Where We Hunt – The Deer Lease

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Welcome to H&H’s ten week series on where we hunt. Our family is constantly on the lookout for interesting stuff. Junk some might say. Gems to others. Over the next ten weeks we will tell you about our go to shopping grounds, some expected, some not. You’ll get tips that work for us. Hopefully, we will inspire you to take your family out on a treasure hunt of your own.

The Deer Lease/Eyes to See

Hunting for anything is a learned skill. One that can be taught, shared and cultivated. I know this to be true firsthand. When I was young my dad would take me deer hunting. It was always a special time to learn, listen and be completely out of my element. I soaked up everything my dad had to offer about deer and all else that comes along with deer camp chatter. My eyes became exceptional at spoting deer. Far off, in the woods, at dusk, you name it. It’s not about looking directly for a deer. Your eyes have to look for more.

It is about patterns, shapes and textures. Identifying changes, something that looks out of place. Memorizing your surroundings so that when the sun starts to sink and shadows start to dance you can stay ahead of the tricks that nature starts to play. You want me in your deer stand. Seriously, I’m good. Shooting, however, is another story altogether. That is not a skill I have perfected nor really care to. The point is I love to look for wildlife, not just deer, but all things in nature.

The excursions I had growing up fostered that love in me. Now as a mom, I have passed that along to my kids. The deer lease is a prime hunting ground and now my children out spot me! (40 year old eyes are for the birds!) It’s not totally what you think. Shopping doesn’t always have to happen in a store. We often go to our lease and never fire a gun, but we bring home all sorts of cool stuff. Deer horns, skulls, beautiful wood, feathers, memories and experiences. As far as decorating goes this is one of my favorite places to acquire new possessions. Everything is free, one of a kind and holds special meaning of time with my family. My children have developed the eyes to see treasures, beyond deer, at the lease. Practice makes perfect. They can look out over a field of limestone and spot a skull or shed horns.

They can walk through a creek bed, imagining and dreaming about what is hiding under the rocks and in the caves. Funny shaped wood morphs into play guns.

They get sheer joy out of just riding around in hopes of spotting something special. The not knowing if, when or what they will see brings all the fun. I would imagine you have a place like this somewhere. A farm, lease, land, lake, beach, park, forest, river or mountain that you can go explore. Head there next time with eyes to see the hidden pearls that lie in wait. It is all about the mindset you approach it in. Don’t look for what you always look for. Don’t tread the same paths you’ve always tread. Pray. Ask for eyes to see and you will be amazed at all that pops up before you.

Most of all – pass it on. Go out together with friends, family, your kids. Show them how to see things differently. You have to take time when hunting like this, be deliberate, relaxed and not in a hurry. Rewarding best describes this shopping ground. Without a doubt you will find a project, make memories and have one of the best times ever. Try it. Then let me know what you find!

Deuteronomy 4:9 Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them.