The first week of July is the unofficial opening of Minnesota deer hunting.
Normally, that opening is the first or second week of November during the rut. That is also the second busiest traffic week, the first being the fishing opener in May.
The July opener is for poachers, people who "steal" game away from the "honest" hunters, those who buy a license (I've had one every year since I was 16, though I don't always hunt) and follow the "rules of fair chase". I've also poached a couple. Not proud of it, but have done it and utilized the whole animal, even the bones as dog food. A hundred years earlier I'd probably have used the bones as needles, spoons, weapons, ornaments.
Times were "hard" back in the late 50's and early 60's. Work was hard to find and low paying and many looked upon "poaching" as a method of feeding themselves, their families. Too, since it involved illegal activity, some of us younger folks thought it was fun. Eluding the game warden (who lived two doors down the road), sometimes the neighbors' shotgun blast. Too, we didn't look at it as being "illegal" in the fullest sense because we ate the meat and rather than go hungry felt a little bending of the law was fine.
Of course, we were "kids", but so close to adulthood it didn't matter. "Kids" our age were dieing in Viet Nam and we would soon be taking our turns as well. What cared we of a little "practice" hunting so long as our families ate?
I think of this now as I lay in bed and hear a gunshot off in the distance, down by the snowmobile trail a half a mile or more away.
Times are becoming a repeat of the days of my youth with difficult times coming upon this one-show area. Almost a depression, some say. As I think back on those days, how we used everything, I hope these people will do the same, not taking only the "choice" cuts, but the whole animal. I also wonder if these are "kids" as we were. Young men, sometimes with dates, out for a quick thrill and meal, young in years perhaps, but "adult" enough to possibly be facing bullets themselves and I pray for them.
We are celebrating Independence Day this week, one of my "top four" holidays (Christmas and Easter, with Easter slightly ahead, and Thanksgiving).
Independence Day is a day for remembering our young people, present and gone. Without these young people and their willingness to show how much they love this country and their willingness to sacrifice for it, we would not be here.
Nor would many other countries be what they are today were it not for the Love and Courage of these loving individuals from the United States of America. Today these young Americans are again away from our shores, from their families and loved ones, engaged in a war for an unappreciative country.
And what are we doing here, in their Homeland, around their families?
We have opened a door, have allowed Satan to enter and set up house-keeping. Not only has he entered our hallowed corridors, he has invited seven of his best friends along for the ride.
Dissent accepted the invitation from his lord.
Discord also gladly accepted his invite.
Anger and Hatred were more than willing to join the party.
Rebelliousness E-mailed Satan with his acceptance letter.
On the way to pick up Impiety, Indifference drove the bus.
Together they joined their leader and entered the Hallowed Halls of America to wreak their vengeance upon its underpinnings.
As Christians, called by the Name of our Lord, we have allowed it to happen, have failed in our mission, have succumbed to the fantasies and follies, the lusts and pleasures, of this lascivious society.
Few are those who weep blood between the doorpost and altar in supplication for this Great Land. Fewer still are those who weep for those standing in Harm's way doing the will of our Father: to obey the laws of the land, its kings and rulers.
My plea to all this Fourth of July, this Independence Day, is that we surrender a parade, a picnic, a clan gathering, a day's wage, a day at the beach, and fall on our faces and seek the face of our God and BEG for His wondrous Mercy for those who proudly stand for what this Nation represents, plea for His Grace to once again fall upon this Land and again make us a mighty nation in His eyes, a weapon for His purpose, a tool for His use.
Most of all, let us cry for those who do not know or believe, that we may be His Light shining before them loudly and joyously proclaiming the Great and Glorious Day of our Lord that will soon befall this, and every, nation.
Let us hasten that Wondrous day of His beautiful return. And let no man, woman or child stand in our way as the Gospel of Jesus is proclaimed throughout this mighty nation.
Happy Independence Day, all. In Love and Freedom,
Normally, that opening is the first or second week of November during the rut. That is also the second busiest traffic week, the first being the fishing opener in May.
The July opener is for poachers, people who "steal" game away from the "honest" hunters, those who buy a license (I've had one every year since I was 16, though I don't always hunt) and follow the "rules of fair chase". I've also poached a couple. Not proud of it, but have done it and utilized the whole animal, even the bones as dog food. A hundred years earlier I'd probably have used the bones as needles, spoons, weapons, ornaments.
Times were "hard" back in the late 50's and early 60's. Work was hard to find and low paying and many looked upon "poaching" as a method of feeding themselves, their families. Too, since it involved illegal activity, some of us younger folks thought it was fun. Eluding the game warden (who lived two doors down the road), sometimes the neighbors' shotgun blast. Too, we didn't look at it as being "illegal" in the fullest sense because we ate the meat and rather than go hungry felt a little bending of the law was fine.
Of course, we were "kids", but so close to adulthood it didn't matter. "Kids" our age were dieing in Viet Nam and we would soon be taking our turns as well. What cared we of a little "practice" hunting so long as our families ate?
I think of this now as I lay in bed and hear a gunshot off in the distance, down by the snowmobile trail a half a mile or more away.
Times are becoming a repeat of the days of my youth with difficult times coming upon this one-show area. Almost a depression, some say. As I think back on those days, how we used everything, I hope these people will do the same, not taking only the "choice" cuts, but the whole animal. I also wonder if these are "kids" as we were. Young men, sometimes with dates, out for a quick thrill and meal, young in years perhaps, but "adult" enough to possibly be facing bullets themselves and I pray for them.
We are celebrating Independence Day this week, one of my "top four" holidays (Christmas and Easter, with Easter slightly ahead, and Thanksgiving).
Independence Day is a day for remembering our young people, present and gone. Without these young people and their willingness to show how much they love this country and their willingness to sacrifice for it, we would not be here.
Nor would many other countries be what they are today were it not for the Love and Courage of these loving individuals from the United States of America. Today these young Americans are again away from our shores, from their families and loved ones, engaged in a war for an unappreciative country.
And what are we doing here, in their Homeland, around their families?
We have opened a door, have allowed Satan to enter and set up house-keeping. Not only has he entered our hallowed corridors, he has invited seven of his best friends along for the ride.
Dissent accepted the invitation from his lord.
Discord also gladly accepted his invite.
Anger and Hatred were more than willing to join the party.
Rebelliousness E-mailed Satan with his acceptance letter.
On the way to pick up Impiety, Indifference drove the bus.
Together they joined their leader and entered the Hallowed Halls of America to wreak their vengeance upon its underpinnings.
As Christians, called by the Name of our Lord, we have allowed it to happen, have failed in our mission, have succumbed to the fantasies and follies, the lusts and pleasures, of this lascivious society.
Few are those who weep blood between the doorpost and altar in supplication for this Great Land. Fewer still are those who weep for those standing in Harm's way doing the will of our Father: to obey the laws of the land, its kings and rulers.
My plea to all this Fourth of July, this Independence Day, is that we surrender a parade, a picnic, a clan gathering, a day's wage, a day at the beach, and fall on our faces and seek the face of our God and BEG for His wondrous Mercy for those who proudly stand for what this Nation represents, plea for His Grace to once again fall upon this Land and again make us a mighty nation in His eyes, a weapon for His purpose, a tool for His use.
Most of all, let us cry for those who do not know or believe, that we may be His Light shining before them loudly and joyously proclaiming the Great and Glorious Day of our Lord that will soon befall this, and every, nation.
Let us hasten that Wondrous day of His beautiful return. And let no man, woman or child stand in our way as the Gospel of Jesus is proclaimed throughout this mighty nation.
Happy Independence Day, all. In Love and Freedom,
Bless God,
Shy
Shy
love your views & u ,,,,,,Jenn
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