HUNTING - A GOD-GIVEN RIGHT
by Tony Taton

As Americans, we have many rights that people in other lands do not have; one is the right to hunt.

We started hunting at an early age, mainly for food for the table. A large garden, the game from the wood lots and fields, and fresh fish helped out the family during the Great Depression.

My brothers began in our early years the art of helping to provide for the family while we learned the art of hunting and fishing. I loved to walk the fields and woods hunting for pheasants, woodcocks, rabbits, squirrels and an occasional raccoon.

As a boy one learns to respect the other person's property along with his character while doing it. One learns considerable while in the field - how to dress and to read the sky, wind and temperature. Good health is very important, especially when we arrive close to four score or so.

Having hunted each year of my life, I have enjoyed good health, many lifetime friends and especially the delicious dishes prepared by my great mother, mother-in-law and my wonderful wife of over fifty years.

Above is a recent picture of a morning hunt (two bunnies). The exercise, fresh air, the sounds of the field, the chase with the beagles, complete with the catch makes a complete day.