Hunting Season Again! Today we have 3 pieces by Dave Cloft, which address some aspects over and above putting food on the table.
Ed.
**Introduction**
In the great American tradition of hunting, where the thrill of the chase and the skill of the hunter are celebrated, a curious trend has emerged. Some folks seem to have misplaced the heart and soul of this time-honored practice. Instead of relishing the age-old art of hunting for sustenance, they’ve fallen prey to a different kind of hunt – the quest for trophies. In this modern-day culture, the words “that would be a shooter next year” are wielded like weapons, creating a divide among hunters. The thesis here is simple: it’s time to ditch the shame game and return to the roots of hunting as a means of putting food on the table.
**The Hunting Heritage: Food, Family, and Freedom**
For generations, hunting was about survival and providing for one’s family. Our forefathers, living off the untamed land, knew the value of hunting as a way to secure their next meal. The skills they honed ensured that no one in the family went to bed hungry, and that self-reliance was a way of life. In a world where our connection to the food industry seems to be growing more distant, it’s high time we embraced the self-sufficiency and independence of hunting.
**Shaming Hunters: The Joy Thieves**
Enter the “joy thieves.” These self-appointed hunting police have adopted the misguided notion that the size of the trophy defines a hunter’s worth. They use the phrase “that would be a shooter next year” as their battle cry, shaming fellow hunters who may have chosen to harvest an animal that didn’t meet arbitrary size standards. But what they fail to understand is that hunting is about more than just the size of the prize; it’s about the experience, the tradition, and the bond with the natural world.
**The Joy of the Hunt**
Hunting is not a competition to see who can hang the biggest rack on their wall. It’s an ancient, primal pursuit that connects us with our ancestors and with nature itself. The thrill of tracking game, the camaraderie around a campfire, and the satisfaction of providing for our families are the real treasures of hunting. When we lose sight of these essential elements, we not only undermine the tradition but rob young hunters of the joy that should accompany their first harvests.
**Conclusion: Back to the Roots**
Let’s get back to what matters most in hunting. The size of the trophy should never overshadow the purpose of the hunt. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or just starting out, remember that hunting is about food, family, and freedom. We need to embrace the heritage of our forefathers and pass down the real values of hunting to the next generation. It’s time to bid adieu to the “joy thieves” and celebrate the joy of the hunt as it was meant to be.
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