If you’ve read this blog for any amount of time you’ve surely discovered that I’m pretty big on establishing outdoor traditions. Honestly, I view fishing, hunting or general outdoor traditions to be the essential glue that keeps us coming back for more — year after year. That is especially true in today’s world where the outdoors seemingly competes with so many other opportunities in a person’s life — such as sports, work, you name it.
It was so heartening to once again see a good turnout at my annual Fish Camp last weekend. Oh sure, the angler numbers were down just a bit mostly due to the economy and the negative effects it is having on family budgets, but for the most part the fishermen turned out and everyone had a great time.
As I sat in the boat jigging for walleye I thought about how relaxing it is just to be out in nature. Talk about a stress reducer, people pay lots of money for drugs and counselors to accomplish the same thing the outdoors does for me whether it be sitting in a deer stand or listening to the waves gently lap against the stern of a boat. Indeed, those of us who are passionate about the outdoors know how to get an adrenaline rush and we don’t need a doctor’s prescription just to feel that way.
Yes, traditions in our outdoors world are so very important…and I dare say that statement is true now more than ever before. I encourage you to round up some friends and begin creating some outdoor traditions of your own. Maybe its something as simple as hooking up with a buddy and going down to the shooting range every Saturday morning. Maybe its something like teaching a child how to bobber fish. It really doesn’t matter what the activity is…rather, what’s important is that you develop a passion and stay active enjoying it.
Last weekend my little fishing camp in Northern Minnesota enjoyed 8 years celebrating the grand event known as the Minnesota Fishing Opener. This coming fall I will round up a bunch of guys and we’ll do the same in the deer woods celebrating that great hunting heritage. Folks, please understand that fishing and hunting traditions are how we pass along the excitement of the outdoors to the next generation. I can’t encourage you enough to seize the opportunity available and create your very own outdoor traditions. Someday, you’ll be glad you took the initiative to do so.
© 2009 Jim Braaten. All Rights Reserved. No Reproduction without Prior Permission.
Filed under: General Outdoor Topics
I couldn’t agree more with your comments above and I think too many people take what mother nature has to offer for granted and regardless of the economy right now mother nature doesn’t charge for her services.
Love the outdoors.