I totally agree that hunting is not about the killing.
The killing of a gamebird (or a deer, or a fish) is the stated goal, but all the rest of it is easily as important. The stepping back into the role of a predator is an escape from all the humdrum things of modern life. Being alone (or with friends/family) in nature and honing your skills is a great way to reconnect with reality and ultimately...with life & death. It tends to give one a fresh perspective on living as it is raw, and honest, and there are no falsehoods or illusions about what you are up to. In my mind, all the male pursuits are escapist in nature (hunting, fishing, working on your playtoy car [or boat, or whatever] in the garage, riding your mountain bike, watching football on TV, going to the bar, etc. [perhaps all hobbies are this?]). Instead of focusing on making money or taking care of one of your many responsibilities (as a fully functional adult), you've chosen to do something else, something more traditional (& that was once necessary for survival in early human history). But...if you've taken the time and trouble (not to mention the significant expense) to do it properly, you should only claim true and full success if you do it well-enough to put something in your bag. Moralizing about how pure you are or how sporting you have been is just posturing (and is perhaps your excuse for your failures in that arena?). A bird shot on the wing, a trout taken on a fly, a deer shot after a long stalk is the ultimate evolution of your skills as a predator and are all laudable goals, and then... a meal prepared with the fruits of your labors afield is another goal (& is perhaps the best celebration of it all?).
To me, to be able to share that meal (well & properly prepared) with friends and family is on a whole different level, and is perhaps the most honest celebration of life that I know.
Last edited by Lloyd3; 10/27/24 10:48 AM.
