I think people deride and hate hunting exactly because it’s primal. If we have been engaged in an 8,000 year project to become civilized, then hunting flies in the face of “progress“. Ranchers and similar types in the American West don’t hate the return of the buffalo because they hate the animals. They hate it because it represents a step backwards in their minds, a refutation of all their ancestors worked and fought for. Society at large feels that way about hunting, which represents an even larger step backwards in their eyes.
Great point, Jason. Connecting a dislike for hunting to progress is fascinating. It makes sense and is logical considering the bias against hunters in much of the US, but it seems especially so in many European countries where hunting has a different meaning (e.g., a pastime for the upper class).
“People say that what we’re all seeking is a meaning for life. I don’t think that’s what we’re really seeking. I think that what we’re seeking is an experience of being alive, so that our life experiences on the purely physical plane will have resonances with our own innermost being and reality, so that we actually feel the rapture of being alive.” — Joseph Campbell
Great read, Jesse! I always find it hard to put this unique experience to words, but when I read pieces like this it’s clear that there is a common thread (or brainwave) that all hunters share even if we don’t speak or write about it. Well done!
Thank you for your kind words, Jack. It’s gratifying to hear this resonated. For those of us who regularly hunt, it is such a unique feeling… Putting it into words is a challenge, so I’m happy when I manage to do it and connect with readers and writers like yourself.
I think people deride and hate hunting exactly because it’s primal. If we have been engaged in an 8,000 year project to become civilized, then hunting flies in the face of “progress“. Ranchers and similar types in the American West don’t hate the return of the buffalo because they hate the animals. They hate it because it represents a step backwards in their minds, a refutation of all their ancestors worked and fought for. Society at large feels that way about hunting, which represents an even larger step backwards in their eyes.
Great point, Jason. Connecting a dislike for hunting to progress is fascinating. It makes sense and is logical considering the bias against hunters in much of the US, but it seems especially so in many European countries where hunting has a different meaning (e.g., a pastime for the upper class).
“People say that what we’re all seeking is a meaning for life. I don’t think that’s what we’re really seeking. I think that what we’re seeking is an experience of being alive, so that our life experiences on the purely physical plane will have resonances with our own innermost being and reality, so that we actually feel the rapture of being alive.” — Joseph Campbell
Thanks for sharing your rapture, Jesse! 👍
“Resonance” is where it’s at, Baird. Thanks for this quote; what an excellent combination of words!
Glad you enjoyed that one, Jesse! Campbell has a lot of gems, and that’s one of his best IMHO.
Great read, Jesse! I always find it hard to put this unique experience to words, but when I read pieces like this it’s clear that there is a common thread (or brainwave) that all hunters share even if we don’t speak or write about it. Well done!
Thank you for your kind words, Jack. It’s gratifying to hear this resonated. For those of us who regularly hunt, it is such a unique feeling… Putting it into words is a challenge, so I’m happy when I manage to do it and connect with readers and writers like yourself.
I appreciate the ride taken with you on this hunt. Your hunt is now part of me. I’ve gotta step outside now.
I’m glad it connected. And thanks, as always, for reading 👍🏻
This was fantastic, Jesse (and thanks for the shout)!
Nice to read another deer-tracker’s notes on here. I’m a deer-tracker in the Alberta hills flanking my farm. Thanks!
Yes! I'm happy to connect with another tracker. I've heard great things about Alberta hunting. Thanks for reading.
I'm glad you liked it, Lou. I enjoyed re-reading your "On Living" piece.