Over the last decade sophomore Charlie Zakaib has mastered the skill of hunting. Hunting comes with a strategic strategy and patience. Waiting hours no matter the circumstances the weather brings.

Zakaib was first introduced to deer hunting when he was around six years old by his family, both immediate and extended. He usually prefers to go hunting with his friends. He mainly deer hunts but occasionally hunts geese and ducks, using either a bow and an arrow or a gun. Zakaib typically sits in a tree stand for four to six hours. Typically bring food, drinks, warm clothes, and good camo. “You can’t have too sweet of food because they can smell it and then won’t come.” He spends most of his time hunting in southern Minnesota, South Dakota, and Virginia.

Deering hunting with a bow takes more skill than with a gun. “It’s more of a satisfactory thing for me when shooting an animal with a bow […] it’s so much more difficult that it’s more rewarding to harvest an animal with a bow and an arrow,” said Zakaib. After harvesting a deer, Zakaib generally eats the deer or has it taxidermied. “[…] the first thing that you do after you shoot a deer, is you have to gut it. And that kind of blows because it smells a little bit,” Zakaib said.

Zakaib feels as if people who have never hunted before think hunters don’t appreciate animals and have no respect. Hunting has existed since prehistoric times, going back two million years. It’s a part of human nature and plays a role in stopping overpopulation. “I get sad when I put a bad shot to a deer,” Zakaib said. “I feel like a common misconception is that hunters don’t care about what they’re shooting, but they actually do, so when a bad shot is made it is pretty sad to see,” After an animal is shot, Zakaib makes sure to pray for the animal.

Deer hunting requires a lot of attention, Zakaib describes how he waits for certain deer because they are bigger, have a longer life, and tend to have more antlers. Shooting the deer in the right spot is important to minimize suffering, reduce the risk of injury and the deer running off, and ensure the quality of the meat. “The heart is the most humane shot but the hardest. So typically double lung is the best shot and deer will die within ten minutes,” he said.

Hunting offers a way to connect with nature, by providing opportunities to spend time outdoors and experience the natural world. It comes with challenges of learning precision and practice. As hunters experience the thrill of the chase, learn new skills, and be present in nature it offers a sense of calmness and satisfaction.