In every hunting or fishing trip there comes a moment when you sit around the wood-stove feeling defeated. While you watch the flames flicker through the blackened glass doors it becomes a time of internal reflection. It is mutually understood that these somber moments are all part of the process in becoming better hunters and anglers.

The factors that contribute to these stove-side vigils are usually a negative mix of poor environmental conditions, hard work, and a reluctance from wild game to co-oporate – despite the best laid plans. In our camp, we knew when we were getting close to a camp wide meltdown when grandpa would storm into camp and exclaim, “The country is ruined!”.  This usually meant that (figuratively) there was no wild game (or fish) to be found within a 1000 acres of our camp. We have since modernized our description of this phenomenon and have called it a ‘lull’ in our hunt or fishing trip.

They can be dark times despite the dancing glow of flames from an iron stove.

Dark, but not defeating.

This is what we must remember during these dark days of economic uncertainty in North America. We have all heard those around us say ‘figuratively’ that the economies in our countries are ruined. There is a negative mix of economic conditions and a huge reluctance from the markets to co-operate. This is happening despite our best laid plans, hard work and government spending.

Friends and visitors who read this blog post let me encourage you all by reminding us that this is just a ‘lull’ in the hunt. The fish have stopped biting for a day or two.

That’s all.

In the uncertainty and frustration that our economic situation causes, remember that there is still a fire burning deep within the heart of the World’s economy. True, it is not currently burning as bright as it had been previously, but take some time to pause and reflect in the warmth of the glow that IS there. It is all part of a process that will makes us better individuals, members in society World neighbours. You may come up with something that will change your entire outlook on your darkened circumstances.

My job has been impacted by the recession. When I recently got the news that I would have to cut back on the hours I worked, Grandpa’s words about the “Country being ruined” immediately came to my mind. His immortalized slogan reminded me to remember some of the things I have learned while spending time around our camp stove. They are (I’ll let you make the real life parallels):

1. Tomorrow brings new weather. It could mean more of the same OR it could change just enough to make yesterdays challenges non-existent
2. Don’t stay in your bunk. Big fish and big deer will change their habits eventually. You’ll never know if you are in your bunk. Be prepared to work hard to find them.
3. Try something new. Somebody once said that the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. Maybe that big ole’ buck has you patterned.
4. Review your attitude. Many factors are outside our control, but attitude is not. Your time on the water or tree stand will pass much more quickly when you are positive. When things do go your way, you’ll be much more ready to make the most of it.
5. Remember those around you. Sometimes, its not about the fish you catch or the game you shoot. Its about the people you are with. When you do catch the world record bass – who will be on the dock to celebrate with you? When you can, help some out. You will never know when that person will be needed to net YOUR fish.

We are on the same lake together people. Don’t let a bad day fishing wreck your entire outlook on an exciting future…

2009 Canadian Economy Outlook, Fishing Stories, Hunting Stories