Remember when you first fired a handgun and immediately realized it was nothing like the Hollywood portrayals of the act? The media really makes shooting look as if it's something anyone can do effortlessly without much thought, tact or skill. However, learning to accurately fire a handgun is a meticulous, tedious process that requires patience and foundational knowledge.

The same goes for hunting. Hunting and fishing aren’t always just about the kill or the catch. I mean don’t get me wrong, that's the best part. It's the reward for all the hard work, time and money (lots and lots of money) that goes into it. But the kill or the catch is not the totality of the experience. 

The true essence of the sport is in the process. It's in the connections built around the fire or BBQ pit at Deer Camp or in the field with people from all walks of life over your shared love of the sport. From scouting the land for signs of game, to the hours spent just lying in wait and leaving all the woes of the world behind (if only just for a few hours) as you peacefully observe and become one with nature - hunting is an experience.

Embracing the Hunt

I initially hated hunting because I found it boring. Sitting for hours, being sleepy and cold, my dad constantly shushing me and micromanaging my movements... who wants to wake up in the wee hours of the morning and go do that? I was under the impression that every time I went, I was supposed to kill or see a deer, but I was wrong. It wasn't until I began to manage my expectations that I learned to enjoy the experience for what it was. Eventually - like my dad - I learned to love 'the hunt' and not just the kill. I'm teaching my son to do the same, as it's our direct responsibility as men to provide the generation under us with the necessary skills and resources to build upon our legacies and carry forth traditions. 

Wilderness Wisdom

Here's my summarizing tip: before you jump out there, push the Hollywood scenes to the back of your mind. Hunting isn't all about killing animals for a thrill. It's about appreciating nature's rhythms, and respecting wildlife and the environment.

It's about sustainability and understanding where our food comes from. It's a way to connect with nature, preserve traditions, cultivate self-reliance and build confidence. It's sacred, and focusing only on the kill will cause you to miss out on appreciating the art. 

So, Remember:

• Manage your expectations

• Prepare properly

• And enjoy the process.

The reward (the deer, hog, duck, etc.) is soon to come.

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To learn more you can contact me below. At T2Outfitters, we guarantee you an experience. You'll learn to see and hear the woods as I do, making you a much more effective tracker and hunter in the long run.

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