As my eyes opened, I felt that nervous pit in my stomach. In my groggy state, I realized that the alarm clock had gone off minutes earlier. I laid there in the dark just wanting to roll over and go back to sleep. Despite the early hour, I wasn’t particularly tired, but images of meetings and office politics dominated my thoughts. Taking on the day seemed like a monumental task. Then, I heard the unexpected sound of dishes clinking followed by chuckling. As I came out of my slumber and threw my covers back, it all came to me. It was Saturday morning and the noises I heard were from a couple of hunting buddies and one of their sons.
It wasn’t a work day – far from it. I was at the hunting lease and an hour away from being perched in a tree stand awaiting the new day. First, however, I had to get ready to be ribbed for oversleeping. A fate much better than a long day at the office. My outlook had improved in an instant.
What do I like about hunting? Though I heavily value the fellowship aspect of hunting, this article isn’t about that. The question here should be “What do I like about the actual act of hunting”? That is when I’m outside with my butt in a seat or walking a ridge.
Somewhere along the way, the brain of the hunter has become cluttered with many pressing matters, such as fixed vs mechanical broadheads, ground blinds vs tree stands, mineral lick flavors and Boone and Crockett scores. It seems that some of the better aspects are perhaps lost on us from time to time – or merely forgotten.
I love the strategizing and preparation because it’s gratifying to take on the challenge of finding and harvesting mature whitetail bucks. I likewise enjoy the uncertainty associated with hunting success. Let’s face it, if we had close encounters with big bucks every time we went out, there would be no novelty. This is why I particularly like low fence fair chase hunting situations. I find the “you never know what new deer might show up” mindset to be powerful. There are also many positive aspects centered around nature, including witnessing interesting deer behavior, sunrises, sunsets and gentle breezes. The common denominator of such examples is that they all take place outdoors and involve embracing the creation that God has graced us with.
For me, perhaps the most impactful aspect of hunting is the therapy it offers. In response to the stress and chaos of daily life, it can provide a spiritual reboot beyond anything else. It’s interesting to me that the very things that are stressors in our lives, such as jobs and family are also blessings. I’m no expert but always have surmised that this is normal as long as I regularly acknowledge the blessing part. Allowing for pause, the outdoors helps in accomplishing this.
There is even research indicating that hospital patients able to view nature from windows experience faster recovery rates. This included patients with both mental and physical ailments. Go figure. It’s no wonder that hunts are so meaningful for disabled and terminally-ill individuals. Given a second chance at life, these people particularly find relief through the solitude and sensory experience that only a hunt can provide. With simply taking in His creation, comes an escape from our problems and pending decisions; and sometimes answers. If not for only a few hours, it can foster perspective and gratitude as well.
So consider allowing your time in the woods to blot out your troubles, even if just for a while. Ponder big dreams, fatherhood, faith, and blessings – just to name a few; and in doing so, spend authentic time with your Creator. It’s a unique opportunity. After all, chances are you’re probably not going to receive this blessing in Cabela’s deliberating over cover scents and deer urine.
