Post by Decatur on Aug 25, 2006 12:25:59 GMT -5
Why Do I (WE) Hunt !
This is the question that every person who is new to the sport, or is a seasoned veteran, must continually ask themselves. Every person will probably respond in a different way to this question. The answer must come from down deep inside of the individual and usually invokes a very passionate response.
I hunt for the pure enjoyment of the sport. I love being in the woods well before dawn and watch the woods come to life all around me as dawn breaks. I sit in awe of the other animals I share the woods with on any given day. The shrill cry of the Blue Jay greets me. The sound of geese circling their favorite feeding grounds is a welcome sound. The squirrels and chipmunks scurry around looking for food and keeping me company while I await my quarry. The drumming of a grouse on a clear, crisp Spring morning is a sound that all should be allowed to appreciate. Also, the thundering gobbles of the old "Boss" Tom Turkey can startle even the hardiest of hunter. There is nothing like watching the sun rise above the ridge on a clear, crisp morning. In the Fall, I the hunter can only hope to hear the sound of two bucks sparring for dominance. But, I think that the best sound of all is the sound of footsteps approaching my stand on a clear, windless morning. This is the time I truly know I'm alive. My heart starts pumping, almost jumping out of my chest. I constantly remind myself to calm down, verify my target, pick a spot and make a good clean shot !
Now comes the moment of truth. The footsteps come closer and closer. Everything is perfect. I am downwind of my quarry, I am prepared for the shot . I am in control of my emotions. Then he steps into view, the perfect buck. Now, it's the moment of truth. I must make the decision to shoot. I ask myself the question, should I shoot? If I shoot my season is over. But, if I don't, this deer may be larger next year. Providing he makes it through the current season. I decide to pass on the shot and remain on post for the remainder of the day. I revel in the fact that this deer passed within my shooting range that I did everything right to get the shot. I chose not to shoot and because of that choice I get to enjoy the wildlife that pass my way the remainder of the day. I keep reminding myself that tomorrow is another day and the story starts all over again. This is why I hunt !
As hunters, we all have a similar story or reason why we hunt. But, one fact remains constant, we are not in it for the kill but for the pure enjoyment of being in the Great Outdoors and the excitement of stalking a wild animal who is extremely adept at avoiding us. We are sportsmen or women in the truest sense of the word. We take care of the game we hunt. We only take what we can use. We donate our time to help improve the habitat of the game we hunt. We promote and defend our sport. We cherish the time we spend afield and hope to conserve it for our children to enjoy. After all they are our Future and the Future of our sport. So, the best thing we can do, as hunters, is to pass on our ethics and hunting traditions to our youth.
Let me know what you think.
Email me: Richard Geffert - geffert@adelphia.net
This is the question that every person who is new to the sport, or is a seasoned veteran, must continually ask themselves. Every person will probably respond in a different way to this question. The answer must come from down deep inside of the individual and usually invokes a very passionate response.
I hunt for the pure enjoyment of the sport. I love being in the woods well before dawn and watch the woods come to life all around me as dawn breaks. I sit in awe of the other animals I share the woods with on any given day. The shrill cry of the Blue Jay greets me. The sound of geese circling their favorite feeding grounds is a welcome sound. The squirrels and chipmunks scurry around looking for food and keeping me company while I await my quarry. The drumming of a grouse on a clear, crisp Spring morning is a sound that all should be allowed to appreciate. Also, the thundering gobbles of the old "Boss" Tom Turkey can startle even the hardiest of hunter. There is nothing like watching the sun rise above the ridge on a clear, crisp morning. In the Fall, I the hunter can only hope to hear the sound of two bucks sparring for dominance. But, I think that the best sound of all is the sound of footsteps approaching my stand on a clear, windless morning. This is the time I truly know I'm alive. My heart starts pumping, almost jumping out of my chest. I constantly remind myself to calm down, verify my target, pick a spot and make a good clean shot !
Now comes the moment of truth. The footsteps come closer and closer. Everything is perfect. I am downwind of my quarry, I am prepared for the shot . I am in control of my emotions. Then he steps into view, the perfect buck. Now, it's the moment of truth. I must make the decision to shoot. I ask myself the question, should I shoot? If I shoot my season is over. But, if I don't, this deer may be larger next year. Providing he makes it through the current season. I decide to pass on the shot and remain on post for the remainder of the day. I revel in the fact that this deer passed within my shooting range that I did everything right to get the shot. I chose not to shoot and because of that choice I get to enjoy the wildlife that pass my way the remainder of the day. I keep reminding myself that tomorrow is another day and the story starts all over again. This is why I hunt !
As hunters, we all have a similar story or reason why we hunt. But, one fact remains constant, we are not in it for the kill but for the pure enjoyment of being in the Great Outdoors and the excitement of stalking a wild animal who is extremely adept at avoiding us. We are sportsmen or women in the truest sense of the word. We take care of the game we hunt. We only take what we can use. We donate our time to help improve the habitat of the game we hunt. We promote and defend our sport. We cherish the time we spend afield and hope to conserve it for our children to enjoy. After all they are our Future and the Future of our sport. So, the best thing we can do, as hunters, is to pass on our ethics and hunting traditions to our youth.
Let me know what you think.
Email me: Richard Geffert - geffert@adelphia.net
