The Hunt

In the midst of a global pandemic, COVID-19, we mustn’t hold back on what brings us joy or from what is necessary. We have many different hobbies either being continued or just starting up as a result of our self-quarantines since February of 2020.

I wanted to analyze our deer hunting friends a bit more closely and apply it to the common theme of quarantine: a detox and fresh start. Or, as my title states, “the hunt” for a new beginning.

There were a variety of results on the business end from countries shutting down to minimize the spread of the virus: office scenes kept the same schedule but moved to home sites, businesses had to furlough leaving an empty period for many, businesses had to entirely let people go, also meaning an empty period for many, businesses themselves closed temporarily or permanently, schools taught remotely, some universities closed dormitories meaning students had to return home… Ultimately what happened, though, is we all had more time on our hands than usual, and fewer places to go. So what do we do?

We learned. We learned about family, with whom we may have spent less time due to work. We learned about ourselves while getting lost in thought at home. We took online classes for certifications, or just for fun. Maybe we weren’t happy with what we were doing before or the direction our schooling or career was going, so we made a plan on what we’ll do differently once the country opens back up.

We were hunting for a greater purpose, for self-fulfillment, self-awareness, self-realization.

These are the backbone of human development and evolution. How can we move forward if we have no clue where we want to go, and how do we know where we want to go if we don't know our own purpose? There are few things more frustrating and depressing than waking up in the morning with no aspirations or feeling of self-worth.

Before I state a positive to COVID-19, I want to say there are Very few things as heart-breaking as the death-count of this disease. My heart goes out to everyone who has lost a loved one to COVID-19. However, there has never been a more opportune time for innovation.

I want my readers to understand I'm not experienced in deer hunting. I have never hunted for sport or for meat in my life. I researched tips on what makes an effective hunter and how these skills can be translated to an "identity hunt." I found an article in Game and Fish Magazine in which the author, Dan Small, provides 10 tips to being a good deer hunter.

1. When packing, make a list and use a tote. Basically, be organized. Know what you need, know where it is, keep it together.

2. Use the wind. Let nature help. It'll direct you along and direct opportunity to you.

3. Don't stink up the woods. For deer hunters, this means don't leave your human scent laying around to tip off the deer. For my identity hunt, I take this to mean, don't leave a trail of shit: un-professionalism, bitterness, recklessness. And don't burn bridges. That'll surely scare off the deer and it'll lose you the option to cross the river of opportunity. (How's that for an awesome analogy?)

4. Hunt a small area. Educate yourself on the path and opportunities. Think through your goals and narrow things down before you set off. You lose time and energy by trying to clear the whole field, and you'll just stress yourself out.

5. Don't break for lunch. One of my favorite quotes is from Boston's song Long Time: "Time doesn't wait for me. It keeps on rolling."

6. Strategize. The article explains to sit tight on the first few days because there will be other hunters to push the deer your way by making ruckus, etc. Take advantage of and learn from others’ mistakes.

7. Deer will hide in tall grass, including small woodlots. The best of opportunities in life can be those small ones. Consider them hidden treasures. Don't be timid to hunt them.

8. Deer feed before and after a storm. Don't let a storm discourage you from your hunt.

9. Talk the talk. Speaking the language of deer can stop them in their tracks long enough to take a strategic shot. Speak the language of your aspirations, whether its large corporation, the beer industry, media, Broadway. Speak their language and they'll stop long enough to hear you out. Whether your goal is to impress and score a job or just to learn a little bit more about what it takes, if you can speak the language, your chances are better to reach that goal.

10. Come to your senses. Hold patience and let your ears, eyes and nose direct you to the golden opportunity.