Recently, through discussions with friends, and as I embark on a diet, I find myself thinking about a new genre of hunter. A hunter taking to the great outdoors for the first time as a means to support a lifestyle. Not necessarily a new lifestyle, but has them trying new things as a means to achieve that lifestyle. Someone who believes in sustainable resources. Someone understands not only the grossly overly processed food industry but also understands what advantages there are to keeping deer and other wildlife populations under control. Someone who shops at the local farmers market and is conscious of what is being put into their bodies. I find some of our fellow traditional outdoorsmen having less than an open arm welcome to these folks into what we enjoy by letting political opinions stand in the way of having memorable experiences together.
I can honestly say I was raised in one of those traditional deer camp type of families. One where the majority was blue collar country folk that have a passion for the sport of hunting that was passed on through many generations. Like a rite of passage, this passion can sometimes get in the way of truly embracing the outdoors. Allowing differences of politics and lifestyle choices shouldn’t get in the way of sharing the outdoors, as long as they are in it for the greater good of the land and sport. Should we not embrace all those who wish to hone their skills of hunting to provide the dinner table with some of the best sources of protein the Lord has provided for us? I find it funny how there seems to be little to no discussion about the differences of lifestyles when the topic of fishing is brought up (at least from my experience). What makes fishing and hunting so different? Is it because we all fish the same waters, essentially like all of us hunting public property?
Tree huggers, hipsters, eagle freaks, greenies, lefties, etc. are several names given to the folks with this type of lifestyle. Should the seasoned veteran that has spent countless years hunting think any less of a person first taking to the woods later in life? Creating barriers between you and someone who may dress a little different than you or someone that may not be as skilled as you is like painting yourself into a corner. There is always value in encouraging others and teaching them like your forefathers did about the sport of hunting. Although, what you learn from them may not be directly related to hunting itself, I can guarantee anyone with a genuine interest in the outdoors has something to offer!
Case in point, I got to know a friend of a friend that is interested in hunting for the first time and is a very health conscious person. He has helped me to get on a new diet that fits perfect for those who fill the freezer with wild game. In detail, I learned of how this diet will help me lose weight with not as much sacrifice as some other of the popular diets. This diet is low carb and high fat, which includes plenty of wild game! As I write this I am nearing the end of week 1 of the diet. It is not a walk in the park, but I so far I can see myself sticking to the plan and I am down just over 4 lbs. All because a friend of a friend I helped out with a few fundamental pointers of hunting, he shared some other information to help me shed a few pounds. So, how many veterans of the field have experienced the upside to teaching the skill of hunting to some newcomers that embraces the all natural lifestyle?
