How hunting can raise appreciation of the natural world

The first dusting of snow had just fallen as two people and two dogs walked down the trail. Many of the leaves had already fallen from the trees, but every now and then a triangle of yellow would flutter to the ground.

My sweet but dopey German Shorthair Pointer lunged at every leaf that fell. The other dog, a Brittany, was all business, trotting ahead or at my boyfriend's side, living for the moment when he heard the command, "Where's the bird?"

I was tagging along with my boyfriend on my third grouse hunt. I don't carry a gun yet, but I like tagging along to learn about hunting and because I experience an increased awareness of my surroundings on a hunt.

I learn more about grouse habitat and natural history every time, much more than if I were just out on a hike. Also, I see more non-game wildlife. I notice the wind direction, the minute changes in temperature, the change of light as morning turns into midday.

This hunting trip supported a hypothesis I have been testing for some time. I have a suspicion that hunters see a little bit more of the natural world than I do.

When I'd go out with my friend the falconer, she would step into a thicket, saying, "I bet there's grouse in here." And sure enough, a sharp-tailed grouse would explode from cover. I have a degree in wildlife biology, yet I would have walked right by without having thought to look closer. In class we focused on the evolution of animals and their physiology, not natural history.

Since hiking with the falconer I've incubated this suspicion, testing it here and there by tagging along on hunts. Every trip with a hunter has made increasingly clear to me that I am more aware of my surroundings, and notice the natural world better, when I'm out in the context of hunting.

Not only are my ears tuned to every snapping branch and chirping bird and my eyes keen for the hint of movement, but I am eager for it, thinking ahead to what areas are good habitat, what direction the wind is blowing and what the current weather means for an animal's movements.

In a time of instant gratification and over-consumption, it is refreshing to get back to basics with a shotgun and an owner-trained gun dog who doubles as a family pet. I value the time away from motorized vehicles. And I am interested in anything that will help me to be a better naturalist and learn more about the natural world.

There are other reasons to go hunting -- to spend time with family and to obtain local, sustainable and humanely grown and harvested meat. Also, hunting gives added value to public lands, helping them to remain public instead of being sold off to augment state budgets. Time spent hunting can also promote a sense of accomplishment and hone one's self-reliance skills.

There are, obviously, people who make a bad name for their fellow hunters, but that shouldn't be allowed to dampen the value of the pastime.

Walking a little way behind my boyfriend and his four-legged hunting buddy, I got the feeling that I was enjoying the ultimate fall experience -- leaves trickling down from aspen, the smell of cold weather and decaying leaves all around.

The man and dog in front of me walked toward a background of neon yellow, green and orange leaves popping into stark contrast against the bulky gray clouds above. The feeling that we were part of the drama unfolding on the landscape was strong and invigorating.

The next time a friend or an acquaintance mentions she'll be doing a little hunting, ask to tag along. We all need a chance to reconnect with nature and simplify our lives. The increased awareness that comes from being outside in the context of hunting is worth experiencing. If you bring warm enough clothes, I bet you'll find a new dimension to the outdoors and a new reason to get out in it.

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Cindy Gentz, of Grand Marais, Minn., works for the local Soil and Water Conservation District advocating for water resources.

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