The Reason's I Love "Fresh Tracks"

[PaJay 1962]

I probably "DVR" 15 different hunting shows a week and watch them whenever I get a chance. Most of the shows are on all year long, running re-runs from other years and I still watch them because in the off-season, if I can't be out hunting! Anyway, last night I got to watch the first episode of Fresh Tracks and was not disappointed (never have been with an episode). What I really liked was Randy hunting with his son who doesn't get a lot of time out in the field. Not sure of his age occupation, but he's probably the age of my daughter who entered the workforce 3 years ago after graduating and in the same situation. She loves hunting and fishing, but she doesn't have a lot of vacation time to get out hunting, so when she does have a chance to go, she is super excited - the same thing I saw in Randy's son when he harvested his buck. I really loved seeing that kids excitement last night - made me smile and I don't even know him.

Randy also had a couple of friends with him, hunting public land, and camping (not staying in some high priced lodge). The show is something that so many of us can relate to - doing it on our own with our friends. I've been on some guided hunts, but a lot more DIY hunts as the high priced hunts just aren't in the budget every year. But, every year I have the desire to head to the mid-west or west, so watching his show gives me more ideas of places I hadn't thought of - like Nevada! My success rate is a lot lower than Randy's on those DIY hunts, but that's why he has a TV show and I'm writing on a Forum about it! However, just being out hunting with friends is what really matters anymore, unlike 30 years ago when success was coming home with a full game bag or deer in the trunk of my Ford Escort!

So, Kudo's to a great show and I hope to be watching it for another 20 years - the best outdoor show on TV as far as I'm concerned.

Jay

 

[Lonesome_God_outdoors]

A whole pile of episodes are on his YouTube page. Check them out!

 

[PaJay 1962]

Yep, I've seen them all as well! Look forward to the start of the new season each year.

Thanks

 

[Greenbear]

AGREED. I'm very appreciative of not only the work that was done to put these experiences on film, but to also to share with the public. After watching many of these episodes, I thought "I can do that", and has inspired me to make it happen. I'm planning for 2018 to be my first hunting out west trip. I sure hope to connect the dots that lead to a harvest, but my success will be that first full day out there, waking up and living in the western wilds, which will bring a smile to my face, and peace to my soul.

 

[Gr8bawana]

Fresh tracks is one of the very few real hunting shows out there. Public land hunting, DIY no guides or outfitters, no comfy private ranch lodge. I really like the fact that Randy hunts where any of could also hunt.
I also like the reality that not all hunts are successful.

 

[PaJay 1962]

Agreed - he isn't successful on every hunt and I appreciate that angle. I also like how he will tell people his strategy of why he's hunting an area a certain way - especially Colorado where he has a lot of competition in the deer and elk seasons.

Greenbear - my first DIY to the west was in 1997 for elk, and I was in awe of how quiet it was and the views (I'm from PA and it's tough to get away from people when hunting in our area). Once you go west, you'll be bitten by the bug and will want to go back every year. You can do it pretty cheap, just need the vacation time and an understanding family! Good luck!!

 

[Cornell2012]

What I really liked was Randy hunting with his son who doesn't get a lot of time out in the field. Not sure of his age occupation, but he's probably the age of my daughter who entered the workforce 3 years ago after graduating and in the same situation. She loves hunting and fishing, but she doesn't have a lot of vacation time to get out hunting, so when she does have a chance to go, she is super excited - the same thing I saw in Randy's son when he harvested his buck. I really loved seeing that kids excitement last night - made me smile and I don't even know him.

That's me! Between school then work, I moved away about 9 years ago. Since then I've gone on an average of about 1 big hunt per year. Last year was the deer hunt you saw. This year I drew a highly coveted MT moose tag. Despite moving this past week and starting a new job tomorrow, I'm going to do what I can to make this hunt happen - probably involving pleading with my new employer for a week off in October.

Thanks for the kind words about the show!

 

[dan.kirkpatrick]

randys the real deal,,,hunts like most of us average folks,,d I y,,public land,reasonable budget,no guides,,draw the tag and go hunt/camp out on our public lands and enjoy it and see what ya can find representant of the area.

 

[PaJay 1962]

Congratulations on that tag Matt! I'll be you had to coax your Dad to go along with you - looking forward to that episode! I will be in CO this year with the muzzleloader after collecting Mule Deer points for 13 years. While my older daughter is starting a new job this week, one of the thing she stipulated was having 10 days off in September to go with me and be my spotter. I think she's almost as excited as I am! Enjoy the time with your Dad as we can see how much he enjoys having you there on the hunts!

Right on Dan - the "other" shows have everyone shooting trophy deer, or shooting one that they really don't appreciate (walk up to it, look at it, then comment about the next show). Randy (or Matt) show reality where they either pass on a deer because they weren't comfortable with the shot, or when they take ANY animal, I love hearing them say "thank you Mr. Buck".

Jay

 

[Sask hunter]

One of my favourite shows as well. I have to watch them on YouTube cause it's not on wild tv in Canada

 

[OhBoneCollector]

Agreed. Fresh Tacks is one of the few good 'ones'. I always enjoyed "On your own adventures" as well. There are only 3-4 productions worth watching. Another true to value show is "Western Hunter" with Nate.

 

[PaJay 1962]

Thanks - I'll have to look for Western Hunter. With the satellite, I think we get 3 channels of outdoor shows, so it's tough to weed through all of them!

 

[OhBoneCollector]

PaJay - The new season just kicked off and it's been great so far. The only shows I dvr are Randy's and Nate's.

 

[Elk63]

Randyisms