Why I Hunt
The fall 2015 hunting season is just around the corner. I’ve been putting in some time preparing for the season, and thought that the topic lent itself to the discussion of manliness, so I’m writing about why I hunt. No, to be clear here, hunting doesn’t make a male a man. No, you don’t have to hunt in order to be considered a TrueMan. There are no pre-requisites in this article, simply my heart. Here are some of the reasons why I hunt.
- For Provision. I hunt to provide food for my family. No, it’s not our only source of food, but meat has definitely become the largest consumed food group over the past year. Previously, our main consumption was probably grains; we’ve cut those dramatically. Besides the purchase of local beef and pork – wild venison, dove, pheasant, turkey, and hog have become mainstays in our freezers. My children thoroughly enjoy meat, prepared in various ways – usually grilled – and are growing lean muscles because of it.
- For Bonding with my children. My children, from very young ages, have demonstrated a desire to hunt with me. We’ve spent time reading, watching, learning, and discussing hunting. In my opinion, this is an absolute win-win situation for me. I am able to have a hobby, that brings me life, that allows me to provide for my family, while also spending time with my kiddos doing something that we mutually enjoy. Just a few weeks ago, my 7yr old daughter asked (unsolicited, I might add) if for her birthday this year, I could take her hunting. Absolutely! September 23rd I’m hoping to bag a deer with her!
- For Education of my children. Being in the wilderness with children offers countless educational opportunities. It’s a great time to talk one-on-one, with no distractions. It’s a great science lesson. It’s a great opportunity to ask them to talk about God, His creation, and His love for us. It’s perfect timing to talk about ethics (in hunting, and life in general), laws/regulations, and weapon safety.
- To Rejuvenate. Some might call this ‘to recreate’. Either way, any time I have the opportunity to go out into the woods and the fields, it brings a sense of rejuvenation to me that being in town (even our small farm town) cannot provide. Typically, the cell signal is low or out, you’re on your own and have to be self-reliant, and for me, those factors make me come alive! A weapon in my hand, just waiting for the opportunity.
- To Remain Mentally Sharp. If you’ve never hunted, this one might seem obscure, but there’s something profound about waiting absolutely still, and quiet, in full camouflage, for that perfect opportunity to harvest a wild animal. Your mental aptitude is tested, and between scouting out your location properly, to understanding the ins-and-outs of the particular game you’re hunting, it can be mentally exhausting. The wrong decision, movement, or noise can ruin your chances. You should have a game plan, and backups, and that takes preparation.
- To Hone My Skills of Survival. Some would call me a conspiracy theorist, others might call me paranoid, still others would say that I’m not prepared enough. Regardless of what your beliefs are about Muslim invasions, economic downturns, government oversteps, or terroristic attacks, one thing remains true… having the skills to live on your own may come in handy some day. I need to know that I can harvest and cook food on a fire I created, and protect myself and family. Being in the wilderness regularly helps me in that preparation. Having skills with weaponry helps me in that preparation as well.
If you’ve never been in to hunting, but you want to get started, I’d ask these questions first. 1. What weaponry do you own? (Shotgun, rifle, BB gun, bow, etc. The weapon often dictates the game you’re able to hunt.) 2. Are you proficient with your weapon(s)? (If not, practice practice practice.) 3. Where do you live and what are your local regulations? (You have to know what education, licensure, and tags/permits are required, where you can use them, and when. Learn this stuff online.) 4. Do you have any close contacts for people who can help teach you? (Most true hunters would love the opportunity to hunt with someone new. They can be your ticket into the hunting world!) 5. What source of educational materials do you have access to? (Online videos, YouTube, hunting channels, magazines, books, etc. are great sources to learn from.)
As always, if you have any needs or questions, don’t hesitate to contact us. Email me at Dave@TrueManhood.com!
TrueMan up!
Challenge Accepted, ISIS
The barbaric Islamic cowards of ISIS have threatened our Holy Father, Pope Francis, and have vowed to “conquer Rome”. The Pontifical Swiss Guard have accepted the challenge of defending him. Threats from Muslims against Christianity, and specifically against the Papacy, certainly aren’t new. Many have been actualized over the years, and many more will most assuredly come. However, the Commander of the Swiss Guard isn’t backing down, and says that the Swiss Guard are on high alert and are ready.
Since the assassination attempt of St. John Paul the Great (Pope John Paul II) in 1981, the security measures of not only the Swiss Guard, but also of the Vatican Police, known as the Corps of Gendarmes, have been significantly heightened. Slight changes were made when Francis was elected, but the world can be assured that the Swiss Guard are prepared.
TrueManhood requires that a man defend the common good. It goes without saying that defending the Holy Father is a good thing, and these incredible elite soldiers who make up the Swiss Guard are assigned to a very good task. When it comes to this good task, I wish I were younger, single, and Swiss – but alas, I’m older than the cutoff, married, and Italian (and Irish, Polish, & Czech).
The young men that make up the world’s smallest army must be between the ages of 19 and 30, at least 5’8.5″ tall, single, a practicing Catholic, and trained in the Swiss Army. Don’t let their Renaissance-esque uniforms fool you – they are trained warriors and ready for the battle. They train in unarmed combat, small arms, and are proficient with their pike and sword. Here’s the oath they swear on May 6th (each time a recruit becomes a Swiss Guard):
“I swear I will faithfully, loyally, and honorably serve the Supreme Pontiff Francis and his legitimate successors, and also dedicate myself to them with all my strength, sacrificing if necessary also my life to defend them. I assume this same commitment with regard to the Sacred College of Cardinals whenever the See if vacant. Furthermore I promise to the Commanding Captain and my other superiors, respect, fidelity and obedience. This I swear! May God and our Holy Patrons assist me!”
Sheer awesomeness – an oath of self-giving, self-sacrifice, and overflowing with the virtue of magnanimity! And I can guarantee that these men don’t take this oath lightly – a true and holy honor to protect the Vicar of Christ. This sort of attitude flies in the face of cultural manliness and stands for authentic manliness – TrueManhood! We here at TrueManhood are proud of these men and so grateful to have them among the ranks who will be the first to defend Mother Church and our Holy Father.
Click Here a news story from Catholic News Agency.
TrueMan up!
