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Hunting is a popular sport — for good reason. Tracking an elk through an aspen stand is exhilarating. But when meat is readily available at the grocery store, why trudge through the forest for just a chance at glory? Because hunting isn't always about the elk burgers. It's also about the wisdom that has been passed down through generations of hunters. It's about learning how to live life well and in balance with the natural world. Here are six important lessons hunting can teach.
Patience
Patience is the art of waiting for something without getting annoyed and hunters are masters at it. One frustrated yell will let all the game in the area know humans are in the vicinity. It's best to sit tight (in camo of course) and enjoy the wait. When a 4-point buck finally shows itself, waiting for it to stand broadside for an effective shot is an essential skill. Waiting for the animal to get into the right position may take a long time. It may not happen at all (see Coping with disappointment), but having patience will make it a more pleasant experience.
Awareness of surroundings
In this crazy mixed-up world of instant everything, hunting is a time to sit in a quiet forest and unplug. Becoming aware of the sights and smells of the forest is a nice break from the overstimulation of modern life. It's easy to tune out the natural world while sitting on a sofa at home. But in the wild, hunters learn how to observe. They need sharp eyes and a good pair of binoculars to see faint game trails. They take in information about their surroundings to reach their goal.
Adapting to change
Nature does what nature's gonna do — there's no stopping it. Hunters learn early on to work with nature, not against it. A storm may come up unexpectedly. A herd may not be where it is supposed to be. Surprises happen, and hunters have to think on their feet. Efficiently adapting to changes in circumstance means keeping an open mind. An open mind means more opportunities to learn something new, a lesson useful in all areas of life.
Coping with disappointment
Coming home empty-handed from a hunt is discouraging. A freezer with no meat is like … a freezer with no meat. Sometimes hunting doesn't go to plan, a lot like life. A missed shot and a lost opportunity can crush dreams. Or, it can build character. Accepting life for what it is, a mix of joy, despair and everything in between is a hunting life lesson worth learning.
Focus
When every footfall could rustle a leaf or snap a twig, hunters have to focus on every step they take. And when it comes time to finally pull the trigger, their attention is on one thing — making an ethical shot. A rifle scope puts the target in focus, letting distractions disappear into the brush — a good mental health practice for everyday life.
Hard work
Preparing. Scouting. Hiking. Tracking. Dressing. Hauling. Hunting is hard work, physically and mentally. The payoff is a trophy on the wall, a year's worth of venison roast and a sense of accomplishment. Doing hard things can be miserable in the moment, but developing long-term self-esteem makes it all worth it.
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