Article copy
Minutes after I shot that photo and switched back from the camera to the rifle, a doe and a buck crossed quietly in the open, right on the ridge line, carving through the turbulent sky like so many Chinese shadow play figures, and making for a dangerous shot that I obviously did not take.Later on that day, an oblivious fawn trotted his way in my direction, before he stopped and froze just a few meters away from me. I was under the wind, not moving and not making a noise, and kiddo had not detected me — but looked nevertheless as if he could feel there was a potential problem nearby.
I kept silent and immobile, taking the time to observe it. I had already decided that I wouldn't fire.
You see, what the anti-hunting folk cannot understand is how modern hunting is inherently ethical: I can afford, and actually enjoy, not killing Bambi, as hunting is not a strict question of survival to me. Unlike our long past ancestors and the "Noble Savage" to whom the anti-hunting urban Sandalistas sometimes deign to concede a "right" to hunt because "they need that to eat, unlike us" I won't starve, indeed, if I don't bring meat back. Which means that unlike our long past ancestors and the Noble Savage, I don't kill indiscriminately, and I have a far more complex and deep relationship with Nature and the game than simply that of a predator looking for food.
Bambi made a big mistake, but I decided he shall live to grow older and sharpen his inbreed survival skills. I moved slightly. He caught the movement, and was gone in matters of seconds. I thought: "He'll learn, all right."
It was a good day.
I'm on my way out for three days of hunting, both big and small game. Wish me good luck and many encounters of that kind. In the meantime, those of you who want to keep the lights on here can consider this an open thread. Make yourself at home; I'll be back soon, possibly with some venison.
Comments
Comments thread (10)
3068 - coalyard
coalyard Nashua, NH
Great picture, and a succient post about the ethics most sportsmen and hunters follow. In America, those of us who purchase hunting and fishing licenses are responsible for the majority of funds that go to wildlife conservation. The antis do nothing but bitch and get in the way, with no knowledge or actions that actually help with conservation. They have no college degrees in wildlife management, and their demands would actually harm the very animals and habitat they are trying to help.
I, like you, have passed on many legal and safe kills while in the woods for many reasons; I rarely take does, the buck wasn't big enough, or a spike, or I have already filled my tag in archery season and I am looking for a trophy deer, whose meat I will donate to a local charity to feed the homeless. I volunteer for wildlife conservation projects. I ask, what have any of these anti hunting idiots done or contributed to *real* wildlife preservation and conservation? Nothing.
3069 - Ms.ManChow
Ms.ManChow Maryland
I love the picture and the story. There is nothing more wonderful than wandering in the woods, silent and looking. I've not yet hunted, but do hope to soon.
3070 - Gozer the Carpathian
Gozer the Carpathian
If only more people would listen to what you're saying and UNDERSTAND it. Hunting is more than just the killing and eating. It's the whole thing, and because we don't NEED to eat or kill them, we do our best to make sure there are more of them there. Hunters conserve and preserve so we can go back and play later. :D
3071 - TooTall
TooTall Utah
Sometimes the best part of hunting is just being out in nature and watching.
3075 - HeckBoy
HeckBoy Auburn, AL USA
Fishing from a pier while my 11 year old son collects bull-frog tadpoles along the bank. We have good conversations during these times. He's adopted from Ukraine and remembers being abandoned in the cold (he was 3 at the time) and a policeman finding him. Now he lives in Alabama and is a fishing maniac, when he's not catching tadpoles for home school. We've literally watched a group of tadpoles grow legs and lose their tails in the space of a week. Bull-frogs take much longer.
3076 - 2hotel9
2hotel9 Western Pennsylvania
Good day, indeed. I don't have a doe tag this year, so I have to hold out for an 8 point buck, that being the regulation here in West PA now. And bear season was a wash, again. Only found tracks and clawing marks, although there are quite a few in our region I have only heard of 4 being taken. Oh, well, what the hell. Have funn tromping around the woods anyway! I'll try to get y'all some good pics, been several very nice bucks shot around here so far, and 8 more days of hunting left. Good luck to you.
3078 - floridasuzie
floridasuzie Florida
cobalt,
Thanks for sharing that story about your son! Nothing better than spending time with a frog lovin', fishing little boy - I had 2 :)
DF, The bright sapphire blue sky in your photo is so breathtakingly beautiful, it'd be a great addition to the EnchantedCeiling web site. I like to look at that site when I need cheering up. Also since you said this is an open thread, I hope you don't mind if I post the following info:
Light a candle in memory of a child who has died....Compassionate Friends Worldwide Candle Lighting this Sunday, Dec. 9th at 7:00 p.m. your local time.....24 hour light wave across the world "so that their light might shine"....It's been 3 yrs since we lost our 15 yr old son, so this will be the 3rd year I've lit candles in memory of Sam. It's a huge comfort to symbolically include him in our holidays which can be a difficult time. If you or anyone you know has lost a child, please pass this info on to them so that they may find some comfort, too. Thanks, Suzie
3080 - Red Collar
Red Collar Montreal, Qc, Can
Happy trails, my friend. Je te souhaite des ciels clairs et de belles rencontres.
3081 - Mike H.
Mike H. Spokane, Wa
Went bow hunting in Mississippi. My buddy and I were at the schools command in Biloxi. We both shot bows and decided to go out one weekend to see what we could get. He flushed down a powerline right of way and I was waiting for the deer. On the way to the hunting area we decided that we wouldn't take any thing longer than a 30 yard shot so while I waited for the deer I also looked for him to come in the clear so I could place him. As he came into the clear the doe and fawn passed out of the agreed upon range. No shots were taken.
He and I discussed the outstanding hike that we had had that day and neither of us felt that anything had been lost.
3170 - 45govt
45govt
Just enjoyed two days big game in the Ardennes, with one day's pheasant and duck in England. Great memories to bring back to the heat!
I love the 9.3x74R Browning Express that I borrow when there - what does the Frogman favour?