Why Do I Do This?

The silence was shattered at 3:30 am on Saturday morning. I awoke with a jump, quickly muting my alarm as to not wake up any of the "sane" people I live with. I fumbled through the darkness to find my way to the bathroom, opening day 2016 has arrived. After a quick scent free shower and poor excuse for a breakfast I climbed into my truck and headed to the farm. A lot of thoughts race through my mind on the way to a hunting spot, did I grab my release?, what's the wind direction?, did I pack a snack? Opening day is especially hectic, with a whole season of expectations to sort through. After a thirty minute drive and a half mile trek along a moon lit trail, I crawl into my blind and finally exhale.  As I stared out through the shadows, both exhausted and exhilarated, I asked myself, "Why do I do this?"  

I did not have an answer right away. In fact it wasn't until an hour later when I had a doe and a fawn walk within ten feet of my blind and look in at me. She blew and stomped but could not pic me out. I did not move a muscle, and eventually she relaxed. That's it for me, the experiences. Not just being close to nature, but being a part of nature. I could never begin to take inventory on the experiences I have accumulated in my short time as a hunter. I have watched mature bucks lock antlers violently through the early morning mist. I have enjoyed witnessing two young foxes frolic through what must have been their first snow fall. While sitting in a tree stand, I had a nuthatch land on my knee. Twice. Every time I get to live one these priceless moments, I thank God, and feel sorry for those who may never get to observe such natural splendor.

Another thing that non-hunters have a hard time comprehending is that, for hunters, its not all about the kill. I am not a blood hungry savage whose goal is to kill as many animals as possible. The kill is the last thing on my mind when I enter the woods. I am there for the ambiance of the woods, the sights, the sounds, and the silence. If I have an opportunity to harvest an animal, It is a bonus. When that moment does arise, I do so in a very respectful manner. If I get to sit in the woods 50 times in a season, and harvest 4 deer, does that mean I had 46 failed hunts? Absolutely not. Some of my favorite hunts are ones that I never release an arrow. 



In addition to the experiences and the serenity, another aspect of hunting that fuels me is my desire to compete. Hunting is different from most sports because instead of man vs. man, its man vs. nature. I have played competitive sports my whole life, but I have never engaged with an opponent as relentless and unforgiving as nature. I feel I have gained more character and resolve by chasing mature whitetails than any other worldly endeavor. The woods will humble you time and time again, but if you can muster up the will to persevere, the rewards are unmatched. To me, there is no greater challenge than to harvest a mature buck, in his environment, and on his terms. If you can fool a whitetails senses to the point where his better judgement betrays him, you have accomplished greatness.

A full season of bow hunting will play out like a typical amusement park roller coaster. Peaks and valleys, adrenaline rushes, lulls, and the occasional "did that really just happen?!" moment. Much like the ride, it starts off slow, building with anticipation, and than it is over before you know it. Take the time to slow down your "ride" to appreciate the sunsets, the playful fawns, and serenades of the song birds. Every time I feel myself getting frustrated by lack of deer movement, or uncooperative weather patterns, I take a second to think about the experiences that I will reflect on later and just enjoy the moment. Every minute spent in the woods, is one more minute closer to an amazing, unscripted natural event. That is more than enough to drive me, that is why I do this.