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A man's guide to finding success in things that matter. Join us in the hunt!
As Sage, Sadie (my labs) and I are sitting on the deck in Colorado waiting on the bear to walk past on it’s way to the dumpsters by the local eating place, I’m thinking about how lucky I am to be alive. My wife and I have been walking daily to get ready for our fall bear hunt in Canada. When you’re in your 60’s, it takes a little longer to get your legs and body ready to hunt. I will always need to work on my weight, but that’s a personal problem involving too much intake. Most folks need to walk more and eat less, but actually doing it is tough. If you’re working, have children in activities or other involvements that require your time, it’s tough to find the time to exercise. The food intake is another story, but realizing that it goes hand in hand with exercising is a fact not to be ignored.
Hunting health is not just about exercise and weight control. It is much more. Hunting gives the hunter a needed break, even if it’s just thinking about a frosty morning in November when it is 100 in July. I have a friend who was fishing, enjoying the water and feeling the calmness of standing with a pole in his hand. He said “This is so wonderful. I might even bait my hook.” It’s not that he wasn’t prepared. It was about health and taking the time to just relax and take in all that nature provides. In other words, it was a mental health day. Hunting health can be the companionship of fellow hunters who enjoy getting together for a day in the field. Hunting health can be a day in the stand, waiting for the deer/bear and seeing nothing, but knowing you had a great day with nature. Hunting health can be anything that helps you relax and put things into perspective. Many times while in the tree stand, I review things that are causing me concern and many times I come up with a game plan or not. Nature provides a setting that gives us a place to enjoy, relax and to think! Hunting health is much more than running, walking, dieting or spending time in the weight room. It is also the mental component.
I don’t know why it seems so many people turn to drugs or bad behavior to get a thrill. When I think about the hunting experiences I have had and hunting experiences I have shared with others, it gives me a thrill. You don’t have to feel bad in the morning or try to explain bad behavior to the police or your family. Hunting healthy is not the ultimate cure, but it sure can’t hurt. When I think of the times shared with family, friends and my wife, healthy hunting sure seems to be a step in the right direction.
Well, no bears tonight. I hope they are up in the hills eating natural food.
Mike
The Huntsman 