Many non-hunters are offended by hunting wild game. Despite humans being Hunters and Gatherers, most gatherers gather their food from the grocery store or butcher. It comes in colorful Styrofoam packages, cans, or processed foods. The bloody and messy work has already been done, and the consumer is shielded from the harvest and butchering.
True Hunters appreciate Fair Chase and Ethical hunting. We must follow the rules and legal methods to get our limits and tag our game. Hunters are stewards of the land and the natural, wild resources that live there. It is because of these hunters that hunting still exists, and that wildlife thrives.
Fall is when things die. The insects, fruits, berries, grasses, and forage, that wild game needs stops growing and must rest for the Winter. There will be no more food until the Spring. Surplus wildlife must compete for food and shelter. This is when hunters legally hunt. They harvest the surplus that will die over the Winter without natural foods, predators, and harsh weather.
Despite the natural stress and risks of predators, only the strong will survive and reproduce. Every generation will be a little smarter, faster, stronger and smarter. That’s what it takes to survive nature’s always changing cycles.
The critters all have special senses and qualities to aid in survival.
SMELL Big game noses can smell danger from miles away. This is also important when breeding. Game birds have a poor sense of smell but can fly away or run from danger.
SIGHT Without cones in their eyes, most wild game can’t see color. They only see black and white, but the detail and sharpness and movement are increased. They have trouble seeing sharp, clear, stationary shapes. Game birds have cones and can see in color.
HEARING Wild birds do not have external ears. Because of this sound is not heard from as far or loud as other critters. Big Game have ears that can be aimed separately and hear from great distances. They have a more limited range of pitches and sound detection than humans though.
SPECIAL ADAPTATIONS Evolution has rewarded wild critters with characteristics to better survive. Camouflage, behaviors, communication, and other qualities help reproduce and survive. Wildlife also remembers close calls, dangers, and locations of food, shelter, and water. They can migrate great distances and adapt to environmental stressors.
Humans Good vision, hearing, and just fair smell
Deer Fair vision, excellent hearing and smell
Rabbits Fair vision, excellent hearing and good smell
Wild Turkey Excellent vision and hearing, poor smell
Pheasants, grouse, quail and huns Good vision and hearing. Poor smell
Waterfowl Excellent vision, good hearing, and fair smell.
Just ask experienced hunters if getting a limit or tagging a critter is easy. For every story of success, there are many misses and lost chances. It is called Hunting not killing. Success only happens after a lot of time and experience hunting. It is way easier to shop for food rather than hunt for it.
Hunt hard, hunt harder!
Montana Grant
