With this extended warmth into November, I am catching up on yard cleanup, working with livestock, and walking across trimmed pastures in running shoes and a light jacket. I enjoyed an open fire picnic with family this weekend and gathered firewood. I give thanks to God for the beauty of the earth.
I have also been in touch with the beasts of the earth. My barrel of hides have finally been stretched and oiled after a long and trying learning process. The Bison hide that sat hard and difficult to handle in the shed, is now is flexible, and lays flat and smooth in the upper loft.
With November comes hunting season and I see no less than a dozen trucks along the bird sanctuary, many sportsmen are eager for meat to fill their freezer. I helped my neighbor carve up a young buck, and enjoyed a fresh deer steak Saturday morning. My son in law yielded a couple of mule deer that will feed the family for a year.
I often miss moose hunting with dad and the fellowship that accompanies the preparation, the hunt, and cutting and wrapping of meat with the team after-wards. Although I have drastically reduced my meat intake, I do enjoy the natural and chemical free aspect of this meal in moderation and hope to continue to do so for many years.
It is talking with these hunters that I have also become discouraged. - I hear of individuals with full freezers, food barely touched from the year before while a hunt is on again. Friends of friends, who go for the kill, but have no interest in the food that is provided. Talk of giving away meat to anybody who will take it or simply feeding the dogs, takes away from the thanks that should be given. I am suddenly saddened.
It seems that people have become disconnected from the earth. I am thankful that I still have an intimate relationship with our creator, and appreciate all that is provided. Out on the farm I have learned to be appreciative of the water from my well, the good soil in our garden, and the animals that provide food for us. I have learned that not everybody understands the source of all this goodness but perhaps I can play my own subtle part in reminding my friends and neighbors to appreciate all we have.
- In the words of one wise old Indian -
Teach your children what we have taught our children, that the Earth is our mother. Whatever befalls the Earth befalls the sons of the Earth. If men spit upon the ground, they spit upon themselves. This we know - the Earth does not belong to man - man belongs to the Earth. This we know.
Hi Blaine, it saddens me too, to hear that food is wasted and a kill is just intended for the thrill and not for sustenance. I grew up being taught that I had to finish everything on my plate and to think of the millions of kids going without food for day’s end. Waste not want not I say.... though I have to admit that living in a world driven by consumerism I am guilty of those shoes and handbags and clothes that I don’t need :(
ReplyDeleteWhat a truth you speak of.
ReplyDeleteThanks for bringing light to the subject of hunting. It has its place when practised responsibly and with respect.