posted by Jim on Jan 27

It has been a while since I sat down at the computer to write. I love to write about hunting and the outdoors, as much as, I love being out there in the elements. The fall of 2009 was fairly uneventful since I last wrote about my Colorado elk hunt. Unfortunately, I did not hunt much this year because we purchased Buck Fever Synthetics, a synthetic deer scent company. Obviously, if you have to run a company in its products peak demand, there is little time left for anything else, including hunting. What I learned due to my absence in the field was worth a lifetime of hunting. I finally learned the meaning of why I hunt and I realized the denial I felt as a diehard deer hunter. I was attacked by the dreaded Antleritis disease, but something magical happened that changed me forever.

What is antleritis? It can be defined in many ways and I am sure all of you have a story which verifies its existence even though it does not show up in any dictionary, psychological hypothesis or field documentation. I will try to attempt to make my own definition of the word which was introduced to me by my good friend Jed Speiser.

Antleritis is a disease which affects many individuals who pursue an antlered animal for the sole purpose of its trophy value and the residual praise and attention it may bring to this individual. It is known to cause loss of lifelong friendships, dismantle family relationships, and will lead to dishonest psychotic behaviors. It is the leading cause of trespassing and poaching in North America!

Now that you know the definition of Antleritis, can you relate to a story or two which affected your life? The more I think about this, the more I can attest and verify that this is a disease of pandemic proportions. I have been affected by it in more than one way. I have been both a victim of its fury and I almost fell into its trap this past fall. I will speak to you with utmost honesty and relate a few stories which will remain a part of me for the rest of my life. Read the rest … »