we use the land. But that use of the land is dwindling as the Ministry
of Natural Resources is closing off some areas in Northern Ontario to
the public, allowing access only to outfitters. As well, urban areas are
expanding, with city folk buying up land and not allowing hunting. Add
in the increased challenges from anti-hunting groups and the recent
17 years of a cancelled Ontario spring bear hunt. I fear there will be a
time, sooner not later, when hunters will have to rise up to defend
their heritage.
Nothing against farmers because I believe they are the salt of this
earth, but government regulations have forced negative changes to
the meat industry making me want to put lean meat directly from the
field into my freezer. I’d rather not eat the extra hormones, antibiotics
and gases added to keep the meat red and looking healthy. Grocery
stores will promote (and add extra cost to) meat that is “free-range”
or “hormone-free,” but every moose or deer I’ve been lucky enough
to put in my freezer has been exactly that.
Check any nutritional guide, and wild game will be at or near the top
for highest protein and low fat content. It’s a fantastic way to
supplement a healthy lifestyle. A moose or deer in the freezer can
stretch well into spring or summer. Growing up, we had this benefit
almost every year. Reaching into my freezer to grab a pound of lean
ground moose or a venison roast is a rewarding experience every time.
Throughout the entire off season, we dream of encountering a big
ol’ buck, bull moose or cagey tom and making that perfect shot. Come
fall we can head into the woods and it happens. That’s when our
tickers go from zero to Mach 3. When I was younger, that buck fever
had me shaking and knees knocking instantly. These days, when I first
see an animal I’m OK, but after I shoot and it’s down that same
adrenaline explodes in a rush. I know I did everything right within mere
seconds, fulfilling a moment I’d been thinking about all year.
A less tangible but important reason I hunt is what I call “flow.” It can
come with any activity – hiking, reading a book, watching a movie –
when you lose track of time and space. You’re in the moment and part
of your surroundings to the very fibre of your soul. That’s how I feel
when I’m hunting.
I honestly believe if more people could find things in life which
bring them this kind of adrenaline, satisfaction and flow, the world
would be a happier place.
Brian's late father