Special to the HT

The evening I write this, it’s only a couple of weeks and a couple of days until the first hunting seasons begin. This is an interesting statement/position to be in coming from a (former?) city girl who knows next to nothing about hunting (although I am asking a TON of questions — thanks to those who put up with me).

Frankly, I’m still at about the developmental level of a toddler (and that’s being generous) when it comes to being able to use my firearms proficiently. That said, I’ve had some incredible conversations and even a few adventures to look at animals recently that not only fascinate me on the hunting topic, but truly inspire a level of gratitude for those who take on or support this activity.

Like it or not, most people (me included) are seriously, and I mean SERIOUSLY, disconnected from their food supply. You’re lucky to find people who can garden with any level of aptitude, but to find those who can reliably put meat on their table — and often the tables of those around them — is a whole different ballgame. These people are skilled and possess a level of fortitude that is admirable.

I look at the big eyes of deer or the majestic beauty of an elk and wonder how I could make myself pull the trigger (though I do want and need to learn how to do this — and I will), but those who have spent years learning how to do this, and doing it well, I admire. Heck knows, the meat (in my opinion) tastes better, and it’s better for you than what you get that is mass-produced for the majority of our population.

Additionally, it helps with animal populations and their overall health — so it’s not just a benefit to us, but to the environment where we all live.

Therefore, MAD respect for those who can go out and (ahem) — execute — on any of the activities that support such a vital part of this community, whether actually doing the hunting, coordinating, guiding, teaching, etc.

Many, many thanks from this recovering city girl to all of you — hopefully I won’t annoy you too much with what I am sure will continue to be an onslaught of inquiries. May the season(s) be fruitful.

By ALEXIS HULL-STONE