ACP230
Member
The author of the book Dave mentions is Jose Ortega y Gasset.
I recommend it.
I recommend it.
Questions from a non-hunter
- Thread starter chris in va
- Start date
- Status
Art Eatman
Moderator In Memoriam
"One does not hunt in order to kill. One kills in order to have hunted." -- Ortega y Gassett.
, Art
, ArtLonestar.45
Member
- Joined
- Sep 3, 2004
- Messages
- 1,077
I grew up hunting, so it's in my blood. My grandfather is 89 and just took a deer. My great uncle is 75 and shot 3 deer with his bow (a recurve at that!) at 8 yds last year. Dad has taken more deer than I can count.
But really, for me, it all boils down to the "do it yourself" nature I have in me. I'd rather fix something myself if I can, than get someone else to do it. I'd rather build something myself than pay someone. And I'd rather put my own food in the freezer than go to the supermarket meat section and buy it in a package. Just the pride in doing it yourself, I guess, or at least knowing that you can, is a good feeling. Knowing I can do it and most people can't or won't is an empowering feeling in my opinion. It sets one apart a little, and I have confidence that if ever I was in a survival situtation, I could fend for myself and prosper rather nicely.
As for the remorse thing, sure, I feel a little twinge of sadness after every deer I take, I don't think you'd be human if you didn't. In fact, and people here may think I'm totally strange, I say a prayer over every deer I take when I find it. It's respectful, and keeps me connected to God and nature.
I feel better taking that wild deer knowing it had several years of good free life and was taken fair chase than thinking about the cow that was kept in a pen and fattened up for the slaughter that I just bought at the drive through.
But really, for me, it all boils down to the "do it yourself" nature I have in me. I'd rather fix something myself if I can, than get someone else to do it. I'd rather build something myself than pay someone. And I'd rather put my own food in the freezer than go to the supermarket meat section and buy it in a package. Just the pride in doing it yourself, I guess, or at least knowing that you can, is a good feeling. Knowing I can do it and most people can't or won't is an empowering feeling in my opinion. It sets one apart a little, and I have confidence that if ever I was in a survival situtation, I could fend for myself and prosper rather nicely.
As for the remorse thing, sure, I feel a little twinge of sadness after every deer I take, I don't think you'd be human if you didn't. In fact, and people here may think I'm totally strange, I say a prayer over every deer I take when I find it. It's respectful, and keeps me connected to God and nature.
I feel better taking that wild deer knowing it had several years of good free life and was taken fair chase than thinking about the cow that was kept in a pen and fattened up for the slaughter that I just bought at the drive through.
AStone
Member
I think that's cool, Lonestar.45, and respect you for sharing it on this forum.Lonestar.45 said:
I've never shot a deer (not for lack of trying when I was a kid; haven't hunted in the last 30 years, but about to start again...next year), but I have shot squirrels, rabbits & birds. I always feel a tinge of ... sympathy or remorse for them when I pick up their still-warm body to field dress it. That was a little life form I just shot, and I just ended it's life & cognition. (It may not have been self-aware, but it was aware of it's surroundings, says the biologist who studies life because he finds it so special.)
When I cook up a stew, or some fried dove, I at least unconsciously think of the animal that I'm eating.
Take the following with a grain of salt (I'm a biologist, not an anthropologist): I've read somewhere that at least some indigenous peoples either now or in the past (or both) reportedly speak to the "spirit" of the animal they were about to kill (or had killed?) thanking them for giving their life so that the hunter could continue his/hers.
Nem
orangeninja
Member
- Joined
- Dec 4, 2003
- Messages
- 3,117
Okay, okay...I confess. When I was 12 and 13 years old my dad took me hunting for deer. The first time I got a deer in the glass, I couldn't bring myself to pull the trigger. I just watched him. Later my father who was trying to chase him out of the hedges into the field asked me, "did he ever come out? Did you see him?"....I replied "nope."
In fact of all the times I've been deer hunting, I've never even taken a shot....I just couldn't do it. This later paid off when on one dusk it was "doe day" the one day a year a doe could be killed in Louisiana and a doe trotted out of the brush 25 yards in front of me, big as day. I cocked my single shot .20 ga. (slug in it) and aimed, I had her dead to rights, when suddenly the woman who was camping with us jumped in front of my gun about a foot in front of the muzzle yelling "NO!!! You can't shoot that one, it's a girl!" The doe just looked at us like we were crazy and casually jogged away. To put things in perspective...the deer was in my sights, my finger was on the trigger and the hammer was back...I could have pulled the trigger any second, including the one in which the woman jumped in front of my shotgun....had I been inclined to shoot that deer, I am positive I would have put a slug right through that womans chest inadvertantly.
In fact of all the times I've been deer hunting, I've never even taken a shot....I just couldn't do it. This later paid off when on one dusk it was "doe day" the one day a year a doe could be killed in Louisiana and a doe trotted out of the brush 25 yards in front of me, big as day. I cocked my single shot .20 ga. (slug in it) and aimed, I had her dead to rights, when suddenly the woman who was camping with us jumped in front of my gun about a foot in front of the muzzle yelling "NO!!! You can't shoot that one, it's a girl!" The doe just looked at us like we were crazy and casually jogged away. To put things in perspective...the deer was in my sights, my finger was on the trigger and the hammer was back...I could have pulled the trigger any second, including the one in which the woman jumped in front of my shotgun....had I been inclined to shoot that deer, I am positive I would have put a slug right through that womans chest inadvertantly.
ACP230
Member
My son and I were hunting grouse this afternoon.
We went out behind a friend's house and worked through a small swamp.
Found two small trees that had been rubbed by a small buck, lots of deer trails, some apples still on wild trees, but no grouse.
What made it special is that we borrowed my friend's dog. She's black with "feathers" on her legs and long ears. She's got some spaniel in her somewhere. I used to have a Springer named Hog. He lasted 12 or 13 years, and I hadn't hunted with a dog since. My son had never hunted with one. My friend's dog wasn't too serious about the whole thing but she did hunt around in front of us. It was fun to have her along.
Dogs and dog work are other reasons hunting interests folks.
We went out behind a friend's house and worked through a small swamp.
Found two small trees that had been rubbed by a small buck, lots of deer trails, some apples still on wild trees, but no grouse.
What made it special is that we borrowed my friend's dog. She's black with "feathers" on her legs and long ears. She's got some spaniel in her somewhere. I used to have a Springer named Hog. He lasted 12 or 13 years, and I hadn't hunted with a dog since. My son had never hunted with one. My friend's dog wasn't too serious about the whole thing but she did hunt around in front of us. It was fun to have her along.
Dogs and dog work are other reasons hunting interests folks.
scout26
Member
Like Lonestar, I also take a moment and thank the animal when I get to it. For the same reason we also say Grace before every meal. There is a confusing array of emotions the I go through at that moment. Regret, Sorrow, Surprise (at the size/beauty of the animal), Remorse, Pride, and many others, spurred along by the adreline dump you're just come off of after the shot and/or the mini-one you have after spending some time following the blood trail and now finding the downed animal.
Describing hunting and the emotions/feelings around it is kind of like describing a passionate love affair. What everyone else said maybe only covers 1% of what it's like.
As far as why I hunt:
- It's the annual get together with 20+/- of my closest family and friends.
- It's hearing the same stories, from the same guys, year after year, and still laughing just as much as the first time you heard/witnessed them. It's also adding new ones each year.
- Keeping traditions alive. (Our Deer Camp will have its first 4th Generation member this year.)
- It's some of the best and best tasting food there is: 100% free range, no hormones/anti-biotics or other drugs/poisons. Relatively cheap also. For roughly $30 (Resident Hunting licence and tag) I can butcher myself a fair amount of meat. If I fill the freezer (normally three deer will last us all year), I won't buy any/very little beef for the year. I figure we save $30-$50 per week.
- "Dad, can I have more venison." - my 5 year-old son, who won't eat a McD's Hamburger, but loves, venison, pheasant and wild turkey.
- There's a magical moment that occurs just before sunrise, after you're in your stand and the woods accepts you as part of it now.
- You are no longer an observer of nature, but an active participant in the life and death struggle that is nature. Nature is not some cute, cuddly Disney movie. It's cruel, violent and vicious. Can't remember where I heard it, but "Everything in nature spends 50% of it's time trying to find food and the other 50% trying not to be food."
- "The fun end when the hammer falls." - Can't remember who said this either.
- It's my time with me. Spending a day in the deer woods recharges my batteries and brings a inner peace. A week at deer camp makes up for the other 51.
And finally,
Go look at ancient cave art. You won't see drawings of well tended vegetable plots or nice orchards.
That part still lives on in all of us, and when you take your first deer and realize that you have just provided for your family (tribe), you've connected with nature and that ancient part of yourself in way you have to be there to understand.
mustanger98
Member
Ever read Louis L'Amour's novel "Last of the Breed"? The Indian did that. I've also read in other places that other people would say to the animal's spirit, "because of your sacrifice, my people will eat."
Sounds like something Ted Nugent said.
If I didn't know of women who hunt, I'd have said "stupid girl". Instead, considering her objection was to shooting a doe, I'd have to say she's just an ignorant idiot for jumping in front of a loaded gun.
chris in va said:
This is one reason I don't bowhunt yet, I don't believe I have the skills necessary to hit a deer in an ethical and clean manner(I use all traditional equipment btw) I can consistantly hit the target in a relativly small area but there is always at least one shot out of five that goes a foot high and to the right. This will either result in A. a miss(best case) or B. a poor shot which I think could really sour me on hunting totally.
MNgoldenbear
Member
Most of us do enjoy all the things mentioned (nature, camaraderie, etc.), but some of us do really enjoy killing things. I guess it is a strong predatory instinct with some -- it is with me. I can still have a great day afield without shooting something, and the work part definitely starts when the animal is hit, but I just really do enjoy dropping the hammer on game. If it makes me blood-thirsty and primitive, so be it.
22-rimfire
Member
Chris, I think you just have to give it a try and if you are successful, see how you feel about it then. It is something that is part of the life experience of most hunters. Hunting is something very basic and social. It is a challenge, a thrill, knowledge that you were good enough to score, confidence that you can humanely harvest a large game animal (deer), that you have learned enough about hunting and shooting; many things all in one. But it certainly isn't just about killing.
I grew up in a hunting family and I didin't pull the trigger on the first buck that I had an opportunity to shoot at (age 13). My dad asked why I didn't shoot (as he was present)? It just didn't fit my vision of what was going to or should take place at the time. The funny part about that event was that I was using old old 16 ga slugs (punkin balls) and after buying current or new ammunition for my second deer season. we were plinking away the old ammo to "see how they feel" and they were all duds.
A couple of years later, I didn't get a buck and was doe hunting... saw a doe at about 50 yards in the woods and just watched it until it wandered away. Just didn't want to shoot a doe.
After hunting deer with a bow and later a rifle, everything was really built up in me to be successful and get a deer. It is not about meat for me. I prefer beef actually. After taking my first deer and walking to the downed animal, I can only describe it as pure exhileration and I wanted to yell out. I was shaking and really pumped. That was the first, and that feeling never came back completely again. I still get excited. Same applied to getting "buck fever" >> it happened once. I'm not blood thirsty at all, but that first time is truly memorable. I think ever man should feel this at least once. It could help you in the event you feel that you have to defend yourself as you get a feel of what a bullet actually does to an animal. A deer is similar in body mass to a man.
You said that you don't know if you could intentionally kill an animal that wasn't attacking you. I suspect you would feel the same way about people and it would take a big leap to actually pull the trigger unless you were in true fear of your life. Even then, I imagine you would feel a little sick and ask yourself, did I really have to do that for a long long time afterwards? I would feel that way, I think. All this talk about self defense and so forth, when the time comes to make that leap to defend yourself and possibly take a life, you won't know how you will feel until you do it. Hopefully you will never feel the need for such a course of action.
Go deer hunting and experience this part of life. It is a good thing and you can tell us how you really felt about the experience.
I grew up in a hunting family and I didin't pull the trigger on the first buck that I had an opportunity to shoot at (age 13). My dad asked why I didn't shoot (as he was present)? It just didn't fit my vision of what was going to or should take place at the time. The funny part about that event was that I was using old old 16 ga slugs (punkin balls) and after buying current or new ammunition for my second deer season. we were plinking away the old ammo to "see how they feel" and they were all duds.
A couple of years later, I didn't get a buck and was doe hunting... saw a doe at about 50 yards in the woods and just watched it until it wandered away. Just didn't want to shoot a doe.
After hunting deer with a bow and later a rifle, everything was really built up in me to be successful and get a deer. It is not about meat for me. I prefer beef actually. After taking my first deer and walking to the downed animal, I can only describe it as pure exhileration and I wanted to yell out. I was shaking and really pumped. That was the first, and that feeling never came back completely again. I still get excited. Same applied to getting "buck fever" >> it happened once. I'm not blood thirsty at all, but that first time is truly memorable. I think ever man should feel this at least once. It could help you in the event you feel that you have to defend yourself as you get a feel of what a bullet actually does to an animal. A deer is similar in body mass to a man.
You said that you don't know if you could intentionally kill an animal that wasn't attacking you. I suspect you would feel the same way about people and it would take a big leap to actually pull the trigger unless you were in true fear of your life. Even then, I imagine you would feel a little sick and ask yourself, did I really have to do that for a long long time afterwards? I would feel that way, I think. All this talk about self defense and so forth, when the time comes to make that leap to defend yourself and possibly take a life, you won't know how you will feel until you do it. Hopefully you will never feel the need for such a course of action.
Go deer hunting and experience this part of life. It is a good thing and you can tell us how you really felt about the experience.
Circle of Life, Power of Weapons
Chris,
A lot of my reply content has already been stated well by other members - I'll just add a couple of things:
1) Hunting, killing game for the table or so others can eat, allows me to keep in tune with the circle of life on a more intimate basis - it reminds me that death is at the end of all life, and that life will go on for other people, even after we're gone;
2) Killing animals with rifles, muzzleloaders, and bow and arrow (I use all three) reminds me of the deadly power of these tools, and forces me to treat them with the greatest respect, every time I pick them up. I've seen firsthand what type of damage a firearm can do to a living thing, a realization that shooting at the range doesn't provide for me. This serves as a constant reminder of my responsibility to treat all weapons in a safe, responsible manner, and of the danger that can result from doing otherwise.
3) A couple of people have commented about the feeling you get being in the woods when the day breaks - I call it "watching the world wake up." You go into the woods in pitch black darkness, get to your stand by flashlight, get settled in......after a while the darkness begins to fade, and birds and small animals begin to stir......if youre lucky, you can hear the footfall of larger animals in the distance (deer, bear, etc); on these rare occasions, you get a glimpse of the life of animals when unimpeded by humans, and it truly feels like a privilege, at least to me. There's also a distinct burnt-leaf smell to the woods in the fall, which I find addictive.
During my years of hunting I've experienced a few sights that I've never seen on Discovery Channel or anywhere else.....it's partly the opportunity to have those moments, along with the chance to participate first-hand in the circle of life, that draws me to the woods each fall.
If you opt to go hunting with friends,let us know what you feel and find, it will be interesting to get your perspective.
Michael
Chris,
A lot of my reply content has already been stated well by other members - I'll just add a couple of things:
1) Hunting, killing game for the table or so others can eat, allows me to keep in tune with the circle of life on a more intimate basis - it reminds me that death is at the end of all life, and that life will go on for other people, even after we're gone;
2) Killing animals with rifles, muzzleloaders, and bow and arrow (I use all three) reminds me of the deadly power of these tools, and forces me to treat them with the greatest respect, every time I pick them up. I've seen firsthand what type of damage a firearm can do to a living thing, a realization that shooting at the range doesn't provide for me. This serves as a constant reminder of my responsibility to treat all weapons in a safe, responsible manner, and of the danger that can result from doing otherwise.
3) A couple of people have commented about the feeling you get being in the woods when the day breaks - I call it "watching the world wake up." You go into the woods in pitch black darkness, get to your stand by flashlight, get settled in......after a while the darkness begins to fade, and birds and small animals begin to stir......if youre lucky, you can hear the footfall of larger animals in the distance (deer, bear, etc); on these rare occasions, you get a glimpse of the life of animals when unimpeded by humans, and it truly feels like a privilege, at least to me. There's also a distinct burnt-leaf smell to the woods in the fall, which I find addictive.
During my years of hunting I've experienced a few sights that I've never seen on Discovery Channel or anywhere else.....it's partly the opportunity to have those moments, along with the chance to participate first-hand in the circle of life, that draws me to the woods each fall.
If you opt to go hunting with friends,let us know what you feel and find, it will be interesting to get your perspective.
Michael
EghtySx
Member
That's a trolling question if I ever heard one.
Why don't you ask why people like bowling? Or the color red? Or lasagna?
Pretty much any activity known to man has fans and people who enjoy doing it.
It's an activity, a sport. It has been handed down from father to son, generation to generation, since man first inhabited this planet.
I grew up hunting and while I like going to the range, plinking, competitions, any type of shooting, quite often I have to kill something. (I don't HAVE to I guess but I sure get the urge) I can't explain it, I just grew up hunting and enjoy it a lot I guess. While I do eat a lot of what I kill, some things I just exterminate. (feral hogs, coyotes, feral dogs, skunks ...) All great fun.
countertop
Member
I am always moved whenever I watch The Last of the Mohicans (one of my all time favorite movies, and the book ain't too bad either) when they hunt the elk in the beginning of the movie and Chingachgook says a prayer for its life and soul following the successful hunt.
Last edited:
AStone
Member
.30-30 with ammo (including range practice): $400.scout26 said:
Hunting license and tag: $30.
Child who doesn't like McD's: priceless.
I remember reading some stories about "buck fever" published in a hunter's magazine about three decades ago. I still remember two of them today.22-rimfire said:
1) The hunter that downed a buck with one shot, and ran towards it immediately, forgeting he was in a tree stand. Fell out of tree, broke his leg.
2) Another hunter that "fired" 3 shots at a beautiful buck with a lever gun, but didn't hit it. (No blood trail found.) His friend later found 3 unfired cartridges on the ground. Interpretation: the guy was so excited by the sight of the buck, he forgot to pull the trigger and simply ejected the unfired cartridges.
Nem
Although we have seen some great responses, you're dealing in a realm which doesn't lend itself to the written word. Even the most cogent and well crafted written accounts can't possibly conjure the emotion and effforts, tribulation and exultation of the hunting experience.
When I was young I read everything I could get my hands on, but nothing can prepare you for the pulse-pounding flurry of pheasant flushes at the end of the field. Until you have watched a magnificent buck standing broadside in your sights, you cannot imagine the experience. And when you can watch, patiently, over a period of hours in howling wind and biting cold, you get a sense of how powerful and powerless we humans are. Hunting helps to restore a scale to life that we've forgotten, living our insulated lives in the buildings we've made to keep nature away from us.
And don't get me started on those hunting shows that feature some character sitting in a box, whispering to the camera and passing out high-fives after blasting a buck at a feeder. Hunting is something different to each participant, but you won't know until you try, or at least accompany some good hunters out in the field. Hunting is a uniquely personal experience best shared with others who share your values.
May not be your cup of tea, but there's only one way to really find out.
When I was young I read everything I could get my hands on, but nothing can prepare you for the pulse-pounding flurry of pheasant flushes at the end of the field. Until you have watched a magnificent buck standing broadside in your sights, you cannot imagine the experience. And when you can watch, patiently, over a period of hours in howling wind and biting cold, you get a sense of how powerful and powerless we humans are. Hunting helps to restore a scale to life that we've forgotten, living our insulated lives in the buildings we've made to keep nature away from us.
And don't get me started on those hunting shows that feature some character sitting in a box, whispering to the camera and passing out high-fives after blasting a buck at a feeder. Hunting is something different to each participant, but you won't know until you try, or at least accompany some good hunters out in the field. Hunting is a uniquely personal experience best shared with others who share your values.
May not be your cup of tea, but there's only one way to really find out.
MrDig
Member
I hunt frequently and Kill rarely. Just as in fishing there is something about bringing a meal to the table. The only way to catch and release while hunting is to shoot with a Camera. There is for me a Spiritual connection when hunting that can only be experienced not explained. When I say spiritual I mean exactly that. A Connection to a power greater than myself whose vision of life and it's design is beyond my scope of understanding completely. I don't understand for example why some years deer have walked spitting distance from my stand, and other years I have placed my stand over an area that has Bedding, Cover, Water and Food, and only seen chipmunks and Squirrels.
One Season was particularily warm weather and most of the Raptor Population hadn't moved to warmer environs yet. I sat on a hillside over a swamp and watched two Falcons hunt for hours, during that time I was so entranced by the falcons that three deer walked into range and I saw only one. The only reason I know of the other two is the sign (dung and tracks) they left for me. It wasn't there as I walked in.
This season as I was scouting my hunting areas I sat with a lawn shair and some binoculars looking over Two spots I thought I wanted to place a Stand. A Ground squirrel cam through the leaves and grass Cheeks full and gorging out, it litteraly walked inches from my boot and stopped to snif the air and look around. It got up on its hanches and sniffed some more and turned finally to look at my boot and follow up to see me sitting in the chair. I thought the poor little devil was going to spit the seeds out of its mouth when it realized it walked that close to me. I looked like the springs exploding out of a pocket watch when it figured me out. I laughed so hard I had to leave as I know I was making too much noise to scout the area.
These moments are as much a part of the hunt to me as the shooting of an animal, and getting to Harvest one is just another in a list of blessings too great to count.
I know I didn't help answer your questions much but again the expierience is more explanatory than the words.
One Season was particularily warm weather and most of the Raptor Population hadn't moved to warmer environs yet. I sat on a hillside over a swamp and watched two Falcons hunt for hours, during that time I was so entranced by the falcons that three deer walked into range and I saw only one. The only reason I know of the other two is the sign (dung and tracks) they left for me. It wasn't there as I walked in.
This season as I was scouting my hunting areas I sat with a lawn shair and some binoculars looking over Two spots I thought I wanted to place a Stand. A Ground squirrel cam through the leaves and grass Cheeks full and gorging out, it litteraly walked inches from my boot and stopped to snif the air and look around. It got up on its hanches and sniffed some more and turned finally to look at my boot and follow up to see me sitting in the chair. I thought the poor little devil was going to spit the seeds out of its mouth when it realized it walked that close to me. I looked like the springs exploding out of a pocket watch when it figured me out. I laughed so hard I had to leave as I know I was making too much noise to scout the area.
These moments are as much a part of the hunt to me as the shooting of an animal, and getting to Harvest one is just another in a list of blessings too great to count.
I know I didn't help answer your questions much but again the expierience is more explanatory than the words.
Age 30, first hunt this year
This is a great thread, Chris. I'm glad you started it so I could read the information and thoughts shared.
I have grown up shooting guns but had never even considered hunting. As far as I know my Dad never went either. When I started thinking about my first gun purchase, I gave some thought to it. After three years of that, I went deer and elk hunting this year for my first time ever. I didn't get anything, but will do it again.
While deciding, I asked a lot of questions of my hunting friends. One suggested I tag along (not hunting myself) with him or another group and see if shooting/cleaning an animal would work for me after watching someone else do it. I asked a few people this season if I could tag along and all agreed. Realizing that I would have to take the time off, get the gear and food together, do all the mental preparation, do all the hiking, and help with the butchering, hauling, gas money, etc., I might as well get a license and take a shot at it. I was already doing everything else. If I did it all and hated it, at least I would have the meat for the one time I did the hunt.
My decision involved a lot of logic. Some of the reasons I decided to try it:
ECONOMICS - you can get a good amount of meat for a lot less than the grocery store.
VARIETY - I've never even SEEN elk or deer (or grouse, or chukar, or pheasant, or quail, or hungarian partridge, or ... ) at the local store.
HEALTH - the only way to get meat you know hasn't been injected with a lifetime of synthetic hormones.
COMFORT ZONE - I try to get out of my computer job comfort zone when I can.
EXERCISE - I don't do any hiking or even much walking at my job. This is a fun way to make it happen.
GUILT - I have lived with some of the country's most beautiful mountains at my front door for nine years (house looks at an 11,750-ft peak 1.5 miles away) and hardly went on so much as a Sunday drive.
SKILL - Doing any kind of outdoor activity (even thinking about it) only demonstrates how little I know about the outdoors or living in it. As others have posted, hunting covers a lot of them.
SURVIVAL - I am not a doomsday-ist, I just think a person aught to be able to build a fire, find/make a shelter, and find/kill natural food. (A good 72-hour kit is also a must.)
After my first hunt (I hit the magic 3-0 this year) I have learned enough in these categories to write a book and have increased my desire for all outdoor activities. Most of all I keep learning how dependent I (and most people in general) have become on conveniencies. We lean on other people's knowledge, skill, deeds, killing/butchering, etc. This is not necessarily a bad thing in a cooperative social structure, but I believe that if one does not have skills in those essential areas one should at least seek experience.
As for the actual killing part. After several outings for elk, deer, and upland game birds, I have only come home with one ruffed grouse. I had a great hunting buddy who was very helpful for my first hunt ever. My hands were shaking when I went to see the bird I had shot. It struggled on the ground for two seconds and then was dead. My comfort was that I would respectfully clean and eat the bird and build what I see as an essential skill. (By the way, they do taste just like chicken.) I continued hunting after that (a bit more relaxed) and have been out several other times this season.
"I have never heard a dying man say, 'I wish I had spent more time at the office.'" --wise man
I am interested to see what else people post. Do we get an update on your thoughts, Chris?
Thanks,
Research
This is a great thread, Chris. I'm glad you started it so I could read the information and thoughts shared.
I have grown up shooting guns but had never even considered hunting. As far as I know my Dad never went either. When I started thinking about my first gun purchase, I gave some thought to it. After three years of that, I went deer and elk hunting this year for my first time ever. I didn't get anything, but will do it again.
While deciding, I asked a lot of questions of my hunting friends. One suggested I tag along (not hunting myself) with him or another group and see if shooting/cleaning an animal would work for me after watching someone else do it. I asked a few people this season if I could tag along and all agreed. Realizing that I would have to take the time off, get the gear and food together, do all the mental preparation, do all the hiking, and help with the butchering, hauling, gas money, etc., I might as well get a license and take a shot at it. I was already doing everything else. If I did it all and hated it, at least I would have the meat for the one time I did the hunt.
My decision involved a lot of logic. Some of the reasons I decided to try it:
ECONOMICS - you can get a good amount of meat for a lot less than the grocery store.
VARIETY - I've never even SEEN elk or deer (or grouse, or chukar, or pheasant, or quail, or hungarian partridge, or ... ) at the local store.
HEALTH - the only way to get meat you know hasn't been injected with a lifetime of synthetic hormones.
COMFORT ZONE - I try to get out of my computer job comfort zone when I can.
EXERCISE - I don't do any hiking or even much walking at my job. This is a fun way to make it happen.
GUILT - I have lived with some of the country's most beautiful mountains at my front door for nine years (house looks at an 11,750-ft peak 1.5 miles away) and hardly went on so much as a Sunday drive.
SKILL - Doing any kind of outdoor activity (even thinking about it) only demonstrates how little I know about the outdoors or living in it. As others have posted, hunting covers a lot of them.
SURVIVAL - I am not a doomsday-ist, I just think a person aught to be able to build a fire, find/make a shelter, and find/kill natural food. (A good 72-hour kit is also a must.)
After my first hunt (I hit the magic 3-0 this year) I have learned enough in these categories to write a book and have increased my desire for all outdoor activities. Most of all I keep learning how dependent I (and most people in general) have become on conveniencies. We lean on other people's knowledge, skill, deeds, killing/butchering, etc. This is not necessarily a bad thing in a cooperative social structure, but I believe that if one does not have skills in those essential areas one should at least seek experience.
As for the actual killing part. After several outings for elk, deer, and upland game birds, I have only come home with one ruffed grouse. I had a great hunting buddy who was very helpful for my first hunt ever. My hands were shaking when I went to see the bird I had shot. It struggled on the ground for two seconds and then was dead. My comfort was that I would respectfully clean and eat the bird and build what I see as an essential skill. (By the way, they do taste just like chicken.) I continued hunting after that (a bit more relaxed) and have been out several other times this season.
"I have never heard a dying man say, 'I wish I had spent more time at the office.'" --wise man
I am interested to see what else people post. Do we get an update on your thoughts, Chris?
Thanks,
Research
All I can do is tell you why I go hunting.
Hunting gives me a sense of freedom away from all the idiots. Out in the woods where I can relax and I am the only one or a friend or two. To watch nature. I also love fishing. Which to me is hunting(for fish). It's like a vacation without spending a ton of money to relax and still having to be somewhere at a certain time. Yes hunting is exspensive initially. When I hunt/fish I like to catch something to eat, it saves grocery money in the long run. I also love camping. To me you just can't beat the relaxation from it. Not to mention it is healthy also. Great fun exercise. Hunting is not for everyone just like golf is not for everyone. People are different. Try it more than once. The first time or two you maybe sore or just don't like it because it's different. But if you end up liking it you'll wish you did it long ago. I've been camping and fishing since I was 7 years old. My only regret is not starting to hunt 25 years ago.
Remember hunting is like fishing you don't catch something every time. Learn to enjoy nature first.
A bad day hunting beats a great day working. But you know what I've never had a bad day hunting or fishing!!
Hunting gives me a sense of freedom away from all the idiots. Out in the woods where I can relax and I am the only one or a friend or two. To watch nature. I also love fishing. Which to me is hunting(for fish). It's like a vacation without spending a ton of money to relax and still having to be somewhere at a certain time. Yes hunting is exspensive initially. When I hunt/fish I like to catch something to eat, it saves grocery money in the long run. I also love camping. To me you just can't beat the relaxation from it. Not to mention it is healthy also. Great fun exercise. Hunting is not for everyone just like golf is not for everyone. People are different. Try it more than once. The first time or two you maybe sore or just don't like it because it's different. But if you end up liking it you'll wish you did it long ago. I've been camping and fishing since I was 7 years old. My only regret is not starting to hunt 25 years ago.
Remember hunting is like fishing you don't catch something every time. Learn to enjoy nature first.
A bad day hunting beats a great day working. But you know what I've never had a bad day hunting or fishing!!
Camp David
member
chris in va said:
Hunt animals that do attack you... lions in Africa or polar bears in the Artic ought to do it!
However, if hunting other animals that are not in the "dangerous game" category doesn't float your boat, then don't do it! Seems you are questioning hunter's ethics... Take up your question with the State Fish & Game Department: they set the hunting seasons for things such as squirrels, ducks, and other lesser game not officially cited as "dangerous"!
How do you "get over" driving on the beltway without police chasing you?
I get a profound satisfaction (particularly as a life long city dweller...) in going out into the world to harvest food for myself, family or friends. It brought me to hunting originally and still is my motivation for getting out there each year and 'suffering' the early mornings, variable weather, mind blowing boredom, posted signs and (what I find to be the worst part of it for me...) field dressing larger game.
Diesle
Diesle
The reasons are many and vary as much as the folks that hunt. For me its:
1. Being outdoors. Nothing like deer hunting ans watching turkeys, squirrels, etc. playing around. I've had grouse land and drum above my head in the trees, watched geese fly, listen to coyotes howling.
2. being self-sufficient and putting food on the table.
3. the challenge of the hunt.
4. A GREAT place to take a nap.
5. Get away from the rat race.
6. Spend time with my family and friends.
7. To be alone.
8. To take the time and enjoy something as simple as a drink of water and a sandwich.
9. Seeing new areas of the country.
10. Sharing stories with others about past hunts.
1. Being outdoors. Nothing like deer hunting ans watching turkeys, squirrels, etc. playing around. I've had grouse land and drum above my head in the trees, watched geese fly, listen to coyotes howling.
2. being self-sufficient and putting food on the table.
3. the challenge of the hunt.
4. A GREAT place to take a nap.
5. Get away from the rat race.
6. Spend time with my family and friends.
7. To be alone.
8. To take the time and enjoy something as simple as a drink of water and a sandwich.
9. Seeing new areas of the country.
10. Sharing stories with others about past hunts.
chris in va said:
Chris, Have you ever visited a slaughterhouse or a cattle auction, or a feed ground, where they are being held for slaughter? The cattle, moan all night long, stepping on the weaker ones, all packed in there in space too small for their numbers, for weeks at a time. They often can smell the stench of their species being killed for days, before their own demise. This is how most cattle spend their last days...humane? I shot my deer this Fall on a mountainside along a ridge overlooking a wild river. A herd of about 8 deer was meandering along this hillside, at 0700 as the sun was coming up. 1 shot broke the spine and down he went. 2 does from the herd momentarily lingered until they could see me, then off they went to resume feeding on forage with the rest about 400yds away. My deer, the food for winter, lived and died in the wild. I mourned his death, and said a prayer of gratitude for the food. Nuff said.
A lost personal perspective
Well, after 20 years of NOT hunting, I'm going deer hunting this year (as well as coyote hunting, more on that later)....
I hate to admit it, but I went deer hunting for many years, and never shot one...I went because many of my friends/relatives did, and I hunted other game, so why not deer? But, somewhere along the way, I just lost interest...No philosophical reason, and I certainly had no problem with others that did hunt...
However, I'm now getting older, and I'm partially (well, almost totally) disabled...I can't work like I used to, and I'm looking to recapture some of the things that I enjoyed when I was younger, before "life got in the way", and to make the most of my little time left on this earth...
Over the last few weeks, I spent a few hours in the woods building my tree stand (due to my disabilities, lengthy physical labor is hard, have to do things a little at a time)...When it was done, I just climbed up there and sat for a about an hour...And I haven't felt that peaceful in a VERY long time...Just sitting there in the woods brought me to a place I thought I had lost forever...
Now, maybe I'll be lucky enough to get my 1st deer (at 50 yrs old!) maybe I won't...But, I now know that I'll regain something I lost years ago...
I'm searching for words here...
I guess it has alot to do with all the wondrous things that are found in nature, including the trees and other plants and all the wildlife...It truly is a miraculous creation (Don't know if you believe in God, but I do and see his hand in all that exists).
For me its has nothing to do with killing...It's simply a function of nature...Other than the occasional vermin (my friend just started a sheep ranching operation, and has a coyote problem, in fact in recent years we've become "infested" with 'em in this area) I never kill anything I won't eat. To do so (IMHO) would be disrespectful to the game. (although I won't eat the coyote I shoot, I do plan on keeping the pelts). plus I could use the meat, being on a fixed income and all...
Lots more to say but i can't type much more at this point...But I might suggest you go hunting with a camera... I have friend that does this as she doesn't have it in her to kill anything (although she doesn't critize us that do)...Can be just as much fun, and challanging as well...and if your personal philosophy doesn't allow you to kill, so be it... I appreciate that you are looking for answers that come from deep inside, and, as with many things, we all have to deal with these...
P.S. from the Bible: " And God gave Man dominion to all the living creatures of the Earth".
Well, after 20 years of NOT hunting, I'm going deer hunting this year (as well as coyote hunting, more on that later)....
I hate to admit it, but I went deer hunting for many years, and never shot one...I went because many of my friends/relatives did, and I hunted other game, so why not deer? But, somewhere along the way, I just lost interest...No philosophical reason, and I certainly had no problem with others that did hunt...
However, I'm now getting older, and I'm partially (well, almost totally) disabled...I can't work like I used to, and I'm looking to recapture some of the things that I enjoyed when I was younger, before "life got in the way", and to make the most of my little time left on this earth...
Over the last few weeks, I spent a few hours in the woods building my tree stand (due to my disabilities, lengthy physical labor is hard, have to do things a little at a time)...When it was done, I just climbed up there and sat for a about an hour...And I haven't felt that peaceful in a VERY long time...Just sitting there in the woods brought me to a place I thought I had lost forever...
Now, maybe I'll be lucky enough to get my 1st deer (at 50 yrs old!) maybe I won't...But, I now know that I'll regain something I lost years ago...
I'm searching for words here...
I guess it has alot to do with all the wondrous things that are found in nature, including the trees and other plants and all the wildlife...It truly is a miraculous creation (Don't know if you believe in God, but I do and see his hand in all that exists).
For me its has nothing to do with killing...It's simply a function of nature...Other than the occasional vermin (my friend just started a sheep ranching operation, and has a coyote problem, in fact in recent years we've become "infested" with 'em in this area) I never kill anything I won't eat. To do so (IMHO) would be disrespectful to the game. (although I won't eat the coyote I shoot, I do plan on keeping the pelts). plus I could use the meat, being on a fixed income and all...
Lots more to say but i can't type much more at this point...But I might suggest you go hunting with a camera... I have friend that does this as she doesn't have it in her to kill anything (although she doesn't critize us that do)...Can be just as much fun, and challanging as well...and if your personal philosophy doesn't allow you to kill, so be it... I appreciate that you are looking for answers that come from deep inside, and, as with many things, we all have to deal with these...
P.S. from the Bible: " And God gave Man dominion to all the living creatures of the Earth".
- Status