I’m about to go hunting for the first time in my life. Here’s my pre-hunt thoughts.

Before The Hunt

I’m writing this before the actual hunt. I’m sitting at home, just waiting. Ever have those times where there’s something you going to do but you can’t do it until a certain time of day. But you can’t get yourself involved in other things, so about all you can do is sit around and wait… and wait… and whatever the event your waiting for looms, and that just increases the emotional impact? That’s what’s going on for me.

I’m excited. I’m nervous. It’s a first time experience, and I don’t really know what to expect. Am I prepared? Do I have all the gear I need? I’m a planner so I don’t like overlooking something, but I also don’t want to haul tons of unnecessary stuff. I think I’m ready to go. 

I am excited. Giddy even. It’s interesting for me to look back and see how years ago I never would have considered hunting; had nothing really against it, just that it wasn’t for me. But now here I am, going on my first.

I must say, this isn’t a true hunt. I liken it to fishing. There’s “fishing” then there’s “catching”. You can fish all day and never catch a thing and it’s still a great day fishing. I did learn however that when you take someone fishing for the first time, especially kids, you actually need to take them “catching.” Sure, show them the basics of baiting the hook, casting, some basics of how to fish, but the bottom line is keep it simple, straightforward, and do your best to ensure they catch at least one fish (or at least get some nibbles and a fair shot). I’ve found that if you can do this (start with “catching”) then you have a better chance of the person you’re introducing to like it, stick with it, and eventually come to understand “fishing”. The sort of hunting I’m doing today? It’s basically “catching”. Sit in a stand, feeders go off, the hogs come eat, you shoot, hit, you’ve got pork in the freezer. There’s no guarantee I’ll actually get anything, but chances are better that I will. There’s no tracking, stalking, and all those “true hunting” aspects. But I’m OK with this. It’s a simple way to get my feet wet and see how I jive with it.

Anwyay, I’m about to head out the door. We’ll see how it goes.

More later.

Updated: It’s later. Here’s the post-hunt rundown.