article by J.D. Huitt

As a hunter and sportsman, one offense that I have no tolerance for is poaching.  Everytime I hear or read about a big buck that has been spotlighted and shot, it makes my blood boil. Individuals who do this have no regard for game laws, proper management, and frankly don’t have the skill that it takes to properly harvest a game animal.

Not long ago, I came across this passage in the Bible:

“1Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 3For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you.”~Romans 13:1-3

As I read and studied over this passage, I came to realize something. Game laws are God’s laws. As Paul says in verse 2, “he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against God.” This doesn’t only include laws against poaching, but all of the laws that have been set up by our fish and wildlife institutions. Whether it is taking a few fish over the limit, shooting a game animal out of season, or not complying with the safety laws of our state, we sin against God when we don’t follow the laws governing the sports of hunting and fishing regardless of how large or small that offense may be.

As a Christian, I am called to a higher standard. God expects more of me and expects me to be obedient to both His laws and the laws set forth by the authorities that he has put into place. As a Christian hunter, He expects me to follow the game laws regardless of how big or small they may be. These laws and regulations are put into place to benefit everyone. They keep us safe and help to manage game populations so that we can all enjoy the outdoors for years to come.

The next time you’re in the woods and feel the temptation to violate even the smallest hunting or fishing regulation, remember that even if no one sees you, God still does. When you choose to be obedient, God sees that too. As Paul says in Romans 13:3, “do what is right and he will commend you.”

In what can only be described as an outdoor miracle, 3TO Pro-staffer Rick Thomas has taken a deer with his muzzleloader. The fact that he shot one isn’t what makes this kill a miracle, but rather the manner in which it was taken. On the evening of December 3rd, Rick, along with cameraman Derek Stahlman were hunting in an area where Rick has harvested a number of nice deer. Around 4:00, they spotted a nice 8 pointer feeding through the woods. With the buck closing in to 30 yards, Rick took the shot but managed to hit the only limb between him and the deer. Amazingly, the deer not only didn’t move, but continued to feed on acorns!!! The next few moments were tense as Rick reloaded and made a great shot on this nice 8 pointer. This is Rick’s first buck in what has been a very long and difficult season. Time to get out the bow and go for another!

Big bucks are falling for the 3TO team! Opening weekend of gun season was good to Three Timbers at the deer camp in Moberly, Mo. Brothers Justin and Brad Perry both dropped nice 120 class bucks. One other buck was taken in camp while a few monsters are going to live to see another season.

A heavy acorn crop and less than favorable conditions have made hunting tough for the rest of the team, but there’s still a lot of hunting left for 2005 and they’re not giving up. Says J.D. Huitt, “This has been my hardest season of hunting yet, but I’m still hopeful for the late season. At this point, things can only get better. Colder weather should help with the slow deer movement. It has to. I’ve still got a lot of room left in the freezer!”

Check out the Braggin’ Board to see meat from opening weekend of the Missouri rifle season.