For Flin Flon’s Smith family, hunting has become an activity enjoyed by three generations.
Glenn Smith began hunting in 1966 and has had the opportunity to share the sport with both his son and grandchildren over the years.
“It’s really about spending time together without any phones or screens to distract us,” he said.
The Reminder recently caught up with Smith while he was hunting geese in The Pas area.
For Smith there is a peacefulness that comes from being out in nature that he hasn’t been able to find in other activities.
Free from distractions of electronics and away from the noise of traffic and rush of everyday life, he and his family are able to quiet themselves in the bush.
“It’s quality time when we can make a real personal connection,” Smith said. “It’s very quiet. Even when we are talking it’s done quietly and the whole experience is very peaceful.”
The challenge that comes with the sport is also exciting and something Smith is happy to share with family and friends.
“There is a satisfaction in outfoxing the game,” he said. “Wild animals aren’t stupid and it’s very difficult to outsmart them. It’s a challenge to successfully harvest an animal.”
Smith is able to hunt for what he describes as three and a half seasons, giving him plenty of opportunity for success with a number of different animals.
From moose to wild turkey and everything in between, he said each species presents its own challenges and rewards.
Smith hunts with a range of weapons, including a rifle, shotgun and muzzle loader with black powder. His grandson recently took up a bow, which he said is quite challenging.
“We’ve even hunted gophers with the grandkids, which is a lot of fun,” he said.
The bottom line for Smith is that hunting gives him the opportunity to spend time with friends and family who enjoy the sport as well.
“It’s really about the camaraderie and the personal connections,” he said.
