One of Jeff's greatest passions seems to be hunting. It also seems as though he would love nothing more than for me to join in his enthusiasm. One of Jeff's characteristics that I really, really love is how excited and enthusiastic he is about the activities and ideas he loves-- it is extremely contagious. I have found myself adopting several of his interests as my own over the years. The best example is football. I knew very little about the game before we started dating, and didn't care too much to learn. Jeff has patiently tought me the rules and strategy of the game and I have found an enthusiasm of my own, especially in the past two seasons.
Hunting is an activity I am much more on the fence about. I truthfully cannot figure out if I could have an enthusiasm for it or not. This year, I do have an antelope buck tag. Jeff has been gently persuading me for quite some time to fill my tag. And I have been indicating to him some interest in doing so, along with my skepticisms.
I have wrestled in my mind and in open discussion with Jeff about many aspects of hunting I feel unsure about. Is it humane and ethical to kill an animal? Would I personally have the gumption to kill an animal? Do I feel confident enough with a weapon to safely manage it around myself and others? Do I even need the meat?
Jeff has provided me with answers to all my questions time and again. There is no rational reason why I should not feel good about filling my tag. I just don't know. Tomorrow is the last day my tag is valid, so it's definitely decisioin time. I told Jeff this afternoon that he is right, I had not given hunting a complete, fair chance. Our plan as of now is to go out this afternoon and if there is an animal he thinks I should take a shot at, I will try to give it a good-faith effort. It does seem unreasonable to make my decision about hunting without giving it a shot, so to speak.
interesting issue K.R. I am pro wildlife, there are a heck more people out there than animals . I'm more worried about good ole boys shooting , elk , deer and bear from the window of thier pick up than the occasional sheep or cow taken by a wolf.
ReplyDeleteHaving said that you've menmtioned land management as being a part of Jeffs farming and ranching practice. Being aware that badgers and coyotes keep the gophers in check is good practice. regulating the deer and pronghorn population is part of the mix as well. You will use the meat right ? or share it with friends ( Me ! me ! ) maybe you can tan the hide and make something to sell on etsy ?
At least once you should go out and take down an older buck and experience what Jeff does. Its part of the life you've chosen , then next year you can try catching a fish
Luckily, I am married to someone who not only enjoys hunting as a sport/activity/passtime, he is also ethical about his kills. We do cook with game regularly and I like knowing exactly where my food comes from and how it was processed. We don't shoot coyotes unless they pose a threat to young calves, which is rare. Deer, elk, antelope are about all Jeff goes for.
ReplyDeleteI am planning on giving it a chance. Alas, this weekend did not present an opportunity in the end. Perhaps next weekend!
I'd love to read a post about that last afternoon spent with your valid tag, your enthusiastic husband, your lingering doubts and your gun!!!
ReplyDeleteHey K.r. I was thinking back on my life in Cajun country, I spent a couple falls going out with an older freind running his trap line. We would generally find Nutria , Muskrat and Racoon in the traps. Mostly they would be dead, sometimes they would have chewed through their legs and escaped. Other times we'd have to either wack them on the skull with a club or plink them with a 22.
ReplyDeleteNow that sounds horrible and I doubt if I could ever do that again unless it meant feeding my family, But its part of life and a part of peoples attachment to the land .Its something a lot of Americans no longer experience. There is not a lot of difference between picking a Calf or Cow for sale than Picking a Deer or Prong for your target, But you do have the opportunity to make sure its death is quick and that its gift of food does not go to waste.
I don't have a problem game animals (or other animals) being hunted, and I think that hunting provides a humane death for animals who would likely otherwise die of starvation or be eaten by coyotes. And, as we know, I have no problem with slaughtering beef or other food animals either.
ReplyDeleteI am about to post about hunting this past weekend, and next weekend. Read on... :)
Also, thanks for your enthusiastic comments, guys! I love it!