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During the drive back to civilization after the season's last hunt I thought of all this hunting season reminded me.
Because it's your lucky day, and because I like to make lists and write, you're going to read about my leanings...or, you won't. Either way I'm fine with it.
There are things in this world that are bigger than me
Getting to the blind before daylight allows you to see nature wake up. One minute it's pitch dark, then in an instant the light starts to peak over the horizon. Watching the light wash away the darkness, hearing the birds, frogs, and other animals start to stir, and realizing this has happened every day for millennia is a magical thing. Every time I'm fortunate enough to witness this magic it causes me to gasp. This is my favorite time of the day and holds an almost spiritual feeling. Regardless of your religious views, I feel closer to God during these moments than I ever have sitting in a church.
Sometimes you don't need anything but the necessities
Warm and dry boots, coat, gun, a few decoys, and a place to hunt are all you really need. Sure, there are a lot of things that would make the experience more enjoyable and successful. And, one day I hope to have some of these toys (Don't worry Jamie, no time soon). But they fall into the "nice to have" verses "need to have" bucket. Same with life. I've got a great and healthy family, stellar friends, a good job, and have the ability to smile more than I frown. The important stuff, the things that fall into the "need to have" bucket are covered.
Hard work and preparation pay off, sometimes.
...And sometimes they don't. There are plenty of days I've done all I could do for a successful hunt - checked the weather and wind, set the decoys in the correct spread, got set up and in the blind pre-dawn - and still left empty handed. On these occasions I can take solace in knowing I tried my best. I'd rather go down swinging than watching the last strike sail across the plate with the bat on my shoulder. My buddy Alvin sums it up perfectly, "It's called hunting and not killing for a reason". I figure as long as I do my best every day, then I have no reason to hang my head...while hunting or in real life.
Nature has a way of working on it's own schedule
Sure, there are things you can do to help the process move a little quicker, but not by much. If the birds aren't flying, no amount of calling will help. Sometimes you have to sit back and let it take its course.
It's great to unplug for a bit
For me, this one of the biggest benefits of heading into the sticks for a few hours. When I hunt by myself and am left alone with my thoughts f my mind drifts and floats like a leaf on a windy day. (The same thing often happens when I run or bike). Some of my biggest ideas for work or the biggest personal break-troughs happen during these moments.
On the other hand, I really enjoy the comrade shared with my hunting buddies. The laughs shared, stories (most likely lies) told, and the way the conversation twists has allowed me to learn things I otherwise wouldn't. This wouldn't be possible if everyone was sitting in the blind, cellphone in hand.
People have different definitions of fun
To some, sitting in freezing temperatures for hours on end sounds fun. Others think flying down a mountain with some sticks or a board attached to your feet sounds like the perfect day. While some would rather curl up on a couch and read. Whatever your definition of fun, it's important to pursue. I once read somewhere, "You don't buy anything with money. Everything is purchased by your time." If that's the case, might as well cash some of it in for something that helps you get back to neutral and relax.
So there you have it. That's what I took away from this duck season.
As you were.
