Many of you know that one of major downsides to our time in Ukraine is that I miss hunting and all the camaraderie that comes from these trips. As much as I love hunting, it's just one of the sacrifices that I've decided to make to be here. Funny how the Lord blesses when we least expect it....
Right after we left in September the Hope Center hired Roman as a general handyman and for general awesomeness. His father is the caretaker of Fort Totleben here in Kerch and a former Soviet officer. Since returning I have also learned that they are both avid hunters. This week we've been exchanging pictures and stories about our favorite experiences and I lent Roman a DVD of some bow hunts that I got as a free handout in MI.
Due to the type of land around here, he hunts rabbits, pheasant, ducks and geese (but will shoot a wild boar if he comes across one). They are limited to mostly shotgunning by federal laws banning rifled weapons so they are VERY interested in my hunting of deer, elk and pronghorn.
So the big news is this...
This weekend Roman, his father and brother are taking me hunting! We're going for pheasant on Saturday and rabbits on Sunday. I am unbelievably excited. This is really an amazing opportunity. Hunting here is strictly regulated and limited to those who are officially recognized as being part of the exclusive hunting clubs.
I hope to take a lot of pictures and share those early in the week.
Posts
Yeah you should definitely post more pictures of dead animals. Maybe cut back on the bloodshed a bit.
ReplyDeleteGlad you have found a comrade in arms, as it were.
I agree, more dead animals...
ReplyDeleteHunting is Biblical! Abel's gift of meat was more pleasing to God than Cain's planted harvest... of course Abel got killed himself over that little fiasco so maybe I should use another example.
Sacrificing to God.....
ReplyDeleteHunting for fun......
[imagine me making the scales with my hands going up and down before deciding that....]
Um no. Not the same.
True, but I doubt that instance was the first time he'd killed... his success rate would not have been very good. Plus, I don't recall God having people do abhorrent things to honor him at other times.
ReplyDeleteIts the circle of life (cue Elton John).
In a moral sense, does it make a serious difference to you if my meals next Monday are made of innocent rabbits and pheasant or innocent chickens and cows. Either way something gets killed and eaten.
At least what I shoot is free range... Whole Foods approved (imagine me smiling cheesily giving a big thumbs up)!
If you proceeded to post pictures of dead cows and chickens on your blog, I would have the exact same reaction.
ReplyDeleteNot a morality argument at all, just not what I would call "appropriate".
And before all the other kids in the hunter club try and yell, save it.
Ah, so the problem lies in being squeamish about reality... fair enough. I will try to make the pictures tasteful.
ReplyDeleteA decision that will be appreciated I am sure, although I will assume that the squeamish comment to the sister who actually lived blood and gore was said rather tongue in cheek....
ReplyDeleteOooh oooh! Can I add my 2 cents? It's the same for me...it's not a morality issue it all. It's more that I can't understand what's fun about killing animals...hunting, in a slaughterhouse, on a farm, or whatever. If it were a necessity to survive in today's world I wouldn't think twice about it though. It's not that I'm squimish either - after all, I've helped my dad do an autopsy on a great dane using hedge cutters on the ribcage (and other pleasantries). I just don't "get it".
ReplyDeleteBut, I've also never been hunting and so that could either be used as proof that "I don't get it" or to make my point or make invalid (how do I really know?). If it's any consolation to you...to "each his own" on this one...after all, there are plenty of people that might question why killing yourself to climb is considered "fun" too. I'm happy for you that you get to do this, at any rate.
Apparently, even after proofreading my posts, my mind still skips over words. Whoops.
ReplyDeleteWell said Aaron. My only last comment here, because I have a huge amount of work that has not been completed, is to quote one of my favorite characters in saying:
ReplyDelete(With respect to calling hunting and fishing "sport")
"It cannot be called a sport if your opponent doesn't know he is playing"
Too bad that the "not a sport" label applies to NASCAR too, but I live in the land of Virginia hicks who tell me, between drags of cigarettes, that I "just don't get it". [Happily, I might say]
OK I'm done.
Re: "I don't recall God having people do abhorrent things to honor him at other times."
ReplyDeleteWhat about killing all the women and children of Caana? That's abhorrent.
One more and I'm out too.
ReplyDeleteAaron - I respect that but so I'll explain the 'it' as best I can. The death will happen. You eat meat, I eat meat. The only question is what animal and how, right? If I kill a deer I save a cow (I hear a faint yea from Hindus). I guess the satisfaction comes from being self sufficient or something.
Tammi - Sport is a semantic difference. Plus, I've always found that quote somewhat naive to the law of the wild. Animals are perpetually "playing" this game against whatever is higher on the food chain, just as I am when in woods habituated by bear and lions. Also, animals don't technically "know" anything... they don't have conscious self-awareness.
And lastly Mike - I had thought about that one too but I think maybe you are thinking of an act of obedience rather than an act of worship. Maybe I could have been more precise in my wording. God doesn't ask us to do abhorrent things as an act of worship.
Man, lots of aggro with no support from my fellow hunters. Tough day at the office.
Mr. Cool started: As a fellow marksmen, I give you (Mr. Cool had to rush to work--he lost track of the time. His comment will continue later.)
ReplyDeleteAll I really know about hunting I learned from Richard Connell's short story, "The Most Dangerous Game." I teach it every year, and it's a big hit. The main character learns, and I quote, "how a beast at bay feels." Anyway, great debate
WV: coment Why yes, I believe I will.
Ok, I know this is totally beside the point of this blog but I just wanted to say that the little girl in that picture is so adorable. What a great photo.
ReplyDeleteOh and enjoy the hunt!
"Semi-controversial post" - love it!
ReplyDeleteMy only point is that it's like a preference...like some people might think skydiving is fun and exhilarating but others not. I'd honestly be interested to read a blog about what makes it something that you like to do (a true explanation)...not as a judgement, but more for curiosity and understanding of hunting (and you). For example: the comradiere, adventure, being outside, thrill, reward of food, etc. I should try that with soccer sometime...I've had this same conversation my whole life about soccer (as you probably know)...and my only complaint about it is that people don't have open minds to hear the positives. Hmmm...maybe I should make a post about why I like "football" and you hunting.
Slick - excellent way to end this discussion.
ReplyDeleteI honestly don't expect (or even want) everyone to be into hunting but I would just prefer that folks let me have my desire to do so. I equate this to my finding veganism somewhat silly but (aside from some mild mockery) have no problem if someone decides to live that way.
We can (and did) disagree and even poke a little fun at each other without being fascists about it, right?
Thanks for the interchange, guys!
Hunting = your call
ReplyDeletePosting pictures of dead things = my issue
Sorry Matty. Would have loved to chime in but Tammi told me that I could not. I love how she gets to put her 2 cents in but can tell everyone else to butt out. Seems fair.
ReplyDeleteWay to man up "Anonymous"
ReplyDelete:-)
Sorry I thought you knew it was me
ReplyDeleteTim
Aww, see you know me, Tim! You know better than to read "save it" as "people must not assert their own opinion"!!!
ReplyDeleteI recognize hunting as an aspect of some people's life. It's not my thing, and I don't date people who hunt animals for fun, but I eat meat and it isn't like I don't know how they make steak.
But I don't look for pictures of dead cows on blogs either.....
I didn't have an argument. Matt held his own and pointed out all the things that I would have said. I understand that hunting is not for everyone,and that is more than ok with me.
ReplyDeleteThat said I don't really like to argue especially with people a lot smarter than me and better at it. I don't look for things on the internet that I don't like to look at either. The difference is I choose not to look at them. I don't contact the person responsible and tell them not to do it anymore. But as already stated eairlier to each his/her own.
Have a great night.
To which I would only say that I wouldn't stop/want to stop checking Matty's blog just because I don't want to see a dead deer :-(
ReplyDeleteI hear you and Sue are doing well, to which I could not be happier! Happy New Year!!!
I understand that completely. Maybe Matt can warn you when he will do it.
ReplyDeleteWe are doing great. We just celebrated our daughters 1st birthday today.
Hope you are doing well.
Happy new year to you as well.
Are you still in the DC area?
I am! The city is brimming with the madness that will be Obamapalooza, so that's pretty annoying, but I really like this place much more than LA. Going to England next weekend so I am really looking forward to that!
ReplyDeleteHow can you really be married and have a kid?!?! I remember when you weren't even 21 year!! Way to make me feel old :-)
And yes, Matty, in case you are curious, Tim and I are using your blog as a chat forum.
ReplyDelete