I'm curious here how some of the members here respond to this question. I'm sure that the answers are very different for each of us, but that we have a great deal of overlap. These reasons we hunt might be personal ones, or they might be wider in their perspective.
I hunted a bit as a child--quail with my dad and grandaddy, squirrel with my cousins. And it is only after a fairly long hiatus from the sport that I have come back to it. Now I hunt dove, turkey, and deer, and I look forward to each successive season. I hope to try some duck hunting in the not-too-distant future, and I'd like to eventually hunt something really big out west.
Now, I find that I have a newfound respect for nature and its cycles, as well as a greater knowledge and respect for the game that I hunt. I've even become more aware and knowledgeable about non-game animals that I see while hunting. I find myself trying to stay in better shape for the hikes necessary for hunting certain areas, and I am a better survivalist in the sense of being prepared for some unfortunate event (weather, accident, etc.)
I'm a better shooter because I practice to get the shot right when it counts. I'm also more aware of the consequences of a shot, and thus I'm a more responsible carrier of my concealed weapon.
I find myself more concerned with conservation, and I put my money where my concerns are. I've joined conservation groups, and I worry about what we're going to leave to our children. Seems like a new strip mall goes up every minute, and I frown every time I see a new one built.
These are some of the attitudes and opinions I've developed since coming back to hunting. What are some the benefits of hunting for you?
I hunted a bit as a child--quail with my dad and grandaddy, squirrel with my cousins. And it is only after a fairly long hiatus from the sport that I have come back to it. Now I hunt dove, turkey, and deer, and I look forward to each successive season. I hope to try some duck hunting in the not-too-distant future, and I'd like to eventually hunt something really big out west.
Now, I find that I have a newfound respect for nature and its cycles, as well as a greater knowledge and respect for the game that I hunt. I've even become more aware and knowledgeable about non-game animals that I see while hunting. I find myself trying to stay in better shape for the hikes necessary for hunting certain areas, and I am a better survivalist in the sense of being prepared for some unfortunate event (weather, accident, etc.)
I'm a better shooter because I practice to get the shot right when it counts. I'm also more aware of the consequences of a shot, and thus I'm a more responsible carrier of my concealed weapon.
I find myself more concerned with conservation, and I put my money where my concerns are. I've joined conservation groups, and I worry about what we're going to leave to our children. Seems like a new strip mall goes up every minute, and I frown every time I see a new one built.
These are some of the attitudes and opinions I've developed since coming back to hunting. What are some the benefits of hunting for you?