HUNTING IS MORE THAN A SPORT

Hunting played a pivotal role in my upbringing. Despite my youthful appearance, I am an old trapper. As such, I’ve spent more time than most hunting game throughout the wildest parts of this great nation. While much of my time involves setting and tending trap lines, I do frequently take up my rifle or bow and search out larger animals.

I remember the first time my father — the Old, Old Trapper — took me on a hunt. Together, we pursued a massive mule deer across miles of mountain forests until, finally, he could take his shot. It took every ounce of my little trapper strength to help him harvest and pack out the buck that day. But I knew that deer’s sacrifice, and my hard work, would sustain my family for weeks to come. That experience has shaped my approach to hunting ever since.

Of course, preparation is the key to every good hunt. Understanding the land and the game before you begin is critical to success. Humans can never hope to match a bull elk’s power or the speed and swiftness of a white-tailed deer. Instead, we must rely on our intuition, cunning, and experience to come out on top.

To do that, hunters must be careful to keep their own energy up in the midst of a rigorous hunt. If you’ve tracked that deer for what seems like mile after endless mile, carrying all your heavy gear on your back, your hands must be steady, and your breath clear when the opportunity to take the shot finally arrives.

That’s why I always bring plenty of beef jerky on every hunt. Each bite is packed with loads of lean protein, which provides the long-lasting energy you’ll need to stay in the hunt. What’s more, this calorie-dense snack won’t take up extra space in your hunting pack. Pack beef jerky, and you’ll always have access to the energy you need to succeed this hunting season..