4. Usually they're packing the goods.
In a pinch and need another battery for your StealthCam or Nikon rangefinder? Your cameraman probably has you covered. Dropped your glove out of the treestand? He has you covered. Nasty-looking storm brewing? He probably even has an extra poncho for you. Need a Snickers bar or a cookie to stave off hunger pangs? You can count on your cameraman. One video trooper I know usually packs cookies the size of Frisbees. The only thing I know that has more nutritional potency is a Sportsmen's Edge multivitamin. Cameramen come prepared.

3. They can "make you or break you."
A good relationship between hunter and cameraman is vital. Friendships are great. Friends trust each other and want other friends to do well and look good on camera. Friendly cameramen don't focus on your plumber's crack when you're stalking up on a bedded muley. The camera sees all, but it doesn't always show all. And that's a good thing.

2. Quite often they're the better hunter.
Most of the cameramen we use are accomplished hunters in their own right. Many are bowhunters and are as passionate about hunting with the bow and arrow as we are. Because they often sacrifice their own hunting time to follow us with cameras, the last thing they're going to do is threaten our chances of success by not following the full scent-elimination regimen and wearing their ScentBlocker clothes. Some even seem to think they're hunting with a camera. Maybe that's because they are. It goes back to teamwork. While much is made of the difficulty of capturing bowhunting video when movement, noise, and scent are doubled, there's also something to be said for having two sets of eyes, two sets of ears, and two brains on stand together. While most bowhunters prefer to be alone on stand, I have to say that sometimes I welcome the company of a cameraman, and I've definitely benefited from the hunting advice of some of the cameramen I've been with. We all like it when they whisper, "Take 'em!"

1. They never show up on video.
Whatever you say about your cameraman won't stand up in court anyway. There's no proof. Cameramen rarely, if ever, show up on video. They're smarter than that...

Editor's Note: To learn more about Bowhunter Magazine TV, visit www.bowhunter.com. If you're interested in becoming a freelance video cameraman, contact the Bowhunter Magazine office.