Bowhunting changed my life, not just by teaching me to hunt, but by transforming my understanding of kindness, respect, and my place in the world.

Early on, I realized I needed more than a rifle or a tag to call myself a hunter. Bowhunting slowed me down and opened my eyes. It taught me patience, how to move quietly, and how to read animal behavior with respect.

These close-up skills reach beyond hunting. I became more patient with people, more thoughtful in my choices, and calmer when life got hard. Archery gave me a new kind of kindness for myself, others, and the world.

Rifle hunting shaped me, too. It taught me to look at the big picture, to plan, and to see how everything fits together. Both styles made me more observant, kinder, and grateful, not just in the woods.

Some believe hunting makes people hard. For me, it softened my heart, deepened my respect for animals, and showed me the true power of kindness through hunting.

The Dalai Lama said, "Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible."

Aesop wrote, "No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted." Those words guide me.

True strength is gentle, and kindness truly matters, even in hunting.

The kindest, gentlest people I know are hunters. One day, when people speak of me in the past tense, I hope they say the same about me.

Fred Bear’s words ring true: "Go afield with a good attitude, with respect for the wildlife you hunt, and for the forests and fields in which you walk." I try to live up to that. The respectful mindset I learned from archery guides me every time I pick up a rifle. I do my best to honor every animal and every moment outside.

Bowhunting makes me get close and wait for the right moment. It humbles me. Even with a rifle, I rely on those same skills every time.

I’ve met many rifle hunters with real skill and deep respect for the land. Practicing with a bow helps us all tune into the wild and be present. There’s quiet pride in working for a close shot and knowing you did things the right way.

I hold deep respect for long-range rifle skills. Shooting far demands dedication. With a rifle, I learned to step back, see the landscape, and plan for every detail. But there’s something special about getting close with a bow. Limiting shots to bow range makes me notice more, care more, and walk away humble and grateful.

Bowhunting has taught me important lessons. Last week, I sat thirty yards from a doe, heart pounding, bow in hand, waiting for a clear shot. She kept moving, never offering the angle I hoped for. I let her walk. Those moments, choosing respect over quick success, remind me why I love this way of hunting.

I make mistakes, too. In New Zealand, I rushed a shot at a red deer stag with my bow and only wounded him. We tracked him for hours and, in the end, I finished the job with the guide’s rifle. That memory still stings, but it reminds me every hunt is a chance to learn, to show compassion, and to do better next time. Growth comes from holding back, messing up, and showing kindness to yourself and the animals, you chase.

When I adopt a bowhunter mindset, I focus on finding good opportunities rather than taking risky shots. I improved most when I limited my rifle shots to bow distances for a season. Every hunt felt more exciting and made me a better hunter.

Bowhunting teaches me to pay close attention to wind and thermals. I plan for these things before I get close to an animal, not just right before I take the shot.

Now, I watch the wind move in from the side and use the land for cover. I check how grass and leaves move and stay off ridges where animals can see me.

This way of thinking also benefits my rifle hunting. Instead of worrying about wind drift when I shoot, I fix the problem before I line up the shot.

Bowhunting teaches me self-control. I wait for a good shot and let many chances go by. Even with a rifle, I wait for the best shot because I know it’s worth it.

Fred Bear said, “If you are not working to protect hunting, then you are working to destroy it.” That sticks with me. When I make good choices while hunting, I feel like a responsible hunter. Bowhunting helped me learn that.

Bowhunting teaches me to judge distance accurately without relying solely on gear. Rangefinders and batteries can fail, and weather conditions can also cause issues. I trust my eyes and experience, especially during rifle season.

Fred Bear said, “Nothing clears a troubled mind like shooting a bow.” I know what he means. The focus and calm I get from archery help me stay steady when it matters most with a rifle.

Archery helps me trust myself and stay calm, not just in the woods, but in daily life as well. It’s helped me slow down, breathe, and make choices I feel good about. Rifle hunting keeps me looking at the bigger picture, reminding me to step back and appreciate everything that goes into a hunt, or a day. Both styles have helped me become not just a better hunter, but a kinder, more grateful person, no matter where I am.

Fred Bear said, “Immerse yourself in the outdoors. It will cleanse your soul and make you a better person.” I keep that in mind every time I head outside. Archery reminds me to reset, breathe, and appreciate simple things, both in the woods and in the rest of my life.

Reflecting on everything hunting has given me, I realize above all that it has made me kinder to myself, others, and the world. Patience, humility, and respect guide me every time I step outside. Hunting is more than a pursuit; it’s about growing into a better, kinder person and carrying that forward into daily life.

— Jay Pinsky
jay@theoutdoorwire.com