 Every person around me knows my passion for hunting. Many of my friends or people that I meet constantly ask me “Why? Why do you hunt? How can you do something like that? Isn’t that more of a man’s thing?” I always have a few answers planned and ready to fire back with, but until recently, I never really stopped and thought about exactly what it was about hunting that I enjoyed so much.
On my last deer hunting trip, I had lots of time to think about that. Most of you know how those trips are….nothing but squirrels and birds. I suddenly realized that even though I hadn’t seen a single deer that day, I was perfectly content with that. The reason for that, I realized, boils down to one single word...sanctuary. Webster’s dictionary defines the word sanctuary as “a place where sacred objects are kept” and “a shelter from danger or hardship.” Can’t hunting be just that? I think it can.
Think about it. When you are hunting, you have a chance to see something sacred no matter which way you turn. You’re out in the beautiful world that God created for us. You see all of the vegetation that provides oxygen and nutrition for us and the animals. You see the creatures that God put on the earth. You may not be standing in a church, but isn’t the world that God gave us just as sacred? I feel so privileged to be able to see that every time I get out in the woods. There are so many people that live in big cities that never get that opportunity.
Hunting can also be a shelter from danger or hardship. I lead a very stressful life, as most women do. We have to work full time and be full-time moms and wives all at the same time. It’s a proven fact that stress is dangerous to your health. It’s no wonder that so many people are on anti-depressants. Hunting is my anti-depressant. You get out there and take in a deep breath of that fresh, cool air. You have that quiet time to yourself to think about things that may be bothering you and get your thoughts in order. Beautiful scenery and fresh air can do wonders for a person’s state-of-mind. I even like to take walks in the woods by myself and find little waterfalls or streams. The sound of the running water is so peaceful. Every time I leave the woods, I am at total peace with myself and my life. It’s a truly amazing thing.
Of course, there are the times when your adrenaline has your heart racing as soon as you see that deer step out into a clearing or hear that turkey gobble. I love that feeling, too. You get so excited that you get shaky and weak in the knees. You can hardly breathe and feel like you could hyperventilate. One time, I had a big buck walk out, and I had the hardest time getting my scope on him, because I just couldn’t breathe. I finally had to just put my gun down and close my eyes and breathe for a second, and then I was finally calm enough to take aim. It’s so funny that it can have that effect on you. Sometimes, I don’t know how I ever get out of my tree stand, because my legs are so weak and shaky from getting so worked up.
I can’t really think of any one single place or sport that you get these benefits from. You get to see the beautiful world around you; you get stress relief; you get excitement and even a little exercise…all in one! If you’re lucky, you’ll even get a good, steroid-free meal out of the deal! Now, I know exactly why I am a hunter. Now, I just have one thing to say when someone asks me why I hunt: It’s my sanctuary!
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