Grady H.
Aylesford, Nova Scotia
Other
Hunting Whitetail Deer in Nova Scotia
I've been interested in hunting for as long as I can remember. It is a strong tradition in my family and I am excited to share my knowledge with others. My video project tells a little about the history of hunting whitetail deer in Nova Scotia and my own outdoor lifestyle. I take you into the Nova Scotia wilderness looking for signs of passing wildlife.
What was the most interesting thing you learned about your topic?
I already knew a lot about hunting, but it was interesting to find out the history behind whitetail deer in Nova Scotia. I can't believe that what started as only a few imported deer took only 50 years for the population to grow so large!
What important lessons have you learned that you want to share with other Canadians?
People have been hunting since they existed! A lot of people don't like hunting. I want others to know that hunting isn't bad. It's an important part of our heritage and history. It's also a fun hobby that almost everyone can enjoy. It gets people out in nature and provides exercise, healthy meat, and a sense of pride. There's nothing like the accomplishment of a successful hunt!
How would you compare your life today to the lives of those studied in your project?
Early hunters in Nova Scotia used bows, spears, and simple traps. Today, hunters use accurate firearms (many with scopes) and more advanced bows. With so much technology, hunting has gotten a lot more sophisticated. Trail cameras help to see what wildlife is in the area while the hunter isn't even in the woods. You can buy specialized clothes, equipment, and even special sprays to cover up your scent. Preserving your harvest has also gotten a lot easier. Instead of drying, salting, and smoking we can just put our meat in the freezer. Years ago, people hunted because they had to. My family chooses to hunt for food, but others just go to the grocery store.