Observational Essay Sample on Hunting
At first, there is the awakening. A cold brisk chill is sent down the spine of those who are up before beaming sunlight. There are no lights or sound in any direction yet, only silence and darkness. As hunters proceed to rise from their sleep, there is a rush of adrenaline in each of them. The excitement and thrilling thought of a hunt was now a reality. Those in their camps or cabins walk slowly down the stairs to a fire that illuminates a single corner in the room. It has been a while since they have felt any warmth due to the fire being reduced to hot coles and tinder. One in the group will tend to it while the others proceed to each of their tasks at hand. Without a single word being said, they all prepare for the long hours ahead, still surrounded by the dark.
The preparation of the hunt now begins. As dawn approaches it becomes lighter outside and each hunter has their chosen materials ready for the journey. The thick warm camouflage coats make hunters seemingly invisible in the tall trees. A backpack filled with provisions and survival equipment to aid them, and lastly the bow. Those with crossbows pull back on them with an exceptional force so when the time comes, they will be ready. Other use the more traditional compound bow, with more sport and challenge being present it makes the day much sweeter. As the sun comes up higher, the frost upon the grass is illuminated and shines along the ground. The still and brisk air makes the trees silent and immovable, creating almost a sense of peace. As each hunter finally becomes prepared, the journey begins.
The walk is one of the most important parts of the hunt. The unforgivable sounds of sticks and frozen leaves that may ward of oncoming prey, or the heavy footsteps or breathing of someone can, unfortunately, change the outcome of a hunt. Each movement is checked on this walk to a treestand. Walking through the woods, it is noticeable that the trees become brighter. A squirrel is easily spotted fighting another squirrel for food. A bird is heard chirping high in a frost-covered pine tree. The clearing is becoming more visible as the walk comes to a close. And an Elk is seen, staring into the distance remaining calm as it knows the presence of the hunter. The bottom of the treestand is reached and a hunter is feeling very warm. The clothes put on are dampened from the sweat from the journey. The hunter feels the cold metal of the ladder, looking upwards.
Before a hunter begins the climb the bow must be attached to a rope to be pulled to the top of the treestand. As the bow is laid on the ground the ascension into the treestand is performed slowly and as quietly as possible. Each rung on the ladder makes a noise that is capable of scaring animals off. Making it to the top and sitting over 30 feet above the ground the sunrise has made it over the horizon. A feeling of warmth is drenched over the hunter’s face and it still only illuminates the tops of trees. While the bow is being pulled up a woodpecker startles the hunter pecking a tree over 100 yards away. Disrupting the silence and allowing small noises to be berated all over the woods making a hunter wait with anxious intent.
The wait shows a hunter a true aspect of nature that is hidden from the rest of the world. While sitting, there is an exposure to nature that can make someone deeply appreciate it. There is a small breeze that grazes the tops of the trees possibly blowing off a few leaves. The squirrel seen earlier is contempt with the food it has for the time being. The woodpecker has stopped and began to look out into the field. Sunlight is now beginning to illuminate the creek nearby that moves so softy and slowly it is almost perceived as still. The frost that covered the grass like a blanket has now been defrosted and sways in the breeze as well. Sitting in a treestand the eyes of a hunter can be fooled and deceived making them see what may not be there. A log may look like deer. A broken branch on the ground is recognizable as antlers. However after much time passing, there is a rustle in the bushes ahead, and a deer is seen, looking beyond into the field.
As the deer slowly approaches the stand the heart rate of a hunter is steadily increasing at an alarming rate. The breathing must be controlled or it will be too loud and the shaking of the arms and legs must be held under control. It is a waiting game now, the deer must come closer for a shot to be made. As the deer comes closer the movements of a hunter are very slow, calm and patient. If the deer looks up at the hunter and sees something, it could run away. So if the deer ever looks in that direction, a hunter must remain still until it looks away. Finally, the deer is only 40 yards away and standing broadside to the stand. The hunter is standing and begins to pull back the compound bow when suddenly the deer looks up at him. Doing everything to hold that pressure on the string of the bow and not move a muscle a hunter waits for a long time. When the deer looks away, the bow is pulled back, a breath is taken, and the arrow is released. The deer looks in the direction of where the sound came from. Nonetheless, the deer was too late. The braodhead of the bow pierced through the skin of the deer penetrating it. Fear seems to have overtaken the deer as it runs away.
A hunter waits to see where the deer may go after a shot has been made. No sounds of pain come from the deer, only quick movements through the grass and bushes make a noise. Finally there is no more sound and the deer is seen 100 yards away where it was shot laying in the tall grass. There is almost no wait, the hunter frantically getting out of the treestand holding on to the bow not even attaching it to the rope. Much time has passed and the sun is directly above in the sky. Nothing else is of importance, only getting to the deer matters. Running through the tall grass disrupting their sway in the peaceful breeze and the still water in the creek disrupted by the hunter jumping in it due to the excitement. There is only a short distance to go now, and a blood trail becoming more and more evident. As the hunter walks closer to the deer, it is seen looking, still alive and staring.
There is only one more thing to do now, it must be done in order to make sure nothing is left to waste. A hunter reaches into a bag and pulls out a knife, almost with doubtful intent of what must be done. The breeze is now more apparent to the hunter, the clothes have been stripped from the heat of midday. The feeling of proudness is now stripped away and replaced with empathy. The breathing of the deer is now more heavy with every breath coming slower. The eyes are trained on the hunter never breaking with the sunlight reflecting in them due to the tears. As the hunter progresses closer to the deer with the knife it is almost as if the deer accepts its fate. With one last look and putting the hand on the deers head, the knife slips quickly into the heart of the deer. As this happens there is a moment of sadness as the hunter watches the life leave the deers eyes. As its head becomes more heavy, the hunter lays it down into the grass, and closes its eyes as though to make the illusion that it is sleeping. There is a moment of sadness, followed by a feeling of contempt. The breeze never changing, the cold being an illusion, and the silence in the field.
After all of this, the adrenaline becomes overwhelming and the proud feeling comes back. For the moment before was sad, it is now an ecstatic moment due to the purpose. Every hunter respects nature, and treats all aspects of it with appreciation. Even if there is a life taken in the wilderness, it is part of the circle of life. The taking of a life of an animal may seem cruel to some, but it is an essential way of life to those who appreciate it. This very thing teaches someone important life lessons of patients, empathy, accomplishment and reverence. And the time out in the wilderness shows its true magnificence. From the cold breeze to the life of the deer, everything has its purpose, and must be experienced to witness true vision and elegance.
