By: Dan Fiske
Hunting has been around since someone figured out that sharp sticks are
capable of killing animals, and is still around today. It�s evolved greatly
since the time of the spear; to the bow; to the firearm and more modern
compound bows. The way animals have been harvested is changing, but the
purpose behind it is not.
Every year gobs of people enter the woods in search of the perfect day away
from the desk, and a chance at getting some of that much-demanded wild game
meat. Hunting is more than a hobby, but a way of relaxing. Hey- it�s cheaper
than a shrink! Next time you�re out hunting whatever it is you enjoy hunting
most, take a second and listen. What do you hear? Is it the sound of a
squirrel rustling in the leaves, or a crow off in the distance? Do you hear
a frog croaking, or water trickling down a rock? All the sounds I encounter
in the woods are relaxing.
Sometimes I�ll set up a deer stand not because it has the most deer sign,
but because of the other critters I think I may encounter on their way to
get a sip of water, or an acorn from buried under the leaves. I always leave
the woods happy, empty-handed or not. I have just as great as a time
scouting as I do with a gun or bow in hand. It�s not about making the
kill, but it�s about the experience leading up to the kill. The hunting trip
starts the day I start scouting, till the day my tag is filled or the season
is over. It�s great times in the woods that make us hunters do what we
do.
Everyone learned to hunt somewhere. Some learned it from a parent or friend.
Others may have just been invited along by some colleagues and got hooked.
The important thing is to help others realize what they are missing out on.
If you know someone who would like to get involved in the out of doors take
them under your wing. They�ll appreciate it, and you�ll enjoy it too.
Without more people getting involved in hunting this great sport may slowly
die out. Every non-hunter is a potential anti-hunter.
Dan Fiske
Photo by Dave Sheedy
