Embrace the Wild: Benefits of Hunting for Conservation and Well-being

In today’s fast-paced world, we need to find more ways to reconnect with nature. Hunting is a time-honoured tradition that reconnects you with your ancient roots and plays a crucial role in modern conservation efforts. It’s an immersive experience that lets you escape the digital deluge and rediscover your place within the natural world. Read on to discover all the benefits that hunting has to offer.

How Do I Choose a Hunting Shotgun?

When looking for shotguns for hunting, you should consider their specifications and price, as well as how they feel in your hands and how they fit your style. If you’re just starting out, you should choose an “all-rounder” model. This type is versatile enough to handle various scenarios, from sedentary game to valley hunting, and even some larger game. An all-rounder will help you discover what type you prefer while allowing you to get familiar with your weapon in different situations. For beginners, a 12-gauge shotgun is often the best choice, and here’s why:

• Ammo availability: 12-gauge ammunition comes in various types, load weights, and pellet sizes, and is easy to find;
• Price range: There’s a wide range of 12-gauge weapons available, both new and second-hand, fitting different budgets;
• Versatility: A 12-gauge is suitable for all types of hunting, from small game to challenging migratory game;
• Ease of use: Practicing at a firing range is straightforward, with a variety of shells readily available.

However, 12-gauge shotguns do have some drawbacks. Their weight can be a disadvantage for walked-up hunting. Some hunters also find it difficult to switch to a smaller gauge after starting with a 12 gauge. The 20-gauge guns are lighter and easier to handle, making them popular among novice hunters. While the range of ammo and options is more limited compared to the 12-gauge, the 20-gauge makes up for it in ease of use and comfort, especially on long hunts.

Choosing between a semi-automatic, over-under, or side-by-side hunting shotgun is another major consideration. Your choice largely comes down to personal preference and the type of hunting you’ll be doing:

• Semi-automatic: These are easier to customise and offer the advantage of multiple shots before needing to reload, which can be crucial in certain scenarios like migratory waterfowl or boar hunting;
• Break-action (over-under/side-by-side): These hunting shotguns are simpler to operate and safer to carry over obstacles. They require a careful selection of barrel length and chokes to match your needs. An over-under is generally more stable and less affected by recoil, so it’s easier to get back on target for a second shot.

What are the Benefits of Hunting?

Promotes a Healthy Lifestyle

One of the main benefits of hunting is that it connects you to the physical world. It’s not just about the hunt itself, but also the preparation involved. Learning about the habitat of your prey, recognising animal tracks, and understanding how to track and prepare for a long wait can all deepen your connection to nature. This preparation takes you to wild, remote places far from civilization, encouraging self-reliance and independence.

This fosters mindfulness, a practice known to enhance mental well-being. This is when you’re fully present in the moment, acutely aware of your surroundings. Every breath of wind, rustle of leaves, and movement in the underbrush commands your attention. Many hunters find that this immersion in nature helps them slow down and clear their minds, providing a peaceful, meditative experience.

On the nutritional side, this sport offers the opportunity to eat leaner and promote an organic lifestyle. Wild game meat is free from the chemicals and processes that often affect store-bought meat. It’s lean, free-range protein, akin to what you’d find in organic food stores. Plus, there’s a unique satisfaction in grilling meat that you’ve sourced yourself, like the pride of harvesting vegetables from your garden. This way you create a healthy yet delicious meal that adds another layer of enjoyment to the entire process.

Regulates Animal Population

Hunting helps maintain a balanced ecosystem by regulating animal populations. Deer, for instance, have a voracious appetite and can consume over 400 different plant species, which often leads them into backyards and gardens, causing damage to vegetation not meant for them. As deer populations grow, their need for food increases, leading to environments where starvation and disease can become prevalent. This sport provides a humane and ethical solution to control animal populations, ensuring they remain at manageable levels that the local ecosystem can support.

Social Benefits

Hunting offers significant social benefits, creating lasting memories and traditions that bond families and communities. Many hunters vividly recall the first time they were invited to join a hunting trip with their father, grandfather, or another older relative. This rite of passage is a cherished moment in these families. Teaching the younger generation the essentials of this sport, from preparation and safety to cleaning up after the hunt, is a timeless ritual. While the tools and technology may have evolved, the fundamental values and practices remain the same.

Stimulates Economy

Hunting plays a vital role in stimulating the economy, especially for small, locally-owned businesses. Many of these businesses, like motels, gas stations, diners, and general stores, rely heavily on the money from this activity to stay afloat. The remote locations of prime hunting grounds mean that these establishments experience a seasonal boom during hunting season, often accounting for a significant portion of their annual earnings.

But it’s not just small businesses that benefit. The impact of hunting ripples through the entire state economy. Every piece of equipment, vehicle, item of clothing, and supply purchased by hunters contributes to the economic engine of the state. From gear shops to outfitters, the hunting industry generates revenue that supports countless jobs and businesses across various sectors.