Why Do We Hunt?         By: Mark A. DePugh

 

Why do we hunt? Now, that is a good question. Why people choose to hunt today is a real and legitimate question, but there are also several real and legitimate answers. Why?  Is it for survival, sport, or challenge? To find inner-peace and solitude? To get away from the `hustle and bustle’ of our way-to-busy life? Some activists would say that hunting is just about “killing”. Actually, an animal harvest is a very small part of the enjoyment of hunting. Hopefully, we realize that God gave man dominion over animal’s way back in the Book of Genesis. The Bible clearly gives man authority over beasts and wild animals soon after creation. Is that power and authority the reason many of us choose to hunt? No, I don’t think so.

 

In early days, hunting was a way of life; A means of survival. Meat from animals was a necessity to feed families and the animal furs were then used for clothing purposes. In today’s modern world of agriculture and technology man has developed many alternative sources for food and clothing; therefore, now hunting is more of a choice than a necessity. Often times, subjective anti-hunting opinions are given when groups do not deal with all of the facts. Decisions made today by many animal rights groups appear slanted with bias, largely due to the availability of alternative food sources and clothing materials. Now I may be wrong, but I would gander to say that there were not many animal rights groups in the olden times, in the day that, “If you didn’t hunt.. You didn’t eat!”

 

I probably still haven’t answered the question as to why I hunt. I will attempt to keep it short, but will begin with this. God's creation and the witness of His creation are magnificent!  It is beyond my comprehension! As hunter's we have the opportunity to see many species of nature including countless varieties of animals, plants, trees, flowers, insects and more. Can you think of anything more beautiful than.. Dogwood's in the Spring? Spectacular and vibrant foliage in the Fall? Snow kissed pine branches in the Winter? Only to be followed again by daffodils, tulips, and the wonders continue!  I can close my eyes and envision pillows of snow covering the vast forest floor.. WOW, The only thing to make it more beautiful would be to picture a 10-point Buck standing in that snow at a mere 30 yards away!  What a dream, right? Well guess what, God wants and allows our dreams to come true. His magnificent creation is AWESOME, and He created it for us to respect and enjoy!

 

Why do so many of us love to go to Deer Camp? Is it because we love to roll the sleeping bag onto the floor for a good night’s rest, or eat pork and beans for supper? Probably not! What we enjoy is the camaraderie and fellowship of being with other hunters. We love fellowship!  We enjoy the common bond, companionship, and unity. We love to share stories, discuss strategies, and offer advice in an effort to make each of our hunts more memorable. In fact, statistic’s show that camaraderie is the number reason hunters enjoy hunting.

 

Many of us hunt for sport, challenge, and personal enjoyment. We long to take on a nice buck, head to head, on his turf, on his terms, and on a level playing field!  Sadly enough, people often get confused and feel that a hunter must harvest an animal in order to have a great hunting season. Wrong, wrong, wrong!  People listen.. “Harvesting an animal is a bonus, not a requirement of success!”

 

Enjoy what God has given us!  Enjoy its beauty!  Enjoy what you see with your eyes!  Enjoy what you smell with your nose!  Enjoy hunting experiences with friends and family!  Recognize the witness that God has left in the woods!  That’s what it’s all about!  Sure, “I love to down a buck, you’d better believe it!”  I get pumped up bigger than life!  The thrill, the adrenaline, the emotion!  That’s all great, but that is such a small part of who we are and who we should be as Christian Hunters.

 

Let’s consciously look deep within, and ask ourselves, “Why are we hunter’s?” It’s more than just harvesting an animal. It’s about thoroughly enjoying every aspect of God’s great outdoors! Take time to recognize His creation and its beauty, and treat it with respect! Look around and you will see the witness and workmanship of an Almighty Creator. Share His majestic beauty with friends, and enjoy the hunt! 

 

Remember, Success is in the eye of the beholder!