When people ask me, “Why do you hunt?” it always sparks a whirlwind of memories and emotions. Hunting isn’t just a pastime; they are experiences that have shaped who I am today. For me, it’s not solely about harvesting a deer —it’s about the moments, the connections, and the stories that breathe life into this age-old practice.
Some of my most cherished memories have little to do with the act of hunting itself and everything to do with the shared experiences. Like the time I watched my wife take her first deer, the excitement in her eyes telling a story that no words could. Or hearing my son’s rifle echo through the woods as he harvested his first deer—all while sitting alone in a stand for the very first time. These moments are woven into the fabric of my family.
The beauty of nature is another element that keeps me coming back. I’ve seen hawks dive gracefully to catch snakes, and foxes clumsily attempt to nab squirrels only to end up baffled by their failure. And then there are those breathtaking mornings when the sun slowly rises, casting its golden hue over the woods as the wildlife awakens. It’s humbling to witness the raw vibrancy of life while knowing that you are part of an ecosystem that revolves around nature’s apex predator.
One of my favorite stories is from a hunt with a young mentee. He captured a bear approaching our stand on his phone, and the closer the bear got, the more his phone visibly shook. It’s moments like these—pure, unfiltered excitement—that stick with you forever.
Even my earliest hunting days on Florida public lands carry nostalgia. The smell of lighter knot campfires brings me back to those moments when camaraderie and adventure were all I needed. Hunting isn’t in my family tradition; no one passed it down to me. It became an obsession that felt written into my very DNA—a call to the wild I couldn’t ignore.
So why do I hunt? I hunt to build memories, to connect with nature, and to understand my role within it. It’s a journey that’s enriched my life in ways I couldn’t have anticipated. To new hunters: leave space in your heart and mind for the stories you’ll create, because hunting isn’t just about the game—it’s about the experiences you’ll cherish for a lifetime.
Guy Gardner, Educator and Mentor, New Hill Hunter Education and Mentoring Program