The Roots of my Tradition

The roots of my tradition goes back to my childhood. Growing up on a cattle farm, surrounded by acres of pastures and trees that provided the space to learn and explore. Even had a big hill where you could see the whole farm from as well. 

I loved sitting on that hill just looking out at the world around me. It was my mountaintop. Both my grandmother and grandfather would take me up there just to enjoy the view. They’d always say to be still, quiet, and take it all in. 

On the farm there were ponds that we’d fish from that were stocked with Catfish, Bass, Brim, and Bluegill. I would go fishing with my grandpa many times, even to throw out feed out for them. I’d get a kick out of watching them swarm the food. He’d also take me fishing out there on many afternoons. Some days my sister and grandmother would join us too.

The Roots of my Tradition

The bank around the pond was high on one side, but we always sat on the lower part under a big shade tree. That tree was awesome on those warm Tennessee afternoons. There was this big limb in the water that was used as habitat for the fish, which they loved. The grass around the pond was high at times so my grandfather would carry a shovel incase a snake came up.

One might wonder why he didn’t use a gun for snakes. Well my grandfather was very protective of me because I was his special girl. He used to call me “punkin” which is slang for pumpkin. To be honest, he didn’t use his guns often and never used them around me. However I was taught about gun safety by my father. But my grandfather just preferred to carry the shovel.

We’d always fish until either we caught enough or gave up for the day. It all depended on how the fish were biting. If we did catch enough, he’d filet them up outside by the shed and my grandmother would fry ’em up with hushpuppies. They tasted so great but the best part was the time spent fishing with him. 

Lessons

I learned many things from him, like how to bait a hook and remove the fish. He also taught me about patience while fishing because it’s the best way to learn. Sometimes you might be just watching the bobber sit on top of the water with no movement. When you do get a bite, if you pull and reel in too early you’ll yank it right out the fish’s mouth. Patience entwines all things.

He showed me the beauty in everything around me and to appreciate it all. He’d say everything has a purpose, whether in our environment or in life. There was always a deeper purpose in what he taught me.

I already mentioned some while fishing, now let’s take gardening for example. An obvious lesson is how to plant, water, weed, and grow the veggies. The soil has to be right, you need the right amount of water, remove the suffocating weeds, and the time it takes for them to grow. 

A deeper purpose is nothing can really grow without the right soil or foundation. Everything needs daily tending and improving in some way to prosper and grow. Always good to remove suffocating things or people so you can thrive and grow as well. Lastly it takes time and effort for growth and beneficial results.

Hunters

All hunters value conservation. Many plant food plots for wildlife to thrive in their habitat. Others join forces with organizations that purchase land for all conservation purposes. Now with food plots, you must disk up and prepare the land to receive the seeds your planting. It might be different then gardening but you still have to prepare the ground basically the same way.

Earlier I mentioned that I grew up on a cattle farm. You definitely learn a lot from all that. Now obviously you need to care, tend, and manage them very well. But like any animal or wild game, they provide meat in the end. However the wild game is better organic and skips the same process that beef goes through.

You want to help provide extra minerals for them so they can grow even healthier just like with deer. You also learn to respect them just like all animals. Especially those that provide meat to feed you and your family. If the predator population is not controlled then they’ll overtake what we strive to manage. Which also applies to what you hunt as well.

All Things have a Purpose

So remember how all things have a purpose? Well roots are no exception. Without them nothing grows well. Trees have many purposes too. They provide oxygen, shade, and habitat for many critters. Hunters will put a stand in trees to get elevated and have a better advantage point then from a blind. Trees need hey can grow tall. Roots are vital and the deeper they are, the stronger things grow.

My grandfather was the roots of my traditions. Just took a few years to fully realize it. He lead me down this grand journey of appreciating the outdoors even though he didn’t hunt.

My Foundation 

My grandfather laid down the foundations to build on for my future outdoor ventures. He gave me insight to enjoy all experiences and encounters of wildlife even if one day I might hunt. He taught me to always be grateful for what you gain.

Thanks to him I grew up understanding the purpose and value of the environment around me. I enjoyed exploring the woods and sitting in a tree that I’d climb up. Some days I’d even document what I seen and what they did in a wildlife journal.

The Roots of my Tradition: Passing it Down

From all that, my passion for the outdoors was sparked and it ignited the inspiration to write. I love creating experiences to share with others. You can find peace and serenity out there while reflecting on your blessings. Taking time out for yourself to just breathe, especially on stressful days.

There’s just something special about spending cherished time in the outdoors with someone you love, or as a child someone you also look up to. I still hear his voice everytime I’m fishing. He might be gone but those memories live on. Now I get to enjoy many outdoor ventures with my own growing family. Thank God these great traditions will live on. 

Thanks to American Outdoor News for publishing this article. Original publish at…
https://read.nxtbook.com/american_outdoor_news/aon_mag/summer_2020/the_roots_of_my_tradition.html