HUNTING!

This blog is going to write itself, and could go unwritten for the most part, and here's why. There are alot of people who won't read this because of the title, unless they think it's about tracking down Buyers, and others who will read it but could probably write it better. One option I considered was putting up the title, with a request to "fill in your hunting stories in the comments ." But that wouldn't be right.

Every year at this time I reflect on what hunting means to me, and why I do the work that is needed to go and live in the woods for extended periods of time. Planning, checking and repairing gear, packing, & driving. Followed by all of the rigors of camp life. Then diving, unpacking, cleaning & repairing gear, etc. Some people would say, "Oh, just go to the store and buy it! It's cheaper.... less cruel." But Hunting, and the camp life that goes with it, are connections to our heritage and traditions. When I think of hunting, I think first of my Dad, who took me along grouse hunting and trapping, and instilled safety and a reverence for the outdoors. My dog Molly is now part of tradition, as were other dogs before her, and among my hunting partners there are two new puppies going to camp this season.

All of my hunting partners are long trusted friends. We rely on each other for food, and fire, and everyone does his part in camp. And in the use of firearms we all practice safety at every turn. Camp life has it's hazards, however, and we have all been injured to some degree. There is plenty of first aid gear and training to go around, as we are often beyond cell phone range. This is one of the intangible aspects of hunting; the great bonds between hunting partners, human and canine. A note here about hunters: I have never met an unbalanced person while hunting. No Domestic Terrorists, or Right Wings Extremists. We are about 60/40, Conservative/Liberal, and have some lively debates around the card table. No harm done.

Hunting is a skill set, and a test of endurance, mental and physical. I have hunted pheasants with the same group, in 89 degrees, and near zero in our annual after Christmas hunt.  The dogs love the later hunts, as they can work harder in the cooler weather. I have covered long distance at times, and sat in one place for hours on end (quietly), and almost always carried more gear and water than I needed. After one trip years ago, a client looked at me and said, "Have you been working out?" Walking alone is great exercise, but with gear and a shotgun or rifle, it becomes a hard workout!

Soon we will go on our annual Grouse trip to Koochiching County, and old friends will get together and walk trails, and chop wood, and play a little poker in the evenings. And recall past trips, and tell stories about fast & agile grouse, hits and misses. Maybe we will see moose again, or bear, or wolf. Maybe on a clear night we will get a Northern Lights show to remember. Two of the "hunters" in this group no longer hunt. They go for the "extras", like roaming around exploring, and being in camp.

Hunting is also about sharing your skill and knowledge, and exploring your world with your partners. We are growing in each camp, as sons come with their Dads, and one daughter may join us this season. This is a bonding experience like no other, where work and play are one thing, and life lessons are absorbed as much as taught. Hunting is about self reliance, and cooperating with your partners; it's about learning to be happy with what you have, and learning how to find and cook what you want; it's about using everything you take, and leaving something for the next Hunter. It's also about striking camp, and leaving no trace you've been there. It is about leaving with great memories of the sights and sounds, and colors of every moment in the woods and fields, and of old friends telling great stories as you sit by the fire.

At Thanksgiving and Christmas we will share free range pheasant, grouse, venison and goose with friends and family. Together with the vegetable from the garden, and the fruit preserves, and homemade salsa, we will live well and eat healthy foods. We have combined work and play and we are happy because we can hunt and garden, and eat healthy!

If you want to go hunting in Minnesota, check the DNR website at www.dnr.state,mn.us  for regulations and seasons.