Hunting and Fishing: A Family Affair
This subject has been touched upon on quite a few blogs already, but I still wanted to give my side of the issue. Kris has a really good take about this particular subject encompassed in his Why I Hunt post. His post was the main reason I started to think about this subject. And then, after reading Holly’s post, I was completely convinced that this was what I was going to write about.
Hunting and fishing have always been a family oriented activity for me. My brother and I have been hunting together since we were kids. I can remember going fishing with my dad and brother from a very young age as well. And I can also remember fishing with my Uncle and cousins when I was a kid.
I still hunt and fish with family: My wife, my brother, and cousins on both sides of the family. Even our sighting in practice is a family event. And usually if we are shooting anything there is family involved. It is just second nature for me, so I guess I really didn’t give it much thought until I read Kris and Holly’s posts. I realized then, that according to a lot of guys out there, I have been doing this all wrong.
I don’t understand why men hunt and fish to get away from their wives and children. Sure I can understand needing a break from everyday life, but actually going hunting to escape family makes no sense to me. I love that my wife gets to go hunting with me, and I am going to miss her not being able to go this year do to the pregnancy. Sure, the payoff of a new daughter is worth her not being able to go, but it will be weird hunting without her there. I have always wanted her included in our outdoor activities, and I wouldn’t trade her going for anything–except a new daughter of course.
Also, I don’t have kids yet, but in the coming weeks that will all change. And you can bet your you know what, that come time, my daughter will be involved in our outdoor excursions. I do realize that one day she may decide that isn’t what she wants to do with her life, but until that point, I am going to take her hunting and fishing every chance I get. It will be a family affair: The wife, the daughter, and I.
I look forward to these experiences. I always look forward to sharing the woods, or the boat, with the wife. And I will be happy to share a blind or a shore with the daughter. I think all of us sharing in these experiences will result in a tight family unit. What could be wrong with that?
So, to all of you guys who hunt to escape from your wife and kids, I really don’t understand where you’re coming from. I love having my wife hunt and fish with me. And I can’t wait for us to do it as one tight knit family unit.
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I really didn’t get this interested in the outdoors or hunting until 18 years ago and I have to say I enjoy it immensely. My 6 year old Tyler loves the outdoors and it slowly becoming interested in hunting.
I have been hunting alone for the most part and look forward to sharing what I know with my son.
Oh dear (deer) even though I enjoy my time alone while my hunter is hunting I have to say I enjoy the time we fish together much better.
I’m with you, I don’t understand some men and women’s attitudes.
Great post Arthur.
I don’t understand it either. I would think getting your family involved would maximize your enjoyment and most likely get you more hunting time.
I’ve been following several of these threads, and I have to throw this in the mix.
Sometimes I DO go afield to get away from my family life. There’s nothing misogynist about it… just a desire to step outside of the Daddy/Husband role and spend some time dealing with my own needs for a while. I can’t imagine that wives and girlfriends, my own included, don’t feel the same from time to time. I think it’s healthy and right to take care of those needs.
I know some guys who take any opportunity they can get to escape their wives and kids, and maybe those folks do have some bigger issues that should be addressed on the homefront. If someone can’t stand being in the house with their spouse or significant other, then maybe there’s a relationship issue and they’re just avoiding it. But I’m no counselor, and I’m sure not gonna try to make the call on someone else’s relationship issues based on my own perspective.
And yeah, there are still the throwbacks out there who believe women don’t belong in the field… but they are, thankfully, pretty unusual and becoming moreso.
I enjoy sharing some of my time afield with family and friends. But there are times when I need that time alone as well. I don’t think I’m unique in that… am I?
Just wanted to add what a fine post this is. I also have read some of the other blog posts. Getting out fishing or hunting or any other outdoor related activity is always a plus. When you go with family members it is a double plus. There you will build memories that will last a lifetime.
Good post Arthur. I do agree with what Phillip had to say to a great extent. But, I see a big difference between needing some “alone time” (which everyone needs occasionally), and purposefully trying to get away from family. I can go out for “alone time” for a day’s hunt, but I always want to come back to camp and see my family there waiting for me…
Phillip – I’m going to agree and disagree – I see where you are coming from, as there are times when being alone – I mean TRULY alone – with nature is just indescribable. I’ve spent numerous trips by myself in the wilderness and have completely enjoyed my time alone with my thoughts and the beauty of the land. At the same time, I would never tell my wife I don’t want her along – I would always welcome her along if she wants to come. I think the ways we enjoy our time in the wilderness is different – not saying either is better than the other – but it’s different whether we’re alone or if we have someone to share it with. I enjoy the solitude of being alone. I enjoy the connection of sharing a beautiful place when I’m with my wife. Different emotions, different feelings, but both are equally great experiences. Try and make heads or tails of that rambling mumbo jumbo, now!!!
Sorry – I get to talking and I talk myself right into a circle!
I love having some alone time in the woods like Phillip, but I love even more the time I get to spend with my wife and boys in the woods. I wouldn’t trade it for anything, and the ones that would probably shouldn’t have gotten married and/or had kids.
And I hate listening and/or hunting with anyone that holds those feelings, because all I can think about are the kids/spouse that would probably love to go. It’s one thing if they can’t go for some reason or if they don’t want to go, but to just not take them is very selfish.
Good post Arthur & I completely agree with Phillip’s comments as well – occasionally my husband and I do need some “me” time and that’s when he goes hunting and I stay home to drink coffee and go to the bookstore. But the difference is that I know I’m always welcome and I’m not being insulted when I’m not there. (They save that for when I am there and they can pick on me forgetting to flip off the safety in person)!