Deaf Hunters

[Deafirishman]

Good morning everyone. I recently wrote an article on Deaf Hunters and would like to educate others on what the Deaf/Hard of Hearing community go through while hunting in the field. I am deaf/hard of hearing and have been since I was 2 years old. The challenges that we face, whether it's in the hunting field or in everyday life, can be enormous at times but we learn to adapt to certain situations. I live to hunt so my disability will never interfere with my love for the outdoors and hunting. Thanks for taking the time to read the article and if possible please leave a comment at the end of the article. I would really appreciate that. Thanks again and here is the link to the article : http://www.elk-hunting-tips.net/deaf-hunters.html

[eriks.]

Nice article Aaron. I have never allowed my hard hearing to hamper my enthusiasm about anything. I definitely have better focus with my eyes because of it and many times spot animals before others who are with me! I'm not deaf, but sounds that others take for granted totally escape me. Oh well! If that's as bad as it gets, I'm a totally blessed man!!

[Deafirishman]

Thanks Eriks for taking the time to read the article. I appreciate that. I see you are going to Colorado for some elk hunting. That's awesome !! I have been to Colorado a few times during 2nd rifle season. We hunted near Pagosa Springs down in the southwest corner of Colorado. I missed a bull of a lifetime back in 2004 (7x7). I have been reliving that day since then but it happens and I am grateful for the opportunity to hunt elk again. I am heading out to Idaho this September for some archery hunting. Leaving Sept 6th and coming back on the 17th. I have spent a lot of time preparing myself for this hunt. My first time hunting elk during the rut. If it's anything like the whitetail rut, I am in for a show Best of luck to you in your hunt this season. Hope to hear some hunting stories on here of your hunt !! I plan on writing one on here as well. Thanks again for reading the article.

[mtnmutt]

Excellent article. Thank you for writing it.

I am a deaf/hard of hearing solo bowhunter. Chasing elk for 3 seasons so far. None have made it to the freezer yet.

Last week, I just found out that my hearing loss got worse than the last testing 2.5 yrs ago, so I am headed for my 6th ear surgery in early October to see if my left ear prosthesis (metal stapes) is still in place. Here is my loss which isn't too bad for picking up some sounds in the woods: left ear avg 111 dB loss - may be deaf now in some frequencies; right ear avg 70 dB loss. During hunting, I have to turn off my left hearing aide because of feedback issues.

I can't hear the bugles either. Even when I stand 100 yards from them in Rocky Mountain National Park, they are only faint. I can hear the crunching of branches if they are close. Scanning the forest with my naked eye is my best way to spot elk.

When I called for someone, they had to tell me an elk bugled and what direction it came from.

Elknut/Paul suggested I try ambush this year, so I am trying that instead of relying mostly on cold calling. Just started reading Swede's Tree Stand Hunting Rocky Mountain Elk book for sale on this site which may help my learning curve.

Good luck on your hunt. And thanks again for sharing.

[eriks.]

Pagosa Springs area is where I'm headed too. If you have any insight or suggestions and don't mind sharing, send me a pm and I would appreciate it very much.
Good luck to you as well!

[Deafirishman]

Eriks - I sent you a PM. Let me know if you get it or not.

Mtnmutt - Thanks for taking the time to read the article. I appreciate that. I haven't had my hearing tested in a few years now. I have been wearing the same hearing aids for over ten years now and I know it's time for a new pair but these things are expensive !!! My left ear is better than my right. I pretty much can't hear anything in my right ear without my hearing aid. I have learned to adapt and use my good eyesight to my advantage. I have a gotten a few elk in my freezer but no bulls yet. I did happen to miss one back in 2004. A very nice looking 7x7 !! I am still looking to redeem myself. Leaving for Idaho Sept 6th for an archery hunt. The only other place I have hunted elk is around Pagosa Springs CO. Best of luck this year and hope to hear how you did.
I did purchase Elknut's Playbook and I have learned a ton just reading this book.

Again, thanks for reading the article.

[mtnmutt]

Deafirishman,
I only get 5-6 years out of my behind the ear hearing aides and I am not rough on them.

If you have time before your trip, go to an audiologist and get some of the external pieces replaced: ear molds, filter in tube, tubes, windshield on mics. I just did this 2 weeks ago and it made a huge difference for my 4 year old aides. They worked far better on my recent scouting trip. I also had the default volume level increased about 4 dB because my hearing had gotten worse these last 2 years.

You probably already know this, but the batteries will drain faster and work harder when you are out in the woods in windy conditions, so have spares with you.

I hope you post a story about your trip when you return.

Good luck!