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Post by lost hunter on Dec 13, 2016 13:11:29 GMT -4
Whats a hunter to do? I've been a life long hunter and have taken my share of game from my back yard, to places around the globe.
I've belonged to many hunting clubs and associations. For the most part, all filled with good people.
I've always tried to keep it sporting. Followed the rules. Never wasted meat. Defended hunting and hunters at every chance I could.
I always said the day I lost that uncontrollable rush of excitement when shooting, or about to take an animal, I'd give it up.
My mistake was thinking that would never happen. I lived and breathed hunting 24/7. And like many things in life, it's easier said then done.
Well that sad, confusing day happened much to my dismay. I shot a great whitetail with a homemade selfbow. I was happy and wrote a story about the day.
But something changed. For the first time ever, I felt that buck was more valued to me alive than it was laying at my feet. The ridge somehow seemed barren.
I might as well taken a punch to the gut.
I tried my best to shove it back down to where ever it surfaced from. Some days I succeed. Some days I don't.
Such a strange foreign feeling. I have a few options, none of which I'm crazy about.
No-one makes me hunt. I could simply just not hunt. Of course, when hunting is ingrained in your DNA, that may be easier said than done, but it's an option nonetheless.
The scary part about the above noted option? ..... I might as well give up eating meat.
I've always thought it was hypocritical of anti hunters to bash hunters if they in fact eat meat. A hunters meat lived a wild and free life until it was taken by a hunter. I believe the quality of that life was better than most other options.
So I can't square just letting someone else kill my meat for me. I figure if you are going to consume meat....you should at least be concerned enough to have a hands on part of it. At least that way, you know where it comes from, how it died, and most likely, how it lived ! That's open an honest. Killing is serious and should be taken serious.
Another option is to just hunt and take animals~ not for any enjoyment but perhaps the most basic of needs....food. Of course, that rules out any pricey out of province hunts. That wouldn't be cost effective. I'm not sure what hunting is cost effective today though...but that's another whole subject.
But that brings me back to the code I always lived by....if I no longer got a rush from hunting....I would give it up.
Back to square one.....A lost hunter......
ps- There are so many roads this could go....as I typed it out I just tried to focus on one or two thoughts.....I welcome wherever it goes tho.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 21, 2016 22:50:08 GMT -4
Howdy lost hunter. I have read your post a couple times, impressed w/it & want to respond although I doubt I qualify but will give you my limited, but honest take on the point of you being at a "crossroads". I have some experience w/forums & have experienced "guests" who are truly that & also members who post a topic of import but want to remain nameless. I only state this as your writing style reminds me of a couple of forum "friends". Be that as it may, I will rise to the bait as best as I can. I only hope that other forum members would also contribute as the urge moves them.
First of all, it appears we have a lot in common, e.g., passion for the hunt, ethics of hunting, an honest respect for our quarry, the love of creation (i.e. The "wild"), fair chase, etc & a concern for the right of future generations to inherit & enjoy our great outdoor heritage.
I think I'm just a little behind you in our "journey" of our hunting passion & ALL it entails. About 10 yrs ago I read an interesting article from a couple outdoor "specialists" w/the normal degree abbreviations behind their names (I recognized these abbreviations as I also have been educated a little beyond my intelligence).
While I poked a little fun at them, they did present an interesting hunting pattern of maturity based upon numerous interviews of many hunters of various stages of hunting "maturation". They stated that there were 3 stages of hunting maturation & I will present them as best as my 70+ brain can recall: Stage 1: Limit Hunter who try's to fill hill his limit asap, Stage 2: Trophy Hunter who is more concerned w/taking the trophys in a species...more important than filling a limit, Stage 3: Can't remember the name but the hunter who enjoyed the total hunt & all it involves & could care less if he fills his tag or bags a trophy.
I think you are completing Stage 3 or mov'in to a Stage 4. Nothin really wrong w/you. You've got nothing to prove! But don't despair or desert us...we need you. There are more than one Positive way you can can continue in the Journey. Mentors, Instructors, Writers, etc! I think you agree that there are many hunting/shooting "experts" who force their inexperienced opinions upon the new recruits. We need the hunting tribal elders to pass on the True Experienced Tradition. Don't leave us...we need you. Tired of the annual hunting magazine BS from those who should be in Kindergarten.
Respectfully...Sideswipe...aka Pierced Ashcan 7 Alpha
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Post by lost hunter on Dec 28, 2016 10:15:09 GMT -4
ha! I'm not really trying to fool anyone lol.....i just find it more appropriate to post as how I'm feeling lol. Like I mentioned....I'll never be anti hunting...at least when it conducted correctly....a seperate issue....but in most circles it seems the rules are still meant to be broke....its sad but true. Maybe not even by the majority...but by enough. I'll support legal hunting as long as I can type....but I plan on calling out the bad ones more often....and bad ideas from within the community. I'm like 9 days or so meat free.....especially tough over the holidays....but i managed. I think in general the superstars of tv hunting have done a dis-service to hunting as a whole. Half of the "stars" are just trigger pullers and photo op grabbers. Hunters are an easy sell. I dunno who here has bones out a large animal in the woods....but its messy work at the best....good work...but messy... I came across this pic recently...I just smiled as most of my hunting friends said how great she was....check out her clothes and hands ! I'll eat my bow string if she did a lick of that boning...and I dont mean to single her out....its just a recent example of how we as hunters are being duped by the industry..... ha...I just realized this post has nothing to do with my original post.....I guess its just another thorn in my side.... On a better note...happy holidays to all.  |
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Post by tuketu on Dec 30, 2016 10:12:02 GMT -4
Can't tell ya how many times now that I've read your original post & Sideswipe did bring up an interesting theory on the evolution of a hunter.
Reminded me of a time many years ago when one of my hunting Buddies , 20 years my senior, said to me that he didn't care if he shot another deer. I was shocked ...this is a guy who lived for the woods and had hunted and fished all his life with his brother, uncle and father. I had been regaled many's a time by a campfire of his tales afield. I was about 30 at the time and was stunned at the thought that I would ever consider the notion of not hunting. Well, here we are, some 27 years later ...and guess what ... Every year I find it harder and harder to get motivated to hunt. Don't get me wrong ... I love the whole Bear Hunting thing but I've become soft in my old age I guess and it troubles me to take a life. I've never been a trophy hunter and I try to be very respectful when taking photos of animals I've harvested.
The one main factor that keeps me coming back is the love of bear meat and I do take pride in knowing I've accomplished it on my own, right down to the chore of individually packing the meat myself. I so enjoy every steak, chop, burger and roast and relish every morsel. I guess that maybe .... it could be a bit of that primordial instinct, the satisfaction of being the provider. It's so easy to get caught up in these hunting forums feeling you have something to prove something to your peers. I've found myself more that once having to step back and question my intention ... but it all comes back to I have nothing to prove to anyone but myself.
Insofar as our Lost Hunter is concerned ... I can speak with unquestioned certainty of his integrity as a Hunter and respect & admire his accomplishments and abilities as a Traditional Bow Hunter. I am proud & honored to call you friend !
At one time or another we all come to these crossroads in life and we have to follow our heart to tell which road to take. I know, Lost Hunter, your days in the woods have not, or will ever end. You may have embarked on a new road but that opens new trails to follow. Just remember to pack a lunch, compass and a camera. ... you're going to be just fine my friend!
Dibbs on Sweet Thang !
tuk
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Post by lost hunter on Dec 30, 2016 20:07:35 GMT -4
well some nice words here.....
whats kind of surprised me is the amount of hunters who say they have felt the same way. So thats encouraging for me lol.
some have told me they just skipped a year or two.
others said they gave it up and them had a grandchild have an interest and it rekindled the interest.
I'll never not be in the woods....I'm still in most every days....still running cams....
I know I'll still be in a tree next fall when the buck's necks begin to swell up...the question remains if I will shoot it or not. Thats not preaching or anything...its just where I'm currently at.
I've been looking at some groups who are most assuredly not anti hunting.....but lean more towards the conservation side of things....which includes hunting.....but also ferreting out local poachers and rule breakers etc. Thats starting to really appeal to me.
I've currently been in a large debate with many of our local hunting population....we have a declining deer population for many reason...not one single issue imo. But with this decline we continue as a Province to increase bag limits, lengthen seasons, and open up early seasons to more modern weapons. The current mode of thinking is all for more opportunities at any cost. At least it seems thats way. Many of the same who cry about low deer numbers....support all the increased pressure we are putting on the declining deer herd. To me thats backazzwards. But mention it....and the fight begins.....it may be a fight I'm willing to enter tho.
so thats about it for now...I just thought I'd drop another line.
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Post by lost hunter on Dec 31, 2016 10:45:10 GMT -4
I found this today...not my words...but fit in this theme
I've been accused of "not being very excited" when I've made a kill. And it is true; I usually feel a bit numb emotionally, immediately after an animal is recovered. Sometimes I'll feel very remorseful and a little fretful. But around when it's time to process the meat, is when I become introspective and reflect back upon the experience. When it comes time to actually create food for my family, is when I feel a measure of pride and satisfaction. That's when I realize what I've accomplished and can revel in the moment...regardless of how much time has passed. I hunt not necessarily for the kill...but to live within the circle. And to live within the circle...you have to kill.
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Post by tuketu on Jan 18, 2017 12:29:40 GMT -4
Not sure where you may have managed to find that paragraph, but the more I read it the more I can't help but wonder how someone knew me that well.
It is so where I am in the big scheme of things.
tuk
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