It is as much a pain the buttocks as a blessing
. I can't drink bitter beers or strong IPAs - they make me puke. Seriously. But I can usually pick out most of the ingredients in a sauce, or casserole, etc...it is not universal for all super tasters. Each may have certain things that are very hightened - or detented. Salt is very "up-front" for me as are acids.
This year's hunt was a real treat for me. I was only interested in ONE big scoring set of antlers. I have always only hunted for meat...but - time for a rack on the wall. So - I have a friend who knew I hunted - but had never expressed any interest in it approach me and ask if "anybody" could go hunt Elk. Mind you, he had never even owned a centerfire rifle...let alone hunt game. This was a weeklong horseback hunt at 10,000+ feet in the San Juans above Cuba NM....Long story short...I spent about 10 months teaching and training. Fundamentals of shooting, ballistics, accuracy, how survive in the woods if lost, selection of the right gear - boots and layers....buying a rifle, scope and rangefinder....and how to accurate/consistency with them....years of hunting experience crammed into about the time it takes to make a baby ( full term..not 15 minutes...) - and how to ride a horse.....
So - when I got to camp - I had a private conversation with the guides and explained this was his first ever hunt. And I wanted him to have the first shot opportunity. And - he remembered his training.....downed a HUGE bodied , mature 5x5 that probably weighed 900 lbs. I have to tell you Ron, I was more proud of HIS success as someone that I had the privilege to mentor - than if I had shot the Elk myself...
You can see a lot of pictures from this trip at: teesquare.smugmug.com
