Hunting has consumed part of my life since I was very little, it started out just going with my dad as he hunted and turned into a big interest of mine. When most people look at me they don’t see a hunter, I don’t dress in camoflague every day or constantly talk about hunting. I can be a girly girl in a dress and heels or I can be a country girl sitting in her tree stand on brisk mornings while others are still sleeping. Although I enjoy hunting I know that there is more to life than that itself so I don’t make my whole life about it. To some hunting may just seem like a sport and others frown upon the act of harvesting an animal. Everyone has a right to their opinions but hunting has taught me more than anyone would think. Below is a list of just a few of the many things that hunting has offered me over the years:
- 1)Nature is Nurturing:
When I feel stressed or uneasy getting in touch with nature makes me grounded and helps me sort out what is important in my life. Hunting has taught me how therapeutic nature can be whether it be sitting and listening to the leaves rustle or the birds chirp the woods offers a natural calming effect to me that nothing else does.
- 2)Bigger Bonds:
Hunting has always taken place with my dad or my grandpa and has offered a deeper bond between all of us because of our common interest. Together we share many stories and laughter that will last a lifetime. I bet my dad never expected to have a girl that shares his passion for hunting as much as I do and I know that he appreciates each and every moment we spend in the woods together.
- 3)Tremendous Travel:
For four years hunting has led my dad and I to experience different territories. Pennsylvania was where I shot both my first and second deer and made many memories doing so. Many would not consider a week hunting in Pennsylvania a nice vacation but for my dad and I it was something we looked forward to for many years. My dad still continues to discover new places and I have to say I miss going with him I hope that someday we will venture new territories again together.
- 4)Lots of Learning:
Not many of today’s generation can say that they know much about trees or even many of the animals that roam the woods. As we walked through the woods my dad would quiz and educate me on the different kinds of trees and all about different kinds of animals that lived around us. I appreciate him teaching me these things and often times am shocked at just how out of touch many people are with the world around then. It truly is sad.
- 5)Early Bird Catches the Worm:
Getting up early has not always been my favorite but I have enjoyed watching the sun rise from my tree stand some mornings, it is sad to think that many never witness the sun rise at all because they are sleeping. I think that the sunrise is even more beautiful than the sun set. The rise of the sun each and every morning offers the start of a brand new day, a day to make the best of.
