Hunting Is Great Recreational Therapy 

 

The recreational therapy of hunting takes a person out of the realities of their daily life situations and into a world of primal sensory stimulation and excitement. 

While quietly stalking or sitting in wait, a hunter hears the sounds from the birds, wind, insects and animal calls, then the crack, flash, and smell of gun fire.  A hunter recieves recreational therapy forming memories bookmarked by the smell of pine, honeysuckles, smoke of a fire, and many other smells during the hunt.  The cool touch of a breeze, grass or dirt under foot while navigating country roads, forest, and open fields all leaving no time for yesterday's worries.  For the successful hunter, there is the adrenaline rush when they prepare and take the shot to harvest a deer, hog, rabbit or other prey for the table.

Recreational hunting is a mental therapy that engages the mind while planning, coordinating, preparing clothing & equipment, and communicating with others regarding a planned shared experience weeks maybe even months before the actual hunt.  The actual hunt is an experience that builds special memories and oportunities for joyful storytelling of adventures past.  Sitting in a deer stand for hours or traveling across a field either alone with nature or together with friends or family, is a recreational therapy that puts the handicapped hunter a million miles from problems and troubling issues of the day.

The benefits of hunting as recreational therapy to the disabled person are obvious.  Hunting is an experience where people commune with nature, friends and family member, with the goal of outsmarting a predator, or bringing home harvested prey like deer, rabbit, hog or ducks for the table. Sitting in a deer stand just before dawn, watching the daybreak, hearing creatures stirring around you is almost an out of body experience for a moment in time, that is taken home as the comfort food of shared memories.

The family, friends, and caretakers of the disabled person and volunteers that assist in these hunting trips also benefit from this type of recreational therapy.  Communities benefit when their loved disabled family member or friend can participate in the tradition of hunting.  Organizations that create opportunities for the bind, visually disabled and mobility handicapped to experience hunting get joy out of giving and a new perspective on their personal problems and challenges as compared to the others.

The benefits of hunting as recreational therapy go deep and include a spiritual connection between the land, the wildlife and mankind, all parts of nature.  Yes, hunting can be good recreational therapy for the mind, body, and soul.



Digital Crosshairs 1000SA adaptive rifle scope clip-on show here enables visually impaired, assisted blind, and mobility handicapped people more independently enjoy hunting and shooting sports.  Ask yourself if this type of  recreational therapy would benefit you or someone you care about.