Hunting isn’t about Killing, Hunting is about Hunting

     This book is prepared as several short stories, many taken from the authors log book over several years.  It keeps the reader interested by being to the point and accurate for the average person.  It relates the thinking of everyone who has an interest in wild life and the great outdoors.

“So many non-hunters or animal lovers have the feeling that hunters are possessed with killing every animal they can. When in fact, hunters are the first conservationists and care for the animals more than anyone.  The killing of an animal while hunting is the finish of the hunt. All the preparations, all the time in spending in the woods and forests, and all the anticipation is ended in the harvest of the game.”  

“It is always a great feeling when you introduce young people to the traditions of hunting and the outdoors.  They need the guidance and learn very quickly.  You call tell immediately if they enjoy it or are disinterested.  The outdoors is such a pleasure to be in and they really respect nature, wildlife and how it exists.  Young hunters are needed to keep the traditions continuing for the wildlife that we so much enjoy and need.  Without the hunters to control wildlife many of the animals would overpopulate, be diseased and cease to exist.  Hunters are the keepers of wildlife.”

“We did discover that most of the ranches the club has are working ranches.  That is to say either they have cattle on them or the ones in the mountains are being logged off by the paper companies.  This ranch had over 2000 cattle and plenty of gates to open and close.  We finally got to several areas and hunted the next couple days without finding any pigs.  We found plenty of sign and cows but nothing appeared active from the pig rooting sign that we did find.  On the third afternoon we hunted a back ridge and while walking back out Doug spotted a big boar grazing on the side of the ridge.” 

“It is hard to explain getting up before dawn, going into a woods or forest and trying to become one with animals.  You enter the woods in silence and go to a selected spot and settle in for the morning light.  The first dawn sky is a magical feeling that another day will begin soon.  Then the slow rise of the sun starts and the birds begin to sing their morning songs.  Moving from tree to tree they start a chorus that will continue all day.  In the distance are the crows, cawing and gathering together to seek the daily food.  The squirrels begin coming down from their tree homes and chattering to each other.  They scamper about in a nervous fashion but find food everywhere.  The smells in the woods range from decaying leaves to various flowers that make a variety of feeling in your nose.  It is basic life and continues everyday without anyone to direct it.  The plants and animals continue to grow and exist in the, sometimes difficult times and the comfortable times.”