Friday 5 - Deer Hunting

Some of you might not know this, but I do go deer hunting. I took a several year hiatus from hunting during college, but ever since graduation I have been getting back into it. I know some of you may not like deer hunting, but then again some of you probably don't like chocolate and well...that is weird!

Top 5 Reasons I Like Deer Hunting:

1 - Spending time with family: Hunting is not all about guys with guns dressed up like big orange pumpkins sitting out in the cold for hours on end --- it's all of that plus spending time with family, at least it is for our family. Deer hunting season is a great excuse for all of us to get together and spend some time together. I always enjoy coming back from sitting out in the deer stand and chatting or playing games with the family!

2 - Excuse to use a gun: It wouldn't be "hunting" without some sort of weapon - in this case it is a gun. Maybe this is some sort of macho manifestation, but there is just something about using a gun that is exhilarating! Ever since I was old enough and had proper firearm certification I have loved trap shooting with my Dad and brother. Since I don't have a gun in my apartment (for obvious reasons) and never get to trap shoot anymore, this is as close as I get to shooting anything all year!

3 - Experiencing nature: I personally think the best way to experience nature is to go to the beach - the ocean beach - sun, sand and water...what could be better! Since none of that exists in Minnesota the next best thing, in my opinion, is sitting out in a deer stand on a chilly November morning and soaking up Mother Nature. I remember growing up that I hated sitting in the deer stand in the morning! My feet would always get cold, my hands would freeze and I would always make too much noise to ever see a deer anyway! It is weird though...I grew up in the country and never really cared to "take in nature," but going home now for hunting I can't get enough!

4 - Relaxation: The nice thing about going deer hunting with Dad is that he always has everything set up for us when we get there! We don't have to worry about where we will be sitting since he already put up our deer stand for us! Not only that but the stands are actually very comfortable! There are times while listening to nature that I nearly doze off! No worries though...I have never fallen asleep in my stand!

5 - Catching up on Sudoku: That's right...on the off chance that I do get bored in the deer stand I make sure to bring my iPod with in case I want to play a game or two of Sudoku - assuming that my hands aren't cold. Last year I saw a deer while texting my wife, so I have concluded that deer are tech-savvy animals that just want to take a look at the latest gadgets!