I’ve never hunted before. My father took me fishing when I was young, but it was never a big part of my childhood. My focus was on organized sports and music. We did have a forest near our place where we would ride our little dirt bikes, but I didn’t fully realize how fun hiking in the outdoors could be until I came back to BC in 2015.

Since returning to Vancouver, I’ve been spending more and more time outdoors which has made me contemplate getting into some fishing and hunting.

I recently came across hunter, writer, podcaster, and TV personality, Steven Rinella. Watching his show inspired me to learn more about hunting and his podcast inspired me to set some goals and put a plan in place to achieve them.

His book, on the other hand, reminded me that I am lacking a lifetime of experience and knowledge. As excited as I am by the thought of one day finding and harvesting my own meat, I realize that it’s a pursuit that may take many years to achieve.

Thankfully, I’m not in a rush. While I continue to develop my endurance in the mountains, my familiarity with the landscape, and the skills one requires to be qualified to hunt, I relish the fact that I am a complete beginner who doesn’t really know what he doesn’t know. For someone who loves to learn, it’s a feeling worth recognizing and celebrating.

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