International Student’s View of Hunting Season in America

Just when you think America as amazed you enough you will learn something new about it and be spellbound again, until the next best (or even unusual) thing hits us.

One of my friends from Bemidji, Minn. announced last week that he will not be able to come to a concert over the week end because he was heading home. When asked why, he said he has to get himself a deer.

I was confused already and he says, “Well, I have to use my tag!” And I was like, “Hold on brother, you have me so lost!”

Well, my predicament here is that people assume from my smart looks that I will understand everything they say. So I asked him what tag and deer is he talking about. He told me its hunting season in the neighboring state and he’s going to use his hunting tag. Things made sense now -- somewhat.

For all those who are perplexed about my ignorance related to hunting season must realize that my knowledge about hunting comes from Yogi Bear and Looney Tunes. Yes, we do not have official hunting seasons in India. All hunting and poaching in India is legal only until you get caught.

Here, on the other hand, it is not only allowed but also encouraged as a family tradition. In America, from what my friend tells me, you can hunt pretty much everything except for state bird or animal and endangered species.

The hunting tag talked about so much is to be purchased besides an annual hunting license and the paperwork of course differs from state to state. Each tag is valid for only one animal also called as big game. And the tag purchased for a buck cannot be used if you shoot down a deer. Funny laws in a free country are what keep Americans safe and liberal. And no, I wasn’t being satirical.

In America, from what I gather, hunting is a tradition running down through families. In fact, a lot of my friends inform me that Thanksgiving, Christmas and hunting season are the times for family reunion, which is the most amazing aspect of this sport.

Many young adults who went home to hunt some game even used the opportunity to cast an early vote when they were home. That’s what I call shooting two birds with one stone.

The funniest part about this whole situation was that this person has not been able to get his game and would not let his tag go to waste, so he will make another attempt this weekend and probably get something more than a goose this time.