Why Hunting Memories Matter More Than The Harvest

By Richard Taggart

The Roots of the Hunt

I have hunted all my life. Whether I am packing a rifle, a muzzleloader, or a compound bow, my focus has shifted over the years. I have chased elk, mule deer, rabbits, and turkeys, but the gear and the species are secondary to the company I keep. Every single memory I hold dear from the field has a family member at the center of it. It started with my father taking me out, and now I continue the tradition with my wife, with the hope that our children will eventually join us in the woods.

For me, hunting is not just about the scouting, the long miles hiked, or even the moment of the harvest. It is about the shared experiences that only happen when you are miles away from civilization. Whether it involves immediate family, extended kin, or close friends, hunting is a profound bonding experience—if you let it be.

The Lesson of the Book Cliffs

Take the 2025 elk season, for example. My then-fiancée—now my wife—and I drew tags for the Book Cliffs. It is a spike-only unit, but it is an area I have hunted many times before. I have taken shots at mature bulls in that country, so I knew the terrain well and felt confident we would at least see some action. We woke up before dawn, layered up, and started hiking into the dark timber.

As we crested a ridgeline, we caught movement. A small herd of elk was feeding in the brush below us. Since this was my wife’s first hunt, I wanted to prioritize her success and give her the first opportunity to fill a tag. I spotted a spike elk in the group and whispered for her to chamber a round. She was absolutely mesmerized by the sight of the animals; they are magnificent creatures, and it is easy to get caught up in the moment. I had to prompt her three times to get a bullet in the chamber. By the time she finally cycled the action, the herd had sensed something and slipped over the ridge. They were long gone.

Later, back at the truck, I mentioned that I could have easily taken a clear shot at that bull myself. She felt terrible, apologizing and insisting I should have taken the shot. But that moment was a vital lesson for both of us. We realized that hunting is a bonding experience that transcends the final result. You don't have to be successful in terms of filling a freezer to have fun and grow closer as a couple. I’ve found that, statistically, I am unsuccessful far more often than I am successful while in the field, yet the pull to return to the woods remains constant.

Using Technology to Connect

Since we started using the tools on Buckeye Hunter Hub, I have found it even easier to connect with my family and friends, even when we aren't standing shoulder-to-shoulder on a mountain. Today, it is September 28, 2026, and the season intensity is ramping up across the country.

When we are planning a trip, I rely heavily on the hunt zones and the deer movement forecast to decide where to focus our limited time. The map tools allow us to share our locations and findings in a private feed. It provides a central place to regroup after a long day in the field, compare notes on what we saw, and use the wind and scent mapping to adjust our strategy for the next morning. Even when we are separated by distance or just hunting different drainages, having that shared feed keeps the connection alive. It turns a solo or small group outing into a collaborative family effort, and that is what keeps us coming back season after season.