Life Lessons, Bottled in a BB Gun

In an era of high tech, low touch, get'er done now, even if it ain't right, kind of world that we live in these days, I have to beg the question: are we desensitizing our society from basic qualities that are fundamental to the historical success of the human race?

Award winning author, Richard Louve, in his book, "Last Child in the Woods," claims that today's younger generation is the first generation in the history of our American society to grow up without any meaningful relationship with our outdoor environment. Indeed, the vast majority of our American society has been relegated to a mainstream setting that is surrounded by a concrete forest, and our habitat often takes on a form, where requisites, such as water, come out of a bottle instead of a well or cistern; food from a cellophane wrapped package, as opposed to coming out of the garden or pasture; protection in the form of a handgun, instead of your bare knuckles; and space in the form of playroom, as opposed to a woodlot behind your home. Sounds of whippoorwills, tree frogs, neighborhood kids playing at twilight, and bawling of a coon hound have been replaced by the noises of sirens, airplanes, IPod tunes, and uncensored language from the television.

Our environment shapes who we are, what we do, and how we do it. I argue these societal changes that have taken place over the last several decades, have compromised our need and desire to develop and rely on human features, and human traits, that have essentially made us such a "successful" species. And, with this said, I'll provide just one illustration that is relevant to this ENews, and that many of you can probably relate to.

My earliest memories of hunting date back to when I had just turned 6 years of age, toting a Red Rider BB Gun around the woodlot behind our house. I can still recall instructions handed down by my Pawpaw and my Dad, when I was given that BB gun, that related to such things as safety, indentifying my target, proper care of this gun, and the general responsibility that goes along with that privilege of owning and using a gun. I still remember that, at first, any bird perched within range of my Red Rider, was in serious jeopardy of being pegged, regardless of its kind, until my Pawpaw sternly convinced me that I best focus on starlings and English sparrows and leave the cardinals and mockingbirds alone.

The patch of woods that I spent most of my time with my BB gun, comprised about 5 acres, and was my sacred world, with an adventure each  time I took to the field, which was every chance I got. That was my world, my safari, and I learned at a very early age to become intimately familiar with just about every bush and tree that was in my hunting territory. These were formative times, and the things I learned during these adolescent forays, have probably served me in ways that I can only appreciate now, as I take a bit more introspective look back.

It is my argument that kids who are introduced to hunting at an early age, and who have the fortunate opportunity to regularly take to the field with their BB gun, or perhaps their .22 rim fire, or their .410 shotgun, have a tremendous advantage in developing quality human life skills that can serve them well in all endeavors of their life, and here are some examples.

Appreciation of life, as well as death. I still remember my first bird claimed by my BB gun, some kind of finch as best I recall. With the lifeless bird in the palm of my hand, I can still recollect mixed feelings of accomplishment, but
as well as a sense of sadness, knowing that little feathered critter was dead. There was very much a sense of finality, and even at 6 years of age, I knew that bird was not coming back. It was not Disney. It was not make believe, and I truly believe it taught me a lesson about the reality of life and death.

Respect for guns. The small bloody spot on the bird made me realize that a gun was not a toy, and the consequences of what could happen when that gun was fired, were real, and irreversible. From that day forward, I think I paid more attention to the direction of the gun's muzzle, and had more respect for the gun, in general.

Patience and perseverance. Young hunters, who spend enough time in the woods, eventually learn that wild creatures have their own schedule, and it is independent of the hunter's schedule. Good things often come to those who wait. Problem these days is that many kids don't want to wait, or know how to wait.

Understanding your environment. I learned early on that sparrows had certain areas that they frequented at certain times of the day. I learned where they would seek shelter when they spooked. I learned that they had certain level of tolerances, and if I stayed really still, they would be more prone to land within range of my Red Rider. Why do you think some of the finest soldiers who have fought for our Country, happen to be individuals who grew up hunting......they know how to read their environment, and how to react to their environment, which is trait that will serve you well in all endeavors, whether it be at home, at the work place, or driving in the big city.

Relying on, and trusting your senses. I learned early that the sound of a stick falling to the ground might mean that a bird or squirrel was above. I learned that the slightest movement was not necessarily the wind blowing blades of grass, and that when you spend more time looking for things that are not obviously apparent, you are able to recognize things that you did not initially observe. Life is full of the subtle cues, and those who learn to use their God given senses to their full potential will be rewarded in ways beyond description.

Resourcefulness. When I graduated from a BB gun to a .22 rim fire, I quickly learned that squirrels and rabbits were good table fare, and that their skins made great decorations in my room. Learning and enjoying how to cook game meat as a teenager, served me well as a college student, and most of my college friends knew who's house they could find some good grub.

The arts. I can still remember sketching out images of rabbits, squirrels, deer, and birds. My early, rudimentary art pieces made me appreciate finer art, and the mastery of skills that produce fine art. And, I still today, have an appreciation for fine art.

Overcoming fears. I still remember the first time I got turned around in the woods after dark. I was probably 8 or 9 years of age at the time, and I suspect I was only about 500 yards from home, but I still remember how panicky I first felt, but I also remember thinking that as long as I took my time, did not lose my cool, that I could find my way back in the dark. I never seemed to be afraid of being "caught out in the dark" after that, whether it be going on my first hunting trip alone when I was 17, some 300 miles away from home, venturing off to college in a big city, or starting my own business fresh out of college. Moving past the fears of unknown, and developing self confidence, are traits often developed in the woods, but have application in many other of life's journeys.

Okay, I'll shut up now. You've heard enough about my adolescent hunting days. Whoever thought a BB gun could profoundly shape the lives of those who toted them around in the woods. Sometimes, silver bullets of life are packaged in the form of a small, spherically shaped object 0.177" in diameter.

I hope you are enjoying the fall season, and finding some time to sneak in a hunt or two. And, may you and your's have a safe, fun Thanksgiving next week.

Adios,

Greg Simons