Why Do People Like Hunting?

If you live in an area of the country where few people hunt, the allure of it can be difficult to understand. For some, the prospect of spending a day out in the elements without any guarantee of success sounds frustrating rather than fun.

But, if you ask anyone who has hunted before, they will tell you those who have not done it before are missing out. For hunters, a day spent in the woods is a day well spent—even if they come up empty.

Here are a few reasons why hunting remains popular generation after generation.

1. It offers an escape from our screens

Many of us wake up in the morning and immediately look at our phones. From there, we move over to our TV screen to watch the morning news. Some of us then proceed to spend the rest of the day staring at our laptop as we work.

While it’s certainly true our devices make our lives easier while also giving us access to what feels like an unlimited amount of information, they also cause us to seek out instant-gratification. This impatience pours into our daily lives, regardless of whether we are looking at a screen or not.

Hunting allows us to spend a few hours away from our screens. It’s also an opportunity to exercise patience, since much of the hunting experience is a waiting game.

If you’re looking for a brief escape from modern living, a day in the woods is a great option.

2. It’s a bonding experience

For many hunters, a hunting trip represents a ritual. It usually starts the moment they suit up in their camo clothing and then step outside and take in the fresh morning air. And, like many other rituals, it includes time spent with friends and family.

In fact, there are few better ways to reconnect with those who mean the most to you than a hunting trip. You don’t have to contend with distractions common at in-home gatherings, like whatever is on TV. It also allows you to deepen relationships with those who have joined you on the trip. At its core, hunting is a team sport in which the quality of communication between hunters is often the most significant factor behind a successful trip.

3. You can discover your own style

Every hunter has their own style. Some prefer to have the latest in hunting technology, from high-tech laser sights to high-powered scopes, while others like to challenge themselves by hunting with a bow with broadhead arrow points instead of a gun.

No matter your personal hunting style, there is always an opportunity to explore new hunting tactics and strategies. Deer hunters who typically wait in a treestand for a deer to approach can, for example, choose to instead frequently change spots during a hunting trip based on deer behavioral patterns.

If you’re new to hunting, it’s important to determine what your hunting style is early on. If you’re someone who is a little less patient, for instance, you might want to consider thoughtfully moving from position to position throughout your hike. Experiment with factors such as the equipment you use and the amount you move during your first hunt to learn your style. Then you can apply it during your next hunting trip.

4. It lets you witness the beauty of nature firsthand

There’s no way to replicate the peacefulness you experience during a day out in the woods. In the city, you’re constantly being bombarded by sound, from cars passing by to planes and helicopters flying overhead. Out in the woods, that type of noise pollution is an afterthought.

When you don’t have to deal with constant noise and other distractions of daily living, you can take in the environment around you. Whether it’s the sights and sounds of a waterfall or the swaying of trees in the wind, there are very few experiences as comforting as escaping from the chaos of city life to spend a day on the hunt.

There are also any number of environments to hunt in, including the woods, desert and tundra. Each has its own distinct set of features worth checking out.

5. Every hunting trip is a new experience

Unless you are truly passionate about an activity, it can eventually begin to feel stale once you’ve done it many times over. Very few people enjoy doing the same thing over and over again. Luckily, no two hunts are the same.

It’s impossible to predict how a hunting trip will unfold. Sometimes, you’ll come up empty despite spending hours perched in a tree stand. Other times, you will feel like the world’s best hunter as boars, deer, and other game frequently enter your line of sight throughout the day.

Even if you stick with the same hunting site for every trip, you can feel confident your next hunt will be a brand new experience. You’ll see new sites, hear new sounds, and new hunting tips and tricks during every trip.

Try it out

If you’re still curious about what all of the hype around hunting is about, don’t hesitate to try it yourself. First, find an experienced hunter who can show you the ropes for your first hunt. Then find a group of friends who also want to experience hunting for the first time. Trust us: after your first hunt, you’ll understand what all of the fuss is about.