why i hunt
Passionate is an understatement when it comes to how I feel about hunting, fishing and the outdoors. Hunting is conservation and plays such an important role in wildlife/population management. What many people don't realize is just how critical hunting is - not only to wildlife management, but to the overall balance of the environment. When done legally and ethically, hunters can make positive impacts on the environment and can save an entire species. Without hunting, our planet's wildlife populations would be dangerously overpopulated and unsustainable for animals to thrive and survive. The hunting/outdoor community, which I am proud to be a part of, is a key reason the populations of game species remain healthy, under control, and consistent over the years.
I was born a southern and Christian girl, and I have always known God is my savior. However, my faith became much stronger after I fell in love with the outdoors and devoted all of my free time to hunting/fishing. It's peaceful, therapeutic, and gives me time to reflect on life along with everything I've been through. Nothing beats watching/listening to the woods wake up. The outdoors is, and always will be, my happy place and "escape from reality." Hunting has changed the way I see the world around me, helped me connect even more with God, and strengthen my faith. I strongly believe I was created to be the proud hunter that I am today.
Hunting is the most rewarding feeling I have truly ever experienced. Hunting is unpredictable, highly addictive, infuriating, rewarding, eye-opening, frustrating, and definitely very humbling, but that’s another reason why I grew to love it. Each and every hunt will be different, and you never really know what to expect. The outdoors has captivated me, and I am constantly learning new things and and gaining more experience/knowledge. The freezing cold, energy drink-pounding, early mornings spent in the blind or deer stand is what makes me the happiest, besides my dog of course. Hunting, fishing, and spending time in the outdoors have changed my life and enhanced my perspective of the world around me. I will treasure the memories and friendships I have made for the rest of eternity.
I personally eat or donate the meat I harvest. I love being able to provide meals for myself and others. I love coming home after a long day, knowing that the freezer is fully stocked from a successful hunt or great day out on the water. Because I spend so much time hunting and fishing, I am able to provide my family, friends, and others throughout the community with multiple meals which is gratifying. We spend all year preparing the property, ourselves, and our mindset for the upcoming hunting seasons.......so all of the hard work pays off after a successful hunt and harvest of the game you’ve patiently been hunting.
Lastly, my time spent outdoors has created countless memories and life-long friendships that I will cherish forever. Looking back, the most special memories I have are with my family and friends while hunting, shooting skeet in an open field, or fishing on a boat with some country music playing in the background. Friendships have turned into family, and sharing the same passion for the outdoors with people I love and care for makes me appreciate the outdoors even more. For me personally, it is so special spending time outdoors with others, who also love and respect God's country just as much as I do.
