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Thank goodness it’s time to go hunting!
Emily Plihal
for Smoky River Express
As you read this, I’m either riding around on a quad, walking through trails, or sitting with a group of hunters drinking coffee.
For the past few weeks I’ve felt the aggression, headache, and anger well up inside of me... a prime sign it’s time to get out in the outdoors for a little while.
Unfortunately my trip has been limited to a one week adventure, but even that one week will be better than the alternative.
I find to regroup, maintain a positive attitude and refresh myself completely, I need to have some time to breathe in the fresh outdoor air.
Each spring and fall I have the chance to get outside and spend time with one of my favourite people, my dad.
I’ve been guiding now for eight years for my father, who has an guiding service north of Donnelly. I’m sure you are familiar with his articles he’s been contributing to our newspaper, Outdoor Corner.
I admire my dad. He’s spent the majority of his life learning the outdoors. His passion for animals and wildlife has acted like wildfire, spreading to me via his excitement.
Out of all the people I know, his admiration for wildlife is above and beyond amazing. Sure, he hunts, but he has more respect for the animals than “anti-hunters” I know.
He understands their patterns, their habits and their needs.
If it weren’t for my dad, I would likely be stuck in a city someplace miserable.
So, today, as I sit outside enjoying the great outdoors, know that I am in my glory to be where I want to be.
It has been very stressful the past month or two. I have been trying to prepare the newspaper for my brief departure, which entails completing the economic development board’s community profiler.
It also entails making sure the basics of the newspaper are in order.
Luckily, Susan will be in the office for the week I am gone, I know the newspaper is being left in capable hands.
I still do feel the pressure of leaving the newspaper for a week.
Unfortunately it is still a bit too warm for animals to be moving a tonne, but most of the fun comes from the chase.
I look forward to searching along creeks and waterholes for our moose. Hopefully my excitement of searching for the large animal will extend to my hunter.
I can’t wait to see their expressions when they see a cow and her calves munching on willows.
There is something so peaceful and serene about the large animals.
Seeing an animal in its natural habitat is worth every second spent in stressful situations during the year.
If only we could all take a page out of the life of a wild animal. Eat, sleep, take care of our young, and not have to worry about money, bills and sleep exhaustion.
I hope your fall will be as wonderful as I plan mine to be. On the odd day off from work after this week, I plan on spending my spare hours out at my farm relaxing.
I think it’s prime time to spend a little more time doing the things we actually enjoy doing. For me that means spending time with my siblings, parents and friends. It also means remembering my roots and being grateful for the upbringing I received.
The stress begins to subside.
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