Deer
hunting meets deer "experience"
Jena Thompson, posted Dec. 4, 2006
I
had my orange hat, coveralls and camouflage boots covered
in deer scent. The sun was blazing through the trees as I
tromped the leaves beneath my feet, following my Dad, step
by step. When we reached our destination and settled into
our spots, I sat awaiting “the big one.” It was
deer season, and I was excited!
But, as I sat whittling on a tree branch, I was reminded of
why I love deer hunting so much. I looked over beside me,
and what did I see? My Dad, head bobbing and sound asleep.
Yep, that’s deer season. We didn’t see a single
deer that afternoon, yet that was enough for me.
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My dad leads the way through the woods on our family farm in Howell County.
—Photo by Jena Thompson |
Family plays a large role in deer season, for me anyway. Each
year is spent at my great uncle’s farm in Howell County,
with my brothers, cousins, aunts and uncles. There is never
a dull moment.
Deer hunting has evolved from a skill for the means of survival,
to a deeper sociological experience. “Today deer hunting
probably has a diverse range of cultural meanings depending
on the person or group involved,” said Mary Grigsby,
associate professor of rural sociology. “For some, it
is part of the ‘coming-of-age’ experience and
an annual ritual that people look forward to.”
CAFNR student Rebecca Schneider has been hunting for five
years and, looks forward to it every year. “My favorite
thing about deer season is definitely the excitement of it
all,” she said. “I’m from a small community
and it is pretty much the highlight of the year. Everyone
talks about what they got.”
Dustin Moss, CAFNR Student, has been hunting for seven years
with his dad and brother, and he enjoys his time in nature.
“I like just looking for the deer. Waitin’ for
the big one.”
Schneider said that simply being a part of nature is the best
thing about the hunting experience. “It makes me proud
of where I, and my family, come from.”
Grigsby said the family element is common. “Often family
members introduce young people to hunting, and it is part
of the socialization process, especially for young men,”
Grigsby said. “Of course today some women also enjoy
the sport.”
Family is who introduced Schneider to the sport. “I
hunt because my family’s always hunted. My dad took
me when I was little, and it’s just what we do.”
Sure, getting a deer may be a little perk for participating
in deer season. Although, nothing beats the experience you
can receive by simply being in the woods and with your family.
