PASSION OR OBESESSION?
Is it a passion or is it an obsession? Frankly, it’s up for debate. I prefer to look at it as a passion but if you were to ask my wife, she will say it’s an obsession. Maybe… but it’s what I love.
You see, hunting runs in my blood. Ever since I can remember, my dad, uncles, cousins and close family friends have gathered during hunting season, not only for the sport itself, but also for the comradery. Nights spent in my dad’s shop are some of the fondest memories I have; the men sitting around, talking, playing cards, and telling stories while we gorge on frozen pizzas from the pizza oven. You can ask anyone in that group and my guess is they’ll also say hunting season and nights at the shop rank right up there with some of their best memories.
When I was a young kid, learning the ropes, trying to keep up with the quick footsteps of my dad ahead of me as we pushed our way through a field, I never truly grasped on to the importance of that time we spent together. Now, I often find myself reminiscing of those times, thankful that my dad took the time out of his day to take me along. If it weren’t for him or my grandpa, I’m not sure if I would be as passionate about hunting, fishing, and the outdoors as I am today.
It wasn’t until about 2017 that I really began expanding my hunting knowledge, specifically with bow hunting. Growing up, I primarily used a shotgun for hunting but found myself wanting to dive into bow hunting to see what all the hype was about. I had just gotten out of the Marine Corps and honestly was struggling with my newfound freedom. I was hungry for a new challenge and looking for something to occupy my time and clear my head. I had watched many YouTube videos of bowhunting while overseas, specifically Bill Winke and Midwest Whitetail, Drury Outdoors as well as Trophy Pursuit, so I figured why not give it a shot. The next few months, I kept researching, reading articles, and watching filmed hunts to develop an action plan. Little by little, I kept gathering supplies (whether they were used or new), and scouting areas around me in preparation for my first official bow hunt.
When I walked into that tree line on a cool October night, I didn’t have any clue that night would forever change my outlook on hunting. Sitting in the tree stand with the ground below me, patiently waiting for “the one” to walk in front of me, I could hear the other wildlife running around. I was in their world now. There’s something about being out in the tree stand that can calm your mind and light a fire in your soul. Bowhunting was more personal and unlike anything I had experienced before. It’s similar to a chess match; the deer and I were playing a game. I would sit and wait for the next move and how I would react would depend on what the deer chose to do. It was peaceful yet thrilling, calm yet exciting. I may not have walked out of the field with a big deer that first night, but I can say with certainty I walked out of those woods with a desire to go back for more, a hunger to improve, and a brand-new hobby.
Six years later, I still leave the woods with that feeling. I have learned many lessons along that way, have had some great success, and have been able to form friendships with the hunting community. Each night I leave the woods, I thank God for one more hunt, for one more chance to see all the beauty around me in those woods. It’s not all about getting the biggest, best buck or the fattest doe; it’s so much more than that.
Now, it’s my turn. It’s my responsibility to pass down my love for hunting to my children just like my dad did for me.