A Historic Veterans Day
COMMEMORATING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE END OF WORLD WAR I
Camping out in a blind with a warm cup of coffee is a great way to experience Mother Nature while waiting for that perfect six-by-six whitetail to appear in the open. Sure, you might get a little cold or cramped, but for the most part, you’re guaranteed a relaxing day in the woods. Some blinds come complete with all the fixings and comforts of home. It’s a great way to spend a Saturday before the Tigers game kicks off. But while there’s nothing wrong hunting deer with your .306, if you really want to dial it up a notch, bowhunting is where it’s at. Here are two reasons why bowhunting is a rush unlike any other. Stalk Your Prey When you’re in a blind, you’re acting reactively. Waiting for the animal to come to you has its perks, but if you want to find the best kill, you need to be proactive. If you’ve never stealthily tracked a deer with just a bow over your shoulder, you’re missing out. You have to step into the mind of the animal, predict its patterns, and then position yourself accordingly. Sometimes bow hunting is all stalking, but once you find fresh tracks, primal instincts take over, and the hunt is on. Close Proximity As you close in on your target, your body starts to release adrenaline. You don’t notice the cold in your feet or the This year, Veterans Day takes on particular historic significance: Nov. 11, 2018, marks the 100th anniversary of the armistice that ended the First World War. Countries around the world will commemorate the signing of this peace agreement with moments of silence, centennial ceremonies, and historical exhibits. Unlike Memorial Day, Veterans Day is a celebration of life. It’s a day to honor the power of peace and the living veterans across the globe who have served their countries. This November, take a moment to remember the war that helped shape the international community’s dedication to peace and thank the individuals who served to defend it. The Great War By 1914, a world war had been years in the making, but the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of the Austro-Hungarian Empire by a Serbian nationalist provided the spark that would eventually burn down much of Europe. A chain reaction of land disputes, pre-emptive attacks, and strategic alliances brought over 30 countries into World War I. The Great War that ravaged Europe resulted in a devastating loss of life, but from those ashes rose a renewed appreciation for the importance of peace and a global effort to ensure its place in the future. The Restoration of Peace In 1918, Germany surrendered unconditionally, and the armistice ended the fighting at the 11th hour on
the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918, though the war did not officially end until the signing of the Treaty of Versailles the following July. An estimated 16 million soldiers and civilians died in just four years, making it one of the deadliest conflicts in modern history. Veterans Day Originally called Armistice Day, Veterans Day was first observed on Nov. 11, 1919, to honor the one-year anniversary of the armistice, and it became a U.S. holiday in 1938. Today, Veterans Day celebrates veterans who served their country honorably. The U.K., France, Australia, and Canada also commemorate their veterans in November. If you know a veteran, thank them for their service this month.
THERE’S NOTHING WRONG HUNTING WITH A RIFLE BUT BOWHUNTING IS A RUSH UNLIKE ANY OTHER
limited dexterity in your fingers. Your heightened senses hone in on one thing: the moment of confrontation. Where you might be able to get a clean shot from 225 yards out with a rifle, a compound bow requires you to be about as far as Matt Flynn can throw a football. Once you’re on top of the animal, the time window to silently draw from your quiver and let fly at the animal is a fraction of what you think it would be. If that wasn’t a big enough rush, there’s always a chance that the animal could charge you, so don’t forget that side pistol; otherwise, you could find yourself in grave danger.
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