Outdoorsmen, hunters, fishermen, and trappers are involved in the harvesting of animals, some see us as heartless people. That couldn't be further from the truth. Last week’s column opened the eyes of many in our community to this softer side of my people.
First of all, I would like to apologize to the Boy Scout group leader and Falconer, Dave Larnerd, for not showing up this weekend. I was supposed to go report on the troop and their experience hunting with a hawk and camping outdoors in the winter. Unfortunately, I had a horrible headache for a couple days which prevented me from joining them. I hope all had a great time and learned a lot of new stuff about the outdoors.
Most sportsmen that I know have a soft spot in their hearts for youth, elderly, and sick or disabled outdoorsmen. I personally can't say no to any of these groups if in need of outdoor assistance. I get so much joy out of watching and helping them, that at the end of the day, I feel I'm the one that's been rewarded. I also feel pretty low when I let someone or a group down as happened this weekend. I seek out people to help and feel privileged to do so. This happens to be my softest side.
I was surprised to receive so much support and outpouring of emotion over last week’s column. If you missed it, I was speaking of how cancer has affected my life. To date, I had never received so many calls and emails over a single column. One of the most common statements, was that the reader was in tears over the memories my column had stirred up. I was specifically asked to write that column, which led someone else to ask me to write this one. There were several people that stated, that sportsmen were commonly seen as heartless, and it would be good to dispel this myth.
This is such an easy stereotype to break down, but has many facets to cover. Hunters and fishermen happen to love the game they pursue. We are willing to do almost anything to help protect and propagate wild life. It may be hard to understand to someone from the outside looking in, but we value the animals we pursue as much as the next guy. Nearly all hunters and fishermen I've met think in terms of the future for animal populations, rather than the present. We value the environment, and do all that is possible to protect and sustain it. We don't see ourselves as killers, we view our actions as being connected to the circle of life. It seems ironic, to some, that a hunter would free a young deer from a barbed wire fence only to harvest it a few years later. We view it as allowing the animal to live and play a role in the herd by reproducing. Only then would it be right to harvest that animal for your own good.
We as hunters and fishermen have memories that are held close to the heart. Much like any other event, strong and long-lasting memories can be created afield. We love our friends and family and feel great pain over their loss. For sportsmen, we reflect on the locations and outings of the past. Many of us become a bit teary-eyed when passing or sitting in a favorite stand or fishing spot of a past friend or family member. Although most would not like the world to know. I, on the other hand, don't try to hide my compassion and sadness. I believe emotions are there for a reason, and suppressing them only causes more pain. Lucky for most outdoorsmen, we are alone for long periods of time. This allows us to reflect and shed a tear or two in private. We all understand what happens in the woods, stays in the woods. I feel the closest to lost friends and family in the outdoors. The distractions of modern life are unable to occupy your vision, which lends the chance for some true reflection and emotion.
We as sportsmen don't look at taking life lightly. We respect and care for the animals that we harvest before and after their life has been taken. We value the time spent with friends and loved ones, and make every day count like it was our last. The truth is, the closer you are to the circle of life, the more you understand that your days are numbered. Whatever you do in life make every day count, it may be your last.
Good wishes and never allow your involvement in the outdoors to be seen as heartless.