaks down, the physical suffers and visa versa. So I now mentally prepare for bad weather, no game sightings, long hikes at altitude, treacherous creek crossings and whatever else can occur. I accept all that as part of the hunt and realize that punching the tag is not the sole reason for doing all this. On my last hunt, I didn't spot one caribou until the morning of the tenth day - the last day. While physically worn down, I had the mental attitude that the 10th day lasted all day and could deliver success at any time. That average bull means more to me than a B&C monster - cause other than a nice trophy and great meat, it taught me a valuable lesson.
My home is the "sanctuary residence" for my firearms.
