I have already gone over the primitive inspiration of hunting wild game. I also have discussed the expense and the inconvenience of being a hunter (see "Why Hunt?" and "Why Hunt? Part 2.") So, to go further into detail about this fascination, need, or what ever you call it, I would like to present some more ideas on why hunting big game, or even small game, is so important. The fact is, nature is much bigger than man, and when man is hunting he is at nature's mercy. To overcome something more powerful than you, like a bear or an elk, or track and kill a wildcat, or call ducks back that are flying away from you, is an absolute rush. The kill brings the reward, satisfaction of victory, which is due to your excellent skills and it provides your trophy. Speaking of killing a wildcat brings up another reason for hunting: defense. A wildcat may be harmful to people and other animals such as cattle. Many varmints are a nuisance and need control. Along these lines is environmental control. Hunting is usually regulated to the benefit of the animals. Over population can be a problem in the wild. Cold winters can leave starving and dying animals. Controlled hunting actually saves the animals. Hunting also puts you in touch with nature. Being in the great outdoors can revitalize your inner self spiritually, mentally and emotionally. You will see things on hunting trips that you will not see in society. These things bring a much wider range of experiences into your life and help to sharpen your senses. Hunting is a great way to commune with family and friends, as well as make new friends. It's a great way to 'get away from it all.' Many people love to hunt because they love owning and training hunting dogs. Training hunting dogs can be quite enjoyable and rewarding. Some people like to hunt on horseback, with or without dogs. There is so much variety in hunting that you could probably never master everything. Rifle hunting is definitely not the only style. Some love bow hunting, some are trappers, and some just hunt for photography. There are a lot of things a hunter can learn to make for a better outdoor experience. This keeps the interest up as there is always more to learn; survival skills, tracking skills, how to use hunting gear like scopes, bird calls, elk calls, camouflage, scents and so on. Last on my list, but certainly not least is hunting for food. I saved it until last because I'm not sure the cost of the hunting trip justifies the meal. But if you like wild game, hunting in the wild is the answer. You are not likely to find venison stew and bar-b-qued wild javelina at your grocer. A supermarket's frozen turkey cannot compare to a fresh turkey taken from the wild. No wonder hunting, whether for big game like elk, deer or bear, or small game like squirrel or rabbit, or fowl like duck, geese or dove, is so popular. |
