Hunters were always born to kill, whether it was for food, supplies, or recreational purposes. Most hunters hunt to provide food for their families, especially during winter. Food can become scarce in winter because animals usually bed down or migrate for survival. Husband, Gary, and wife, Cait, have grown up hunting. They always got their deer separately, but now, as a married couple, they set out together as a team to get food for their family. Sometimes, their son, Grayson, joins them too. Hunting in a pair can be sufficient and challenging. It means more eyes and ground to cover, but it also means a chance of deer smelling a human scent. Although many products help neutralize human scent while hunting, deer are sometimes smarter than we think. Hunting takes patience, time, and a steady hand. The two most common weapons used are crossbows and rifles. During this session, it’s obvious we started in crossbow season, but when Gary landed his six-point buck, it was rifle season – hence the lovely first snow for his victory picture.

Thank you, Gary and Cait, for helping me showcase that hunting is not all about sport. It’s about providing for your family and nutritional needs. The pelt can be used for various things like clothing, crafting, and leather. The hides can be used for carving artwork, dog chews, and leather. The intestines, liver, and lungs, if not wanted, are great sources of protein for other animals, such as chickens, so make sure to help out a local farmer! Hunters and farmers help put food on the table, not only for themselves but for others as well. Without hunting, certain populations, such as deer, would be out of control and could cause problems for surrounding communities, such as diseases and destruction. Just remember to thank a hunter in your family for any meat or gift they give you. It could have taken them hours or weeks to receive that chance of a shot.