Hunting is an ancient pastime and when you think about it, it was one of the earliest teachers of science and knowledge.  Modern hunters do not have to know everything about animals and nature but they can’t help but be exposed to some aspects of ancient hunting techniques.  Nature is a strict teacher when it comes to survival.  Death or injury was the penalty levied for mistakes made by the inexperienced hunter.  Thousands of years were required for the lessons to be learned by these stalkers of giant prey. Because of this, man became the first species to develop scientific methods of obtaining food.

Today’s hunters use some of the same techniques our ancestors developed for their hunting strategy.  The beginning hunter may not be aware of the many side benefits to hunting, or perhaps they simply do not take the time to think about the added enjoyment these benefits can provide.  The particular quarry a hunter seeks is at home in the wild with the hunter intruding on its home playing field.  There are things a hunter can do to help level this field and at the same time learn useful  information in an enjoyable atmosphere.

The still-hunter has the most opportunity to observe animal behavior while hunting.  The deer or turkey hunter spends an inordinate amount of time just sitting and watching while waiting for a trophy buck or long bearded gobbler to appear.  This allows the hunter to see all species of small animals including the predators trying to catch them.  There are always tales told around the fire back at the hunting camp about animals doing strange and wonderful things.   Some you won’t believe until you see for yourself.  The early hunters were well aware of animal habits as many stories were included in Native American myths and legends.

Learning about the particular quarry a hunter seeks can only increase the chances of a successful hunt.  Animals are creatures of habit so by studying their methods of feeding or hiding a hunter can greatly increase the chances of outsmarting them when the hunt takes place.  This may also engender a greater respect for the hunted creatures as they make their lives in the forest.

Many hunters are intrigued by the birds they encounter while on a stand.  It is common for birds to perch on a limb almost within arms length of a hunter.  Having an owl, hawk or crow be this close is quite a thrill for the uninitiated hunter.  Some hunters become birdwatchers because of a chance encounter with one of these fascinating creatures.  The ancient hunters could listen to the noise a bird made and gain information from the sound.  They could tell if another animal was nearby by the warnings the birds were giving the intruder.  The appearance of buzzards and other carrion eaters meant an animal was dead or dying close by.

Learning about botanical species can be helpful to the hunter as well as an interesting hobby.  Knowing which trees and shrubs will lose their leaves during the hunting season can make a difference in the cover one can expect to have to conceal the hunters presence.   Some species of plants are natural foods for the intended prey and others, such as poison ivy and oak , are to be avoided lest the hunting trip be spoiled by itching or other discomfort. 

Knowledge about plants and trees is also helpful to survival techniques in case getting lost or stranded is a possibility.  Many hunters pride themselves on being able to survive in the wilderness.  The satisfaction comes from being able to relate to ancient hunters who not only survived with what nature provided, but thrived because of skills learned over many centuries.  This knowledge adds to the enjoyment of hunters who love all aspects of the wilderness and the history of our ancestors.

For some hunters the choice of weapons used in the hunting process can be another hobby associated with hunting.  Whether rifles, bows, shotguns, or pistols are used, the use and care of these can turn into an enjoyable, or even profitable, pastime if collecting or repairing them appeals to the hunter.  The particular aspects of individual weapons can be fascinating to hunters and collectors.  Being able to repair one’s own weapons may make the difference in a successful hunt or a wasted weekend.

Many hunters are not proficient at cooking until they take up the sport.  At first, most hunters do not know the proper methods of dressing out deer or other game.  This skill is learned by degrees until it becomes second nature to real hunters.  This may also interest men who never cook at home except for using a microwave to make popcorn.  The satisfaction of preparing delicious meals at the hunting camp is a matter of pride for some hunters.  The admiration of one’s peers adds to the hunting experience.

Deer hunters spend a good deal of time going to, sitting in, and coming from their deer stands.  Much of this time is spent in near or total darkness.  Because of the isolated areas used for deer hunting, the skies are perfect for star gazing.  The lack of artificial lighting from the urban areas enables some hunters to observe celestial objects not normally seen from their city homes.  The hunter’s namesake, the constellation Orion, becomes a familiar, and somehow, comforting guide to and from the hunting stand.  A small star chart is a good gift for the avid hunter.     

For rookie hunters or those of a urban background, the simple acts of preparing a camp or building a proper fire can lead to becoming a lifelong camping enthusiast.  Many people are never exposed to the pleasures of going camping either because of a lack of chance to go, or the lack of exposure to this wonderful activity.  The peace and quiet of a pleasant campsite and the proficiency of the campers themselves often out weigh the act of hunting itself.  Camping and hunting are usually intermingled as a combined recreational activity.

Hunting is not a single sport.  It combines facets of many sports and accomplishments.  It allows many to understand the struggles of our ancestors and helps us see this from our own unique perspective.  It also engenders a respect for all living things and for other outdoorsmen who love the sport.  Enjoy your time in the wilderness, but always do so safely with respect for nature’s bounty.