On the other hand, if we begrudge them whatever they have done, we create an attitude that leads quickly to our own dissatisfaction and unhappiness.
The securing of permission for a promising tract of land, the draw of a tag for a Western hotspot, the taking of a giant mature animal, all should be sources of inspiration not jealousy. Rather than, “Oh, that lucky dog. I wish that would happen to me,” we might instead think, “How cool is that! With careful planning, hard work, and plenty of patience, I’m going to try to make that happen for me too.”
Q: How do we do this on a practical level?
A: I think the best answer is perhaps the most obvious: Ask for help.
Somewhere nearby is a hunter who has done what you are trying to do. Seek their advice. In my personal experience, hunters are some of the kindest and most generous people I know. People talk frequently about the importance of taking a kid hunting. No doubt this is critical to the continuation of the tradition we hold so dear, but remember that mentoring knows no age. I believe that it’s also vital for adult hunters to be lifelong learners. For example, imagine a hunter who is a sure thing when it comes to suburban whitetails, but wants to head out west and knows nothing about putting together a DIY elk hunt. Now with the Internet, finding a Rocky Mountain expert (or twelve) is just a click away. Of course asking for help does take an element of humility, but the more you do it, the easier it gets!
Q: How should the more experienced hunters among us react when asked for help?
A: Ideally with that same sense of humility.
This is what I have seen when asking hunting “elders” for advice. These hunters have not guarded their secrets jealously. Instead they have been incredibly open and unbelievably helpful. As a teacher myself, I know that their willingness to coach and advise others is one of the greatest strengths of the hunting tradition.
Sure, jealousy is a problem for some hunters, but I believe they are a small minority. In my experience, most hunters are thrilled and energized by the success of their peers. Most hunters find joy and satisfaction in helping other hunters improve and grow. Most hunters know that “you get more out than you put in,” and that kindness and generosity are usually returned in abundance. This is a powerful part of the HUNTING SPIRIT that I have experienced firsthand, and it is one of the many reasons I am proud to be a member of the family of hunters.
That said, hunters do indeed judge each other’s actions, sometimes harshly. I believe that this is usually not due to jealousy but to each hunter’s deeply held beliefs about what constitutes fair chase and what defines a legitimate kill. I look forward to exploring this topic in next month’s issue.
Until then, stay on stand, my friends! (Once the season has started, of course!)