Hunter's prayer

I give a short prayer of thanks after killing an animal.
Europe has a lot of old hunting traditions..... having hunted in Germany, I really like the German tradition of giving thanks. They place a sprig or branch in the animals mouth as its symbolic last meal. One sprig placed on the animals wound and a third is smeared with a bit of blood and placed on the hunters hat. They then give a traditional congratulations "Waidmannsheil". Not sure of the exact translation....the proper response is "Waidmannsdank". I think this formality shows proper respect for the animal. Something that is sometimes lacking in our North American hunting traditions. Not saying other ways of giving thanks are better, just that I personally like this tradition.
 
Ptichka said:
I don't pray per se; however, if I'm fortunate enough to harvest an animal I will spend a few moments reflecting and thanking the quarry for giving its life so I may sustain mine.
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Yes - I do that too. Also with farm animals butchered. The wife is hot on the religion whereas I'm agnostic and feel that affirming the gift of the animal is a fitting tribute.
 
GKS is talking open about something pretty private - like who does give us our daily bread. The man who thanks his creator has a good attitude when he brings home food to his family. The horn hunter can have his pride, but the man who needs the meat has a thankful heart when he closes the lid on the freezer.
For a lot of years, I've waited until the kids have tried to fill the tags - so I am left hunting too late and too cold, so I know the feeling of knowing that when I fill the last tag, it is because it was walked out to me by someone who knows - better than I - what I need. On those final hunts, the warm blood is so welcome on cold cold hands - and there is no room for pride - I've been given a gift.
 
I don't pray but when I do see a big buck, bear, etc, I keep repeating to myself "please, please, please, please, please, please, please..." for the animal to commit.

Does that count?
 
I have, sometimes do... but when I'm sitting, walking or whatever in the woods; especially looking at an animal I will enjoy eating it's very humbling and apparent that non of what I'm experiencing is a result of chance. For the most part (and maybe I should), I don't... not out of sloth, disdain, pride or unbelief but because I have learned many things and this is one of them: I have the consciousness to know that I must do something and am aware of what that is. (I could rant on about those who know to do things and don't... waiting for some abracadabra feeling from what they think is God and invariably they do nothing and subsequently accomplish nothing. The feel good crowd... Just do the right thing already) Fundamentally? I enjoy almost every aspect of hunting: from the rifle in my hands, the pine needles beneath my feet and the never ending vastness above my head... The hunger and thirst that grow and is satisfied by food and water... the correct clothing and boots. If I didn't believe God existed I'd be scratching my head trying to figure out why it all goes together, what compels every aspect of it: why in this vast venue of pleasantness where no evil is being committed is there nothing to be thankful for?
 
dgradinaru said:
I agree, i too pray before i start a hunt and typically when i finish one. My hunts have been blessed by the Good Lord, haven't gone one year with out a harvest.
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I think it probably means that your a good hunter...

If He cares if a sparrow falls, why would He send you a buck?
 
I spend time praying and thankful that I can enjoy the peace. I also think of my dad and uncle who passed and all the great hunts we had together. I go by old spots where we shared laughs. I also look forward to when I can take my children out in a few years. When a dozen mallards cup their wings and you shoot a triple its hard not to believe that there is a God.
 
I wouldn't say it's necessarily prayer since I'm not really religious; but, when ever I get the chance to be out in the bush hunting or not I pause for a moment. No glassing, eating, etc. During this time I just sit and take in the environment around me and be thankful that I have access to areas like that and that I physically am able to do so.
 
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