Stillness in the West Michigan Woods

Appreciating Nature and Michigan Outdoors:

The sounds of the West Michigan woods call me year after year. I plan day trips and weekend hunts during deer season and look forward to it for months. If I’m not hunting, I’m thinking about hunting. Season after season I will think about how to succeed, and where I will hunt, but more importantly, I will look forward to the quieter environment and break from the noise. Nature calls me. My wife calls it “my happy place.”

The Anticipation of Hunting Season

My favorite season is fall. As I drive to work everyday I will notice the first trees that start to turn golden on the tips of their branches. It’s the first sign that my hunting passion will be active again. I count down the days to tranquility and my escape from socialization and the daily grind.

The Bow Hunting Season

I have a strong passion for bow hunting. The crisp scent of early fall leaves is what I long for. The vivid colors of the woods, observed from my tree climber, remind me of sunlight streaming through stained glass windows in a quiet church. It is in this space that I like to close my eyes and listen for the rhythmic beat of my heart. A gentle breeze awakens all my senses, and as I begin to sway, I become one with nature. 

I don’t need the distraction of earbuds humming in my ears. I prefer turning to thoughts of appreciation for my wife. I give thanks for everything she does for me and for allowing me to pursue my passion for hunting. I miss her dearly when I am away hunting.

Soon, my focus switches to the awareness of my surroundings. I take the time to execute a series of antler rattles along with a series of buck grunts. At this point, my focus shifts again to any movement that catches my eye. This is how I hunt!

Giving thanks for the opportunity to do so is rewarded by a successful harvest. After the hunt, when I return to my sons, who also hunt, I enjoy the testimony from each of them through their eyes. I can tell that their experiences provide each of them with rewarding moments. I recently became aware that the quiet of the woods is something they look forward to as well. 

Appreciating a Slower Pace

Lincoln is my youngest son, now 17, and enjoys the sport of hunting. But he also has grown to appreciate the quietness his mind can enjoy in the woods. He enjoys being away from the noise and the opportunity to sit alone for hours. In the middle of the stillness, he explains “It helps me think and my thoughts flow freely.” He describes it as a “silent adventure.” In the wild, silence reigns supreme. It’s your time to think without interruptions. In Lincoln’s words, “it’s kind of loud everywhere else.”

The recurring theme for my sons and I is to have time to reflect and appreciate the soft sounds of the woods. My oldest hunting son, Max,  talks about enjoying “No people, no socialization.” He emphasizes that the solitude in nature is kind of like therapy for him. 

Being Still in West Michigan Woods

Max’s hunting preference is on the ground without a blind. He gravitates to the challenge of being still and covered in camouflage. Sitting out in the open, Max also finds joy in the simplicity of being alone in nature. “Just get to hang out by myself. In the woods. Outside, especially when it’s nice out, just feels good,” Max shared.

The Benefits of Spending Time Outdoors

My wife, Amanda, has observed the benefits of her family spending time in nature. It has a calming effect on the mind. She also is a big advocate of exposing her family to the outdoors and soaking in Vitamin D. I think we all saw the benefits of this during the Covid Pandemic. 

Amanda knows that in addition to sitting in the woods for hours, we are also walking, hiking and getting exercise. She recognizes the health benefits of the increased physical activity and visibly witnesses the joy it brings us. When we return home, whether we shot a deer or not, we are happier than when we left. 

Outdoor Family Activities

Reflecting on the smiles she sees on our faces makes her wish that she could bottle it up and feed it to us during the off-season. But instead Amanda frequently suggests to “go outside” and secretly accomplishes this by splitting up the dog walking duties. 

We are intentional about hiking more together and finding new paths to take with the All Trails app she loves. She and I have found this activity mutually beneficial. I can scout locations before and after the season, and we can spend time together walking in the woods. It’s one way, she has been able to participate in my passion for the hunt. 

Family Traditions in Nature

A favorite family tradition is to take several kids on walks at the Grand Ravines by our home or the trails at Millenium Park. These times may not necessarily be quiet, but they force our family to take a break from technology. My wife observes the positive moods emerge and knows it also gives our immune system a boost. 

Serenity on the Water

In addition to walking, my wife’s favorite outdoor hobby is kayaking. She gravitates to the water and the peace it brings her. It’s not uncommon for Amanda to ask if anyone wants to kayak with her on a weekend. Someday we might have our own kayaks, but for now she rents wherever she goes. Her “go to” place for simplicity is Millenium Park Boat Rentals for a quick couple of hours. However, Amanda recently discovered Third Coast Paddling in the Saugatuck and Douglas area and plans to return. 

Paddling in the open waters is her happy place. She explains “when you get far enough away from people, nature takes hold and draws you in. And sometimes floating out in the middle of a small lake is the best.”

West Michigan Woods and Winds

In the off-season, I enjoy riding on an ATV along wooded trails in northern Michigan. The solitude continues my connection with nature. An ATV also allows me to go longer distances when I’m scouting public land for new places to hunt. There are many trails throughout Michigan to explore. And my friends at Best Bear Lodge have ATVs I can rent. 

Beyond hunting, I have also grown to love a newer hobby in the off-season: flying kites. Whether it be a foil power kite or a dual-line stunt kite, watching for the right weather and wind conditions allows me to take flight and enjoy the skies.

As I reflect on our experiences, I’m witnessing not only the growth of new hunters but also the deepening of a connection to nature. Each memory contributes to our family heritage and legacy. For my family, hunting is more than a sport. It’s where tradition meets nature and intertwines serenity with the thrill of the chase.