“Weapon of Choice”  By: Mark A. DePugh

 

In today’s world of hunting an opportunity exists for the sportsman to hunt with a variety of weapons. Hunters today have many options when choosing the weapon of their choice for hunting purposes. Often times it depends on the game size and type of animal being hunted.

 

First of all, Thanks be unto God and our forefathers for the right to possess and own firearms. This privilege should not be taken lightly and we should do everything possible to insure that our Government Leaders, Senators, and Congressman know exactly how we feel concerning the ban of guns in this great nation! Ok.. Enough on that sermon!

 

When talking whitetail: Rifles, shotguns, muzzleloaders, and even handguns have legal State hunting opportunities for hunters. Then do not forget the archer.. Recurves, stickbows, compounds, and  crossbows are all regulated throughout the United States as legal hunting weapons. Ultimately, the choice of weapon is in the court of the hunter, provided that government regulations are adhered too accordingly.

 

State hunting regulations differ from state to state concerning weapons, bag limits, and season dates. For instance, some states offer whitetail rifle seasons, while others only allow shotgun slug hunting. Many states offer black powder opportunities for deer as well. Be sure you know your state laws, because some states do not allow the ever-popular “in-line” muzzleloader. When you consider archery choices, one must recognize that different states hold different regulations concerning whitetail hunting. Some states allow and others disallow the use of crossbows and the use of hand held trigger bow releases.

 

Now, I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, “If there was a slingshot season for deer in Ohio, you’d find me loaded up and ready to go.” I guess what I’m saying is that I enjoy hunting immensely and I enjoy using a variety of weapons as well. I’ve harvested whitetails with bow, crossbow, shotgun, muzzleloader, rifle and pick up truck. The only one I didn’t enjoy was the pick-up truck harvest, which took place on a 55mph two lane on my way to a turkey hunt. It wasn’t pretty!

 

I guess you are wondering why all of the talk? The Fellowship of Christian Hunters has grown and continues to grow at a National level. We have duck hunters, deer hunters, coon hunters, turkey hunters, elk hunters, rabbit hunters, squirrel hunters and the list goes on. Our hunters use a variety of weapons to hunt the quarry they enjoy hunting. The key we need to recognize is that none of us are any better than the next, because of the weapon we choose to hunt with, whether rifle, compound, crossbow or whatever!

 

What do I mean you ask? We should respect each other as ethical hunters and drop any idea that.. “Woooo… You hunt squirrels with a shotgun, geee, I only use a .22 rifle”. Or.. “What? You hunt deer with a crossbow.. You poor sinner, may God forgive you! I’m a “bow-guy”, so you should be too”! Sound absurd? It’s real!

 

For instance.. Has anyone ever met the “self-righteous archer”?  I’ve heard him speak out a time or two. Mr.Stick Bow scorning compound bow pullers. Or Mr. Compound fussing over using a mechanical release versus fingers. And then cross bow hunters…. Wooo! The “self-righteous archer” has virtually no value for a crossbow or anyone that hunt’s with one…legal or not! Shame, shame, shame!

 

Do you suppose that the attitudes of the “self-righteous archer” could hurt and alienate others? Absolutely! Is that what we really want to happen? Turn people away? Do you suppose the “self- righteous archer portrays the attitudes of Christ?

 

Now, you may think this article is an exaggeration and you may even think that I’m crazy, but I can tell you one thing.. The potential is there for a crossbow deer hunter, a shotgun squirrel hunter, or a bait using bear hunter, to just mention a few, to be alienated from others! Should they be made to feel badly?

 

That should never happen as long as we are in compliance with proper ethic's and governmental regulations for that given State. Not to mention the fact that God’s Word discusses how we should treat one another in all of our actions.. with love, compassion, and kindness.

 

As Christian hunters we should embrace each other with love, support, and encouragement, and avoid judgment on others for the various weapons they choose to hunt with. “Me better than you? What a ridiculous notion!”

 

Finally, we must continue to unite, respect, and build relationships with one another in Christ’s name as hunter’s and outdoorsman for an Almighty God. Jesus Christ is our commonistic reason. We are His children, striving for the same eternal goal. After all.. We are all enjoying the creation God has so graciously granted to each of us. Please do so in a way that glorifies His name and lifts up His body of believers! For He is truly worthy!

 

Mark A. DePugh

President FCH

National Chapter