Here in central lower Michigan, deer hunting isn’t just a nonchalant fall hobby; it’s a die-hard year-long passion! 

The numerous whitetail deer in this area are pursued by people of both genders and of all ages.  From the very elderly to those barely strong enough to carry a gun, hordes of hunters head into the woods to try to harvest some of the hordes of deer.  Bucks are preferred, but does are also acceptable.  Venison is equally delicious regardless of whether antlers were originally attached or not.

To illustrate how “big” it is in this area, the local schools are closed on opening morning of the gun deer season.  (The Michigan opener is always on November 15, no matter what day of the week that may be.)  Too many students … and teachers as well! … would be missing that day to hold beneficial classes.  Bus drivers and crossing guards too!

It would be inaccurate to state that everyone around here deer hunts.  But almost everyone does, did, or is directly connected to some who do.

So in honor of the local folks who don hunters’ orange, I thought I’d share a few thoughts on the similarities between day-to-day life and deer hunting.  Hopefully this post is enjoyable and beneficial for both hunters and non.

How Life Is Like a Deer Hunt

• Both carry some inherent risk.
  
  
• Both demand trust in the Lord. The best plans, approach and effort are no guarantee of anything; finally only God brings success.  (Proverbs 3:5-6)
  
  
• Both are wonderful times to pray to and praise God. (Psalm 89:52)
  
  
• Both begin in the “morning” and both conclude in the “evening” … in God’s good time. (Psalm 139:16)
  
  
• Every new sunrise and sunset experienced are profound gifts from God. (Lamentations 3:22-23)
  
  
• The experience can be done alone, but is most enjoyable when shared with loved ones. (Genesis 2:24, Psalm 127:3)
  
  
• One never knows what the weather will be on a given day! But regardless the “show goes on.”  And regardless, there is beauty and blessing present.  (Romans 8:28)
  
  
• Sometimes we’re cold; sometimes too warm. But feeling either means we’re alive.  It’s also a reminder to thank God when we are “just-right”–comfortable.  (2 Corinthians 9:8)
  
  
• We all “stink” to some degree. Therefore, awareness of wind direction is always wise.  (Romans 3:23)
  
  
• Being above “ground level” is always best. Typically, the higher the better.  Better views are found in the heights … and far less distractions and obstacles.  (Romans 12:2)
  
  
• Sometimes the hunt – and life – is interrupted by turkeys. Sometimes a skunk makes an appearance.  I even had a bear show up once and shake things up!  One never knows what will invade one’s space.  (Romans 12:18)
  
  
• Maybe most alarming, there’s cougars in the deep woods. I’ve heard of several occasions when hunters became the hunted, and were stalked by lions.  That’s more than unsettling, and certainly true of real life too!  (1 Peter 5:8)
  
  
• Goals achieved are usually reached through much hard work, and goals achieved usually foster more hard work.  (1 Corinthians 10:31)
  
  
• Whether “successful” in our endeavors or not, we are always winners with God! (1 John 3:1)
  
  
• The commotion we hear might indeed be a deer, but it’s probably a squirrel. The desperately sought after moments are usually far less frequent.  Thankfully, squirrels are cute and entertaining too.  Enjoy whatever God sends your way.  (Philippians 4:11-12)
  
  
• A related point: intense excitement and joy will undoubtedly occur, but humdrum monotony is much more common.
  
  
• Realize, however, that things can change dramatically in seconds!
  
  
• Typically, big moments seem to come when least expected, (and therefore when least prepared!) (1 Peter 3:15)
  
  
• We always strive to take our best shot at our goal. With God’s blessing, it hits its mark.  But sometimes we still miss.  Misses are lessons learned.  (Romans 15:4, 1 Timothy 1:15-16)
  
  
• Every blessing comes directly from God. (James 1:17)
  
  
• The Lord is always with us! (Psalm 139:7-8)

I’d love to hear your thoughts on additional comparisons!  Please share them in the comments section.

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Ecclesiastes 3
¹     There is a time for everything,
    and a season for every activity under the heavens:

²     a time to be born and a time to die,
    a time to plant and a time to uproot,
³     a time to kill and a time to heal,
    a time to tear down and a time to build,
⁴     a time to weep and a time to laugh,
    a time to mourn and a time to dance,
⁵     a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
    a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,
⁶     a time to search and a time to give up,
    a time to keep and a time to throw away,
⁷     a time to tear and a time to mend,
    a time to be silent and a time to speak,
⁸     a time to love and a time to hate,
    a time for war and a time for peace.

… ¹¹ [God] has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end. ¹² I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live. ¹³ That each of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil—this is the gift of God. ¹⁴ I know that everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it.  God does it so that people will fear him.