A refreshing example of hunting tradition

To the Editor;

V. Paul Reynolds’s recent piece about his 55th year taking to the woods after whitetails from a rustic deer camp with a close crew of mostly second and third generation hunters calling themselves the Skulkers of Seboeis was especially refreshing. Not only because of Reynolds’ commendable endurance, but because of the traditions, methods, awareness, and appreciation of the little things that can add to the hunting experience, even if the number of deer taken is small or nonexistent.

I think Reynolds’ account stands in sharp contrast to the majority of “stories” accompanying the many photos of harvested bucks that have appeared in the paper over the season. For the most part these tended to involve sitting in a heated stand or blind watching over a feed plot until a careless buck steps out to join the ever present does. Or a deer spotted on a live trail camera, or even a network of cameras, and the hunters rushing out from their monitors to intercept the animal

Reynolds’ group seems to enjoy the work and subtleties of finding deer in the woods, and developing the necessary skills that can make a successful hunt when things go right, but not obsessing on downing a trophy by whatever means.

Thank you, V. Paul Reynolds, for sharing this insight.

Jerry Stelmok

Atkinson