When I was in high school, I had a teacher who caused a big scene in class and made everyone go into the hallway because something smelled in the room. I didn’t realize my boots were covered in cow manure from checking my trap line before school. She made a big deal out of it, stopped the class, and told me to go to the office to ask for a new pair of shoes. Instead, I just walked out and got in my truck and left.
If I had been any other kid in that class, I would have been really embarrassed, but I didn’t care. It was clear she didn’t understand my life or where I came from. I often wonder how that teacher is doing now.
With all the food shortages and high prices lately, I’m really grateful for how I was raised—hunting, growing, and raising my own food. What you’re seeing here is my 1950’s 8-foot freezer, passed down through my family, and it’s full of beef, pork, deer, rabbit, chicken, fish, and pretty much every kind of meat you can think of. For the average person shopping at a store, this would probably be worth $2,000 or more if you could even find it. I’ve only spent money on packaging.
I’m not sharing this to brag, but to raise awareness that during tough times, the guy with the beat-up truck and muddy boots isn’t so bad.
Next time someone asks to hunt on your land, maybe trade some deer meat with them. Don’t bash hunters who are “killing innocent animals.” The truth is, hunters respect the animals they hunt more than slaughterhouses ever will, and the meat is as organic as it gets when it’s from the woods.
Instead of complaining about the rooster crowing in your neighbor’s backyard, ask them to buy some eggs. They’ll probably give you a dozen for free.
Support local farmers! Buy from farmers markets because they often know how to butcher and package their meat. You’re getting clean, chemical-free meat.
Teach your kids how to grow a garden. Teach them how to care for animals. Take them fishing! If you don’t know how, YouTube can help. That cousin of yours who’s all about hunting seasons? It’s time to buy him some ammo and ask for help teaching your kids about it. They’d love to show your kids how to hunt and maybe even watch them harvest their first animal.
We just need to be kinder to each other. Stop acting like you’re better than others. Help your neighbors, ask for help, do your research, and let’s stop depending on the government so much. You’ve got this—get up and do it yourself!
