I love old hunting photos. Always have. What they lack in picture quality, is more than compensated by their authenticity. They put you in that place even if you don’t know the people in them; Even if they come from a completely different part of the world.
The same can be said for old hunting logs and manuscripts. I can’t help but wonder what Theodore Roosevelt, Fred Bear, or my grandfathers would think about today’s digital versions of hunting and the outdoor experience. In a world of crystal-clear digital channels and social media, great photos and hunting stories are readily available for sure. Call me old-fashioned, but they don’t hold a candle to the memories shared through old verbal and hand-written accounts. I often ponder how awesome it would be to have written versions of my father’s and grandfather’s hunting adventures. I know the verbal versions sure were great. Don’t misunderstand me, I love the digital world and the role it plays in hunting. As such, I’m a chronic consumer of hunting videos, articles, and podcasts. I also keep journals. I’m a contradictory sort for sure.
Nevertheless, in my mind, there are several reasons to employ them as part of your hunting arsenal – based on both utility and nostalgia. Here
are a few of them. But first, note that there are no rules regarding format. Journals come in many forms – cheap spirals, rustic leather portfolios, or binders with interchangeable pages. They all work and, in part, represent who we are.
Variables Via Pencil and Pad
If you are like me, you remember a lot of parts of many hunts – the operative word being parts. Recounting all the details and nuances of past hunts (even from last season) is impossible. Document them.
It doesn’t take much time or effort to jot down hunting variables such as weather, hunting locations, date, and time. Being armed with such information results in a great resource for hunts to come. Include the deer you see, complete with nicknames. You can even subsequently add pictures of them. Many of us spend countless hours surveying trail camera images. Why not marry them with our description of that unseasonably warm and foggy December morning. You know, the one when you were winded by “Spindly”, the old 8-pointer that hadn’t been seen in weeks. You get the picture.
Much like the sophisticated hunting apps we see today, use your journal to form a plan of action.
Pictures or It Didn’t Happen
Each year when I go to buy my Texas hunting license, the store clerk asks questions (as required by Parks and Wildlife) like how many doves did you shoot last season? I hate it. First off, it fosters embellishment on my part. I mean, who wants to say, “um-uh, 8”? Much less, “zero”. Especially when in line with other hunters! Honestly, the biggest reason is that I simply don’t remember. What about disagreements with fellow hunters over what buck you shot and when? Or how many points it had? Produce your hunting journal and show the proof. Problem solved!
Passing on an Heirloom
Put simply, journaling gives our successors the opportunity to find remnants of our life passion. When my daughters were little, they loved going through my hunting bag and tackle box. The curious looks on their faces were priceless. Hopefully, one day they will do this again. Further, I hope they come across and read my old journals; and share them. Whether it contains hunting stories, general thoughts for the given day, or simple hunting data, it will be meaningful to loved ones. If you’re a doodler like me, your loved ones will surely get a chuckle out of your random sketches and seemingly non-sensical scribbling.
If such things as hunting, conservation, and nature are a large part of your identity, pass it on. It will pay dividends toward our hunting and outdoor heritage.
Telling a Story
In my opinion, most outdoorsmen are creative – whether they realize it or not. This has little to do with penmanship and spelling ability, rather individual personality and uniqueness. They’re good story-tellers and do so in a way that exudes their love for what they do. Hang out at the deer camp fire, Taxidermy studio, or barbershop for a while and it’s easy to see. These, among other places, are proof positive. Here, the animated hunting banter and tall tales are palpable.
Similarly, written accounts and imagery put you in the moment. They don’t only have to feature game animals and scenic landscapes. What about descriptions and photos of the meat on the fire, shiny-faced group shots, and the hunting buddy that overslept? That’s not to say that images of a hunter doing the grip and grin or skinning a deer aren’t great as well. They all tell a story. Talk about inspiration for the outdoor lifestyle, if not respect for it.
Crossheirs
Faith-based journaling adds a whole another level to the hunting experience. And meaning to your legacy. As a Christian, there is no better place to experience God’s grace than through sunrises, sunsets, breezes, and wildlife. It may sound trite, but it’s true. The hunting blind is also a good venue for devotionals. Used along with journaling, they are great vessels for spending time with our creator. For me, it can be difficult to get in the right place mentally for prayer. Documenting the hunt, as well as contemplating life and faith are much easier while experiencing creation through the very landscape in my view.
Take some time this off-season to pick out a journal of one sort or another. The fact is that you can use it now to document your scouting efforts, turkey hunts, and general musings. At a minimum, have it ready for that first sit of the upcoming deer season. If you love hunting, conservation, and the outdoor lifestyle, journaling is a great way to preserve it – all while providing your loved ones something meaningful and genuine – about you.
