Spending $ on experiences instead of objects

[Poser]

In case anyone needed scientific reinforcement to justify spending $$ for a hunting trip vs physical objects and investments , here's your justification

http://www.fastcoexist.com/3043858/...y-on-experiences-not-thing?curator=MediaREDEF

It's counterintuitive that something like a physical object that you can keep for a long time doesn't keep you as happy as long as a once-and-done experience does. Ironically, the fact that a material thing is ever present works against it, making it easier to adapt to. It fades into the background and becomes part of the new normal. But while the happiness from material purchases diminishes over time, experiences become an ingrained part of our identity.

"Our experiences are a bigger part of ourselves than our material goods," says Gilovich. "You can really like your material stuff. You can even think that part of your identity is connected to those things, but nonetheless they remain separate from you. In contrast, your experiences really are part of you. We are the sum total of our experiences."

 

[hodgeman]

I read that article and have to agree... travel is one of the few things you can spend money on that leaves you richer in the end.

I think many folks are entirely too focused on the material side of the equation of hunting. Some of the least successful hunters I know have the most equipment. Heck, an acquaintance of mine has a garage that looks like a Cabelas died in there and he hasn't so much as hunted a day in three years but he hits Cabelas every payday.Can't figure that out.

 

[jtw]

There's a fine line between spending lots for the experience of hunting and lots on material goods in hope of the experience of hunting.

 

[Beendare]

Great topic. You can read all of the books you want on stalking...and have TOL gear...but the best way to learn is to blow a few stalks.

When it comes to spending money on stuff- you only have to talk to a guy that has attended a Rod Jenkins clinic [stickbows], a CQB live fire class or a long range rifle shooting school to understand the life long benefit of training. We all see it- guys that have all the stuff...but on't know how to use it.....and guys with much less stuff...that always seem to get it done.

 

[aggieland]

Great topic. You can read all of the books you want on stalking...and have TOL gear...but the best way to learn is to blow a few stalks.

When it comes to spending money on stuff- you only have to talk to a guy that has attended a Rod Jenkins clinic [stickbows], a CQB live fire class or a long range rifle shooting school to understand the life long benefit of training. We all see it- guys that have all the stuff...but on't know how to use it.....and guys with much less stuff...that always seem to get it done.

I fully agree!

 

[Craig Van Arsdale]

So what your saying is get out there and book those sheep hunts we are all dreaming about.....

 

[charvey9]

That's also why you need to buy new gear every season! I'm sharing this with my wife.

 

[BRWNBR]

Rather hunt with junk than sit home and look at my nice gear.

 

[luke moffat]

Rather hunt with junk than sit home and look at my nice gear.

HAHA isn't that the truth!! I think most would cringe to see the bow you used to arrow that P&Y goat with. Of course you let it tumble down the mountain on your pack (on purpose) after you arrowed the goat so you had an excuse to get a new one. The pack fared ok, the bow.....not so much.

 

[BRWNBR]

That bow still shoots great! Never did get a new one....lol

 

[AXEL]

So what your saying is get out there and book those sheep hunts we are all dreaming about.....

One thing I long ago learned while working solo for extended periods in remote BC wilderness and in Alberta, too. If, you live and work in really rugged and remote country, using the best available gear makes life a LOT more enjoyable.

I never stint on my gear, but, I live where people as above "book" hunts and the many working pro. bushmen I know all use highed optics, good packs and top quality footwear. These are simply crucial to comfort and even safety when in wilderness, especially alone for extended periods.

I bought my first Zeiss bino, aged 21, after my first three month, no breaks, solo stint in BC's East Kootenays manning a BCFS fire Lookout and I will not be without such optics ever.

The best course of action, to me, is to buy what YOU feel you need and enjoy and not worry about what others think.

 

[orionsbrother]

I'm with Axel. I upgrade my gear as I'm forced to, or as I can, replacing whatever has been beat chitless. It ends up with me living an interesting dichotomy. Am I a homeless guy in quality rain gear? How come my glass and packs are worth more than my truck? Nice quilt, how much of that tent is patches and duct tape?

I think you should buy the best you can afford, especially on key items. And wring the life out of everything. I don't neglect my gear, but I'm where it goes to die.

 

[actionshooter]

I read that article the other day and can relate 100%.

I bring in a pretty good wage, have an old house, buy a used truck only when the old one is wore out, and only buy the gear I need to get by (but quality is a must). I have no problem spending the money it takes to do the trips I want. My wife, though she doesn't hunt, is on the same page. She likes to travel as much I hunt and believes life is about the experience and the adventure, not keeping up with the neighbors and their new cars and 40' motorhomes. I believe we are much happier because of this.

 

[mobilefamily]

Great article.

I stopped buying major Christmas presents for my wife and daughter years ago. Now they get a trip...but they usually have to take me. We generally alternate between enriching (National Park stuff or somewhere with a cultural angle) and mass marketed fun (Disney, Universal Studios). We've been doing this for a several years now and I am sold on the idea. BTW, we would all rank the cheapest (about $500 total) trip among the best. We spent about a week in Big Bend just exploring, pushing ourselves and seeing new stuff.

 

[2rocky]

I've thought along these lines but never been able to express it quite so eloquently. Now some THINGS do allow us to have more experiences.

For example buying Camping Gear allows us to afford to do DIY hunts annually rather than go with an outfitter once.

However the difference between a Big Agnes 4 man Tent and an REI branded tent doesn't buy us any more opportunities.

But having a tent, might mean the difference between going, and not going.

 

[dihardhunter]

Extremely interesting link - thanks for posting.