[Zerstoerer]

Has anyody tried those computer games simulating hunting on the PC?
Wonder if they are in any way realisitc or useful in learning something about hunting.
Cabela's has some.

[DavidAk311]

I wouldn't look for any lessons, but they can be entertaining in the off-season, especially with a few cocktails.....

[auschip]

I don't think you can have a realistic hunting game. Seriously, who is going to buy a game where they sit in front of the TV for 8 hours and don't see anything.

[Art Eatman]

Probably the overall best sources of information would be the "Big Three": Field&Stream, Sports Afield and Outdoor Life. Numerous articles on what critters do, not just "Buy this in order to be successful."

The more time you spend outdoors watching critters, the better, even if it's just squirrels in the park. Spend the off season in farm and ranch country, talking to landowners about access. Access for camera hunting is no bad deal, either. The main thing is to get out and learn.

Art

[Sunray]

Deer Hunter 2 is realistic. You walk and walk and walk. Hear all kinds of deer but only see them way over there or not at all. Fun yes. Good training no. It's a game.

[Art Eatman]

A game can't teach you how to use your ears and your nose when you're hunting. More than once, I've either heard or smelled a buck that was upwind of me. Even moreso for javelina. :)

Art

[Zerstoerer]

Thanks for the posts, Gentlemen.
Of course no computer game can simulate the smell, feel and sensation of being outdoors.
I did not mean this as a substitute for the real thing, more a way to simulate being there while you are chained to your office hoping you were out there...

Also, thinking of Cabela's 'Dangerous Game' - the simulation beats reality when you are eaten by the leopard.

[Art Eatman]

Chained to an office? Anything! Anything is good!

Shame they didn't have computers and Internet when I was doing the office thing...

:D, Art