Hunting for Introverts…

Bird hunting and introverts might seem like an oxymoron, but when you think about it, it’s really not. Let me explain. I was having a conversation with an acquaintance who also happened to be involved in outdoor sports. He had mentioned that I might like to try bird hunting. Now, why would I want to do that? He explained, at least for him, it was a way of being outdoors in nature and the money spent on licenses and stamps goes towards preservation. Since I am not averse to being outdoors, and the conservation of our wildlife appealed to my philanthropic side, I was slowly being persuaded to consider the idea. Also, he went on to explain, where can you go that is completely isolated and no one is going to bother you unless otherwise requested? That’s right, a duck blind! You, a duck blind, a gun. People tend to leave you alone. In fact, he felt most hunters might actually be introverts. The final point mentioned; hunting is a fantastic excu…errr…reason to remove yourself from the surroundings of your home which may sometimes become oppressive. This is especially true if you happen to have a significant other and/or children that you may be wanting to get away from. I am not suggesting that you shirk your responsibilities by any stretch of the imagination. Under most circumstances, you chose to be with someone and/or have those children. Deal with it. However, if you, as an introvert, find yourself overwhelmed by the people within your establishment, this is an excellent out. In other words, SOLD!

I quickly discovered this is one of the few “sports” a person actually needs to acquire a license for (there are others that probably should consider this), and obtaining one is not as daunting a task for introverts as it may seem. Most of the requirements can be fulfilled in the privacy of your home online. There was only a brief moment in time, one 8-hour day to be exact, that I needed to suffer through being with a large group of people while packed into an auditorium for the remainder of the process. They even allowed me to load and shoot a gun while there. Woohoo! I think this last part is to make certain everyone isn’t a complete imbecile while on location. Of course, there is no guarantee after leaving the establishment ideocracy for some of these individuals won’t settle in, but that’s no longer their problem. I took a test and had it graded onsite. Suggestion: Please pass…that way you’ll only have to do this once. After all that had been accomplished, I was set to go! Well, almost. As with any hobby there will be expenses, but that, too, can be accomplished from your computer and is just a click (and credit card) away. Responsibility Note: guns should not be purchased online. Go to a reputable dealer. This is the one hiccup. You need to purchase your firearm firsthand. Apparently, like a tailored suit, you must be “fitted” properly so you don’t blow out your shoulder. Research can be done from home prior to the purchase, and conversations can be limited to one-on-one. So, again, not too taxing for the introvert. End Note. Once the necessary equipment had been acquired, all I needed to do was find a spot to set my seat and be off! I don’t know about your state, but ours has several Federally funded locations that allow hunting during certain times of the year. They are often called “refuges”. Find one. Sure, you may need to put in for a lottery or a drawing to hunt there, but all that is, again, done from the safety of your abode. Yes, I did have to get up at dark o’ thirty just to get to a place for hunting, but no one else except the other introverted hunters (…and drunks…and cops) were up at that hour, so I wasn’t bothered by anyone. Yes, I was dressed so warmly I looked like the Michelin Man on steroids, but I am averse to being cold or wet. Yes, I had to bring all my gear with me and trudge to the assigned site. But, with the help of my trusty flashlight, I got there. Once on location, I just settled into the safety of my aloneness and was one with nature. Now, if you happen to see a duck, or a goose, it’s up to you whether or not you choose to shoot at it. If you choose to shoot, a couple of tips: Watch where the bird fell. They can be difficult to locate if they glided a bit or fell into dense weeds. Be aware there are very few things that are going to go get it for you. If you have a kid that’s trained to retrieve, great! If you want to multitask, you should use this as an opportunity to teach your child about patience and silence at the same time!!! It will serve to benefit you back at home. If you have a dog that’s trained to retrieve, even better! Any other animal would be a mistake. I have yet to find another domesticized creature that will just sit there in those conditions, willingly trudge through the wetland’s tulles (on command mind you), to bring back a sopping wet bird, and be absolutely thrilled about it. Sometimes these places will have dogs you can rent, but I’ve never been a big fan of using someone else’s pet. Besides, that means you would have to interact with the trainer/lease holder. Anyway, training your own animal is yet another excuse to be out by yourself. Finally, I discovered, if you don’t know how to use one, please refrain from using duck and goose calls. Doing so will only attract the attention of the other hunters and they may seek you out. This is contrary to why we are hunting. I also noted they, too, had guns.

Certainly, if you are not inclined to hunt, there are plenty of other hobbies that we introverts are very familiar with (Xbox, puzzles, books, movies, etc. etc.). But it is my duty to inform you about other potential options, experience them on your behalf, and report back. This was one of them. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to go find my duck…and my cat.