“The Other” Discussion Q’s and A’s

Q1. In his course, Nature in Literature, Neil tells his students, “poetry and nature are occasions for introspection, but not necessarily for happiness” [p.28]. Is John William seduced by the naïve, romantic view of the relationship between man and nature? Is John William prepared for life in the wilderness? What does John William learn about his strengths and limitations as he struggles with nature’s unpredictable, difficult, and often cruel challenges?

A1. It seems to me that through both poetry and nature you are given the opportunity to feel and express your thoughts, emotions and feelings. However, the nature (no pun intended) of human expression does not always tend towards happiness but rather introspection and analysis. John William however, is enamored by the idea that man comes from nature and therefore belongs in nature. He is also no stranger to the idea or expression of poetry – whether literally or through the rhythm (or perhaps lack of rhythm) of his life.

When he enters the wilderness he goes with full knowledge that he is not completely ready to be self-sufficient. I believe he does this both as a test of Neil’s friendship and therefore human relationships and reliance in general and he also does it for the thrill of the immense risk that he is taking on.

            John William learns that in order to be completely secluded, he also needs Neil and therefore as he would put it, elements of “Hamburger World”. In the end, I think that nature’s challenges and unpredictability leave him disappointed and betrayed as he realizes that there is nothing and no one who can never let him down. When all is said and done, man was created in nature’s image and both nature and man can be cruel, unpredictable and occasionally exude unconquerable challenges.

Q2. Does his flight from civilization bring John William the spiritual purity he is searching for? Could he have found another way to express his antipathy to the hypocrisy he sees in the ordinary world? To what extent do you think John William’s path to self-destruction was unconsciously motivated by unresolved internal conflicts regarding his class, family, and his vision of himself?

A2. In my opinion, John William’s spiritual journey was, in a sense, doomed from the beginning because he wanted to be purified but he also wanted to know how to do this and he wanted support in it. Whether he admitted it or not, his attachment to both Cindy (in college) and Neil proved that he wanted affirmation that what he was doing was going to lead him to happiness and he had the forlorn hope at some point that they might buy into it as well. However, I think that he knew the answer the whole time  - he was and always had been truly alone and because of this could never accept himself as spiritually pure.

            There are various ways that John William could have attempted to express his ideas to humanity but I don’t think that any of them would have satisfied John William the way that he thought his solitude would. This masochism and separation from humanity that ultimately lead to his demise were bred from ideals that John William identified with to his very core. He felt betrayed from the very beginning by his distant father and his wacko mother. He learned quickly that for him, money meant the ability to have whatever materialistic object he could fathom and be deprived from all human emotion but loneliness. He was brought up to learn that most of the time he was either a burden or a precocious, rich-kid who had too much time to let his mind wander. He put on his shield of risks, adventures, confidence and bold, if not “out-there” opinions in order to hide the loneliness he was bred to feel.

 

Q3. How do you feel about Neil’s complicity in enabling John William to escape from the real world? What moral imperatives underlie Neil’s actions? To what extent is Neil guilty of betraying the fundamental ethical obligations he has as a member of society?

A3. To be completely honest, it seems to me that Neil is the reason that John William survived so long. Whether he would’ve perished earlier in his escape or in the “real world” is not a question but a fact. I truly believe that John William would’ve gone crazy in either world and Neil was, in a sense, one of his only ties to sanity.

            From Neil’s standpoint, he is morally challenged to either stand by his friend through their brotherhood pact that was sealed by blood or turn him in to the forest service. His morals however, choose the pact to John William and not to society and because of this he forces on himself (whether through friendship, guilt, fear, or a little of all of these feelings) the responsibility of bringing John William supplies, reading materials, and a little bit of the sanity (or possible insanity) of the real world.

            Although Neil may be guilty of “betraying the fundamental ethical obligations he has as a member of society” that say he should have turned John William in, he was also abiding by his ethical obligations to his friend. I believe that as long as John William was not hurting anyone but himself, directly, and although his disappearance may have been deceitful, it was probably better for him and Neil knew that. So although he did indeed enable John William in a big way, he also knew that ethically it was allowing him to thrive better than he would’ve in the real world.

 

Q4. Neil writes, “In the newspaper reports on the Hermit of the Hoh, an abiding derangement is the heart of the matter. That’s wrong.” [p.112]. Does Neil’s account of what happens to John William justify this point of view? Would a more objective observer draw the same conclusion from the evidence Neil Provokes?

A4. I think that Neil’s experience of the situation certainly justifies this statement. Although it is perhaps a little biased, I feel that it is mostly true. Neil saw John William at his best and at his worst, however basically all in an “acceptable” state of mind. Although in fact John William may have had previous mental issues, he allowed himself, willingly in my opinion, to go insane. Neil knew that John William wouldn’t have wanted it any other way and that in some way this was always meant to be. However, I think that a more objective viewer would have tagged John William as a “wack-job” and nothing more – Neil knew better.

Q5. If you have read Into the Wild (or have seen the movie), what similarities do you see between John William and Chris McCandles? What might be some of the diverse reasons, either rational or not, a person could have for abandoning a comfortable life for one filled with risk and danger?

A5. Although I do not remember a lot from the movie Into the Wild, I do see some similarities between Chris McCandles and John William. The first being their discontent with the “real world” and it’s issues. I may be mistaking but I think that the books are both from about the same time period, meaning that they would’ve in some sense experienced the Vietnam War and all of the issues that went along with that. They both came from wealthy families, whose wealth they rejected and they both lived with a sense of reckless abandon and invincibility. They also both eventually went “off their rockers” to some extent.  Their confidence and sense of invincibility could both be seen to have let to their demise in a big way.

Q6. How does his upbringing affect John William and lead to the choices that bring his to his solitary end as “Hermit of the Hoh”?

A6. I certainly believe that John William’s upbringing played a big factor in his choice to enter into almost complete solitude. He learned from the beginning that he couldn’t fully depend on or trust anyone, that no one was exactly like him, and that his way of living and thinking were inadequate to that of his ancestors and family. He had in many ways been brought up in intense solitude and so led out his believed destiny as the “Hermit of the Hoh”.

Q7. Neil and John William are brought together by their love of the outdoors and in particular for hiking in unmapped areas. Does John William spur Neil to take risks Neil otherwise would avoid?  What aspects of their feelings about risk come to light when they got lost in the forest [pp.29-34]? In what ways do their attitudes about the adventure echo their feelings about their lives in general?

A7. In my opinion, John William definitely draws a sense of risk and adventure out of Neil. It is in his core, but wouldn’t have been brought to the surface without John William’s influence. As Neil talks about, he was silently fearful and perhaps a bit hopeless whereas John William was constantly thinking, pondering and trying to find solutions to any problem they had. These things both strongly reflect their actions in life. Although Neil is often fearful, he suffers in silence and pushes on hoping for the better. John William just wants to find the solution to life.

Q8. Is Neil exploiting his friend in any way?

A8. It doesn’t seem to me that Neil exploits John William or pursues any selfish gain by helping his goal of solitude (although in the end he is rewarded with money). The whole story would indicate though that everything Neil does, he does for his love and responsibility to John William and sometimes his own piece of mind. However, I don’t believe that he exploits John William.

Q9. Is Neil Countryman, generally speaking, a “reliable” narrator? Is he always to be believed?

A9. From the very moment I began reading the book I believed Neil Countryman. Due to this, I may not have scrutinized his truthfulness very closely. I do feel that he is a reliable narrator and that he gives his honest, if occasionally biased, account of the story of the “Hermit of the Hoh” as best he can and in what he sees as the truth.

Q10. Throughout The Other, Neil Countryman refers to John William’s obsession with Gnosticism, a philosophical and religious movement that emerged during the early Christian era. A central theme of its teaching is that the world is imperfect but that each of us has a divine spark within that can ultimately free us from the evils of the material world.

-       In what ways does John William’s obsession with Gnosticism enhance your understanding of his motivations and behavior?

A10a. Although I do not know much about Gnosticism and have only briefly read a summary about it, I feel that a little bit of insight into this, helps me to understand why he is the way that he is. His reckless abandon and hate of ignorance become completely clear in light of his Gnostic beliefs. His disregard to the typical way of life creates a life that he deems as more sufficient at arriving at his destiny through Gnosis.

 

-       What other references to literature and philosophy in the novel illuminate the themes Guterson is exploring?

A10b. Throughout the whole novel, Guterson refers to various types of literature, including poetry, novels, academic journals, etc and also refers to different philosophies especially those put out by universities. His mention of various authors and works, one example being Pablo Neruda, give us a whole compass of viewpoints to look at. Through their mention he instrumentally brings our attention to the themes of societal norms, culture, stereotypes, trust, happiness, suffering and of course loneliness.

Q11. Hoes does Guterson portray the Pacific Northwest’s wilderness? Is it a balanced and realistic view? Does he present its dangers, its allures, its beauty?

A11. Guterson portrays the wilderness of the Pacific Northwest as wild, largely uncharted and endlessly beautiful and mysterious. Although I have not experienced many of the areas that he has mentioned, being from the Pacific Northwest myself, I understand his descriptions. I think that he is realistic about it in his description. He mentions the wildlife, including bears, cougars, and elk. He mentions the plant life (even marijuana and shrooms) and he of course mentions the extensive amount of mountain peaks that you find there. Through all of these things, coupled with his personal experiences and obvious reverence for the area, he presents to us the present danger, allures and of course beauty.

Q12. Reflecting back on your own life, have you ever had a friend anything at all like John William, someone who “dropped out” of the mainstream or took the “road not taken” and failed to fulfill his or her potential and promise]

A12.  I do not believe that at this point in my life I am able to claim friendship to anyone quite like John William. In little ways I have seen my friends drop out of what I view as “mainstream” or “right” however, not in the same way a John William or even to similar extremes. However, I have definitely experienced people settling for less than they are capable of and not fulfilling their potential. Both my brother and my mother are examples of this type of living. Although they are both very dear to me, they often make decisions that may seem to go against mainstream ideals but unfortunately also do not fulfill their potential. However, on the flipside of this viewpoint, who am I to judge what someone is capable of. If I do, is it true or just simply something that I want to believe to be true?

Q13. To what extent do John William’s activities at Reed [pp. 70-83] as well as his decision to drop out of college reflect the cultural and social milieu of the 1970’s? Does Cindy’s rejection of him mark a significant turning point for John William, or does her rejection simply reinforce John William’s perceptions of the world?

A13. There is no question that John William had some ideas that were radical and sometimes a little off base, however, that was a trend in the 1970’s. In a way I believe that were he to have been a bit less extreme and a bit more social, he would have been in the midst of various radical events in the 1970’s. That is to say that his rebellion against society, his drug-use, his desire and journey to enlightenment were all, in part, common themes of the college student of the 1970’s.

            As far as Cindy’s rejection of him, it may have forced his solitary lifestyle to come early, but in my opinion she mostly reinforced his perceptions of the world. He all along would’ve ended up where he was; it may have just taken longer if Cindy would’ve stuck around. However, at the point when she would’ve let him down, things would’ve been over. Therefore it was probably better for them both that she left when she did.

Q14. Writing in the Seattle Times, Mary Ann Gwynn lists several themes for the novel including “attachment vs. alienation; moral behaviors vs. expediency; joy vs. suffering…” Gwynn believes that “The Other” examines the dilemma that has confounded sages and saints for millennia: whether to engage in our tormented world, or turn our faces from it.”

A14. It seems to me that some of the debate to this subject is what is the easy way out? Humans tend to be cognitive and physical misers, in the sense that for the most part, we want to easy road. This is part of the dilemma when discussing whether to engage in torment or attempt to find joy outside of it by escaping. I myself struggle with this duality often in my own life. Thus far I have not found the answer. I am not sure that I ever truly will but I also believe that is how it is supposed to be. Perhaps we must not choose one or the other, but simply embrace the duality and choose how to live each moment and situation. Although we would be out of equilibrium often enough if we did this that people I think just end up choosing to feel one way or the other and some point and never look back.

Q15. Which characters in this book do you find most sympathetic and why?

A15. I think that I am most sympathetic towards Neil, his wife Jamie, Lucy, the old Mrs. Worthington’s estate manager and of course John William. I am sympathetic towards Neil because I am a lot like him in the sense that I am an enabler and I want to help people at all costs. I have empathy for him and his situation. I feel sympathetic towards Jamie because throughout the book a caught myself many times wondering about how she felt about her helplessness in the situation between John William and her husband. Also, although Lucy is an odd choice, I just felt bad for what she had to put up with from Ginnie and also admired her strength in not allowing Ginnie to get most of the things she didn’t deserve. Then there is John William. My heart breaks for him because he just so badly wanted to find his place in the world. He was constantly burdened with the knowledge that he was “not like everybody else” and also he could sometimes take pride in this, it still gets despairing. Although many people would’ve been annoyed or angry at John William, I am simply saddened and empathetic.

Q16. How does The Other compare to other accounts, either fiction or nonfiction, about people who have exiled themselves from society?

A16.  I think that exile is a common theme in literature, both fiction and nonfiction. For some reason the only one that I can think of right now is Into the Wild, which we have already discussed and to which I find The Other to bring up some of the same ideas but is not too similar. I will have to reexamine this and revamp my response later.

Q17. Discuss how Guterson’s decision to tell such a story in the form of a novel differs from Krakauer’s nonfiction approach.

A17. To be honest, I have never read Krakauer and so am unable to compare his approach to Guterson’s.

Q18. To what degree is Neil at fault for ensuing tragedy? Eventually, when Neil explains his failure to get help for John, do his explanations sound convincing?

A18. I think that Neil is not really at fault for John William’s tragedy. I think that deep down he understood that this was John William’s true decision and although he may have tried to convince him otherwise, it was in vain. Although the fact that Neil was unable to visit while his ankle was healing could’ve increased Neil’s sense of guilt towards the situation I do not think that it changed the ultimate outcome. As far as Neil’s explanations for not getting help for John William, in the end it was out of his perception of John’s being and his love for John. Whether or not it was the “right” thing to do, it was what Neil had known would happen. He could never have turned John in and allowed him to be pulled down from the paradoxical pedestal that Neil had placed him on.

Q19. Do you think that it is inheriting the money that allows Neil to finally devote himself to writing, or is it the chance to get John William’s story off his chest.

A19. From my understanding of who Neil is and what John William meant to him, although the money may have provided the practical means for him to devote himself to writing, it was the chance to tell John William’s story that made him follow through. It was the idea of finally allowing some of his most intimate experiences, feelings and secrets to emerge and allow the world to see the “Hermit of the Hoh” who secluded himself from them.

Q20. Would John William want a book written about him?

A20. I think that John William’s response to having a book written about him would’ve been similar to his response of Neil bringing supplies to him. He would’ve felt in some ways ashamed and sold-out but all the same accepted it for what it was. Although, part of me feels that this is completely off-base and that it would’ve been unbearable for him to see a book be written and published into the world he despised with such fierce hatred.

Q21. In what ways can we easily distinguish between Neil Countryman, the narrator telling the story, and David Guterson, the author and creator of the story?

A21. I think that Neil Countryman is more idealistic that Guterson. He sees the world as biased through his own experiences. But to be completely honest, I caught myself many times wondering if this was nonfiction even though I knew that it wasn’t. Neil’s voice was so strong and definite that I felt that I was truly reading the account of true experiences.

Q22. What do the fictional narrator and the real life author have in common? How might we be tempted to confuse the real and the fictional when reading The Other?

A22. I don’t really know what they have in common because I do not know much about Guterson as an author. However, I would imagine that they both have a strong sense of commitment to their work and that they have a large capacity for love and acceptance of people. Beyond that, I am going to have to learn.

Q23. As a writer, what risks does Guterson take in choosing a first-person narrator?

A23. I think that some of the risks that come along in choosing a first-person narrator are to only see as much as a person truly would, also the struggle to separate yourself from the character and then to stay in character and think like he or she would think. Also, in a small way, not to make that character you. 

Fly Tying Extra Credit

Plus 1 extra credit point for having the 4th best fly in the class! :)

Dónde Jugarán Los Niños?

Mana the band.
Here is the address to a music video by the music group Maná

(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vlW2OdoA36A). 

Maná is a rock group from Mexico who are very environmentally conscious. They care about the condition of this Earth and about how we as humans are treating it. Many of their songs are about the environment. The song in the video is called, "Dónde Jugarán Los Niños?" Which in english translates to "Where will the children play?". The song talks about an old man who spoke of a world essentially free of pollution and contamination. A world where he would run and play by clear streams and breathe clean air. 

The songs goes on to say that this is no longer the case on this earth and that we are slowly killing it. Their lyrics speak of a sky that is screaming and an earth that is falling apart due to the destruction that we are implementing on our planet at such a rapid pace. Here are the lyrics thanks to the site: "Lyrics Mania"

Lyrics to Donde Jugaran Los Niños? :
"Cuenta el abuelo que de niño 
El jugó 
Entre árboles y risas y alcatraces de color 
Recuerda un río transparente si olor, 
Donde abundaban peces, no sufrían 
Ni un dolor 
Cuenta el abuelo de un cielo 
Muy azul, 
En donde voló papalotes que él 
Mismo construyó 
El tiempo pasó y nuestro viejo ya murió 
Y hoy me pregunté después de tanta 
Destrucción 
Dónde diablos jugarán los pobres niños? 
Ay ay ay! en dónde jugarán 
Se esta pudriendo el mundo 
Ya no hay lugar 
La tierra está a punto de 
Partirse en dos 
El cielo ya se ha roto, ya se ha roto
El llanto gris 
La mar vomita rios de aceite 
Sin cesar 
Y hoy me pregunté después de
Tanta destrucción 
Dónde diablos jugarán los pobres 
Nenes? Ay ay ay. En dónde jugarán? 
Se esta partiendo el mundo 
Ya no hay lugar" 

http://www.lyricsmania.com/lyrics/mana_lyrics_2596/donde_jugaran_los_ninos_lyrics_7342/donde_jugaran_los_ninos_lyrics_85734.html

Some Ways to Reduce our Carbon Footprint!

Below is a list composed of many little things we can do to reduce our carbon footprints and become more ethically and ecologically mindful.

• Reduce water use by turning off the sink and shower in between times when you are doing things such as: brushing your teeth, washing dishes or shaving your legs, etc.
  
• Use reusable, cloth shopping bags. 
• Organize and host a community or neighborhood tree planting.
• Buy local agriculture products.
• Plant a garden in your backyard or utilize a community garden. 
• Buy organic products
• Shop to support local growers by utilizing farmers markets and the Moscow Co-op.
• Unplug appliances when not in use. 
• Keep your refrigerator stocked in order to use less energy. 
• Use online bills and bank statements so as not to waste paper. 
• Use reusable coffee mugs instead of paper ones.
• Have a compost pile in your backyard. 
• Turn off lights when not in use. 
• Fix leaky faucets, bad insulation, etc. in order to make your house more energy efficient.
• Make sure that your tire pressure is at the right amount of pounds.
• Use environmentally friendly cleaning products. 
• Make your own clothes using materials like wool. 
• Make use of hydroponic gardens, especially during winter months. 
• Gather food from your surrounding area. 
• Eat raw food (good for your health).
• Recycle batteries or use rechargeable ones. 
• Recycle plastic, aluminum, paper, etc. on campus and at home. 
• Donate clothing.
• Watch the stores where you shop by utilizing sites such as "Betterworldshopper.com" in order to find out what stores and/or products are environmentally and ethically responsible.

These things are a short list of hundreds of things that each of us can actively choose to do in order to reduce our carbon footprint, help our environment and become healthier and consequently more fulfilled citizens of this earth. It is by paying attention to the little things that will add up to help the human race to thrive rather than burn out by our irresponsible use of precious natural resources. 

Seven Devils Field Trip Proposal

Name of Designer: Tayler Harrington                        Date Submitted: September 17, 2009

Field Trip Destination: Seven Devils Mountains, Idaho

Description: Seven Devils is a series of mountain peaks in Idaho. They are a part of the Hells Canyon Wilderness and managed by the Payette and Nez Perce National forests. The mountains offer an extensive number of hiking trails and gives one plenty of wildlife and plant life to observe.

Location: It is about 120 miles south from Lewiston to Riggins. From Riggins, it is about 17 miles west to the Windy Saddle trailhead. Total Travel Estimates: 2 hour 56 minutes / 140 miles.

Seven DevilsSite Size: 214,000 acres

The Seven Devils Mountains contain some of the highest peaks in Idaho some of which are given names like, “He Devil, She Devil, The Ogre, Tower of Babel, Twin Imps, The Goblin, Devil’s Throne and Devil’s Tooth”. (http://www.summitpost.org/area/range/171143/ seven-devils-mountains.html). The terrain ranges from 1,000 feet in elevation to a 9,240 foot elevation at the summit of “He-Devil”

Selected Subjects for Study:

Birds: The Seven Devils are famous for various types of birds that inhabit their eco-system such as: raptors, shorebirds, songbirds, upland birds, waterbirds and waterfowl (Idaho fish and game). Some main birds to look for are Red-tailed hawks, golden eagles, pine siskin, northern goshawk, etc.

Rocks: The Seven Devils show various types of sedimentary rocks as well as igneous rocks created from volcanic eruptions.

Flora/Fauna: Due to the vast changes in elevation, the area around Seven Devils ranges from desert to high alpine and as a result there is a diverse population of plant and animal life.

Lakes: There are about 45 lakes that can be found in the Seven Devils wilderness area and they also add to the population of different plants and animals that live and thrive in their ecosystem.

Inner health and wellness: Learn ways to utilize nature in order to become a more healthful and ethical human being.

Goals and Objectives of Trip:

            To encourage students to venture out into our Seven Devils and Hells Canyon Wilderness and take advantage of the pristine preservation that we are able to enjoy. By doing so, students will learn some of the history of why areas like this were established in the United States and what ethical and ecological implications they have to people. Learn about the native food sources in the area. Also, encourage students to exercise because of an ethical obligation to be healthy both physically and mentally.

Strategies for obtaining goals:

Hiking,/backpacking camping, journaling, yoga stretching and meditation and research about the history of wilderness areas in the United States.

Hook:

            Arrive at Seven Devils Mountains and complete the 27-mile hike that leads them by all of the major peaks.

Rationale:

·      The healthcare system in the United States in currently in a crisis and its government is looking for ways to reform it in order to get coverage for more people. If we can learn ways to stay more physically fit then each of us can do our own part to decrease the negative effects on our healthcare system.

·      It is important as a student to do things that challenge you and get you out of your comfort zone so that you are able to grow and develop as a person. By doing this hike with fellow classmates one can learn how to bond with others and also build their mental and physical strength.

Activities and Procedures:

Prior to departure:

·      Learn about safety procedures for backpacking trips.

·      Be taught how to properly pack for a backpacking trip.

·      Study the flora and fauna of the area, specifically relating to edible food sources.

·      Plan and pack for meals and meal preparation utensils.

On Site:

·      Take photographs and write in journals.

·      Complete the 27-mile hike in 3 days.

·      Learn how to meditate and stretch according to the yogic tradition.

·      Identify various types of rocks, plants and wildlife and how they fit into the ecosystem, including their importance.

Post trip:

·      Complete poems representing knowledge and understanding gained from the trip in relation to ethics and ecology.

 

Assessment:

            Keep a journal of the time spent on the sight and of any research done about the history of U.S. wilderness areas. Then on the return of the trip, complete 2 poems about the time spent and knowledge/wisdom obtained at Seven Devils in relation to ethics and ecology.

            Keep a weekly log of physical activity, attempting to get AT LEAST thirty minutes of moderate activity and 30 minutes of easy physical activity a day in an attempt to become a more physically fit individuals and help fight the high obesity rates in the United States.

Resources:

http://away.com/gorp/location/id/id_mtns/sevdevil.htm

http://www.ouachitamaps.com/Seven%20Devils.html

http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/ifwis/ibt/site.aspx?id=N56

http://www.summitpost.org/area/range/171143/seven-devils-mountains.html

http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&client=safari&rls=en-us&q=seven%20devils%20mountains%2C%20idaho%20map&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=wl

Report on Trip to "The Traditional Sportsman"

Learning to Appreciate the Unknown

            I am not a person who knows a lot about hunting or being outdoors. Due to my lack of exposure to and general interest in hunting up to this point in my life, I have not learned a lot about the sport in general. However, I recently visited a hunting supply shop in downtown Lewiston and was able to look around and also to interview the owner. As I was looking around I noticed an automatic bow and although I had seen one before I had never really closely examined one. After talking to the owner of the store about his personal preference for hunting (which was bow hunting) I decided to research some of the history in hunting with a bow and arrow.

            First of all, arrows have been used as hunting tools and weapons for tens of thousands of years and bows for at least five to ten thousand years (Brissee). The original appeal of the bow and arrow system was that one, it was made from wood that was generally easy to access and two, it was effect from a longer range so the hunter didn’t have to get as close to his prey. Throughout most of the world’s early history, the bow and arrow were the main weapons used. It was not until the early 1500’s when the musket was invented that some of the shift happened (Brissee). However, people continued to use bows and arrows.

            As I mentioned earlier, bows and arrows were originally made of wood.  Many cites that I have looked at said that cedar arrows are some of the best quality arrows to use. As I was interviewing the owner of “The Traditional Sportsman”, he also told me that he prefers cedar arrows as opposed to fiberglass or metal ones. He stated that although metal and fiberglass arrows are often more uniform and precise, he prefers the way that cedar arrows break once they enter into the animal (Lamb).

            Likewise, I learned a lot about the different materials that are used for making bows. Although they too were traditionally made from wood, they are not also made of fiberglass, laminated carbon and aluminum (“Types”). There are also about seven different types of bows that are used today, which vary on operation type (manual/automatic), material, and curve and use of bow. I was unaware of the numerous types of bows that were out there. So why is this important to ethics and ecology?

            Well, as I was speaking to the owner of “The Traditional Sportsman”, he gave me a lot of insight into the types of hunting that people do. What he told me was that at least in his opinion, bow hunting was more ethical than hunting with a gun. This went against what I would’ve assumed so I asked him to expand on that for me. He explained to me that first of all, there is an ethical responsibility to the animal that the hunter have good aim, which diminishes the suffering of the animal. Assuming that this is the case, the owner told me that if the shot of the arrow is good, the animal will bleed out faster that with a gun shot and that it administers less shock to the animal’s system. He also relayed the knowledge that bow hunting can leave behind less debris (shotgun shells, gun powder, etc.) than gun shooting and that in general because you must get within such a close range, bow hunters tend to follow their prey and not leave part of the body shot off and leave the animal. All of these things made good sense to me (Lamb).

            Another point is that often, specifically wooden arrows are made by hand and a lot of time and craftsmanship goes into making them well. So if you are using handmade arrows or bows for that matter, you are probably supporting small and hopefully local businesses, which is good for your town and your fellow citizens. It also means that you did not have to ship them, which reduces the amount of oil in the form of gasoline used to get them there and also reduces greenhouse gas emissions (every time you choose not to use a car).

            I feel that it is important to be knowledgeable about the materials that you are using when going hunting in order to be sure that you try to do things that disrupt the animal’s environment and ecosystem as little as possible. Also, the hunter has an ethical responsibility to the animal to kill it as quickly and efficiently as possible so as to avoid an extended period of suffering. I never knew that so much went into the materials and ethics of hunting, but I now know that if I ever become a hunter I will do my best to do it ethically – both in my preparation and weapon choice and use.

Works Cited

Brissee, Tom. "History of Archery." Strictly Bow Hunting N.p., 2000. Web. 4 Oct. 2009 .

Lamb, Mark. Personal interview. 2 Oct. 2009.

"Types of Bows and Arrows." Think Quest N.p., n.d. Web. 4 Oct. 2009 .

Using Knots from Class

After learning how to tie a series of knots in class about two weeks ago, I found that I had an opportunity to use them. Some girls on my cross country team and I were making beaded anklets for all of the girls on our team in order to promote team unity. As we were discussing the best way to tie the knots so that they would stay I found that the blood- knot was very effective. It was rewarding to be able to put something so practical to use outside of class.

Visit with Mark Lamb, Owner of "Traditional Sportsman"

I recently received an assignment to walk downtown in order to visit the store, the Traditional Sportsman. I have to admit, I was hesitant at first as to whether I would enjoy the trip or not because I do not know very much about hunting and fishing. However, I was very pleasantly surprised and not only did I learn a lot, but I was able to speak to the very wise, knowledgeable and passionate owner of the store. I had a series of questions for him:

Q1. What do you think the most ethical type of hunting is? (Me)

A1. That which uses a camera because you are still able to experience the stalk and see the animal up close but you are not killing it. However, if speaking strictly of killing, then I believe that bow hunting is more ethical than gun hunting because there is less shock introduced to the animal. (Mark)

Impression: This was an interesting answer to me because I would never have thought of photography as a type of hunting and in the traditional sense most people would deny that it is hunting. However, it was intriguing to me that this was his first response. We then later talked about the fact that he believes hunting is also only ethical if you consume most of the meat that you kill. 

Q2. Why do you hunt? (Me)

A2. To feed my family. I am not a trophy hunter. (Mark)

Impression: I thought that this was a very noble and straightforward answer. I also respect this motivation for hunting because it is something that does not produce vast amounts of wasted resources like most trophy hunting does. 

Q3. What is your favorite thing to hunt? (Me)

A3. Elk, because they are a challenge. You must stalk them for long periods of time, move in very stealthily and have good aim. (Mark)

Impression: I could identify with the idea that he enjoyed hunting for the challenge because that is how I feel about running cross country. I think that it is important for people to have hobbies in their lives that challenge them and cause them to exert themselves in ways that they wouldn't do without the activity. It makes you a more well rounded individual and allows you to have a broader perspective on life sometimes. 

Q4. What method do you usually use when hunting? (Me)

A4.  I use a traditional bow because it requires one to shoot from 20 yards or less and I feel that it is more rewarding than gun hunting. I also use cedar arrows because the are heavier and slower and they break off as the animal runs off, which causes the animal to bleed out more quickly and consequently allow it to die sooner. So it is really better for the animal in my opinion. (Mark)

Impression: I was interesting to hear about the techniques that you can use hunting and after talking to Mark it made sense that one would use a bow and arrows because it is a more traditional and primitive way of doing things and people have been doing that type of hunting for tens of thousands of years. I thought that it was honorable that he chooses to hunt this way even though there are many devices that make the sport of hunting much easier.

Q5. What is the most common mistake among people who are new to hunting? (Me)

A5. The most common mistake that people make is that they underestimate the animal and are not prepared for the outdoor conditions. (Mark)

Impression: These mistakes both made sense to me because sometimes, as humans, we get overconfident about things that we have never done before and don't do a good job of preparing for them. It is a good thing to point out that animals do have instincts to stay away from predators like humans and we tend to overestimate the stupidity of the animal. This can lead to accidents, getting lost and various other obstacles. So Mark says to make sure that you are educated on everything (or as much as possible) that you may encounter.

Q6. Is the equipment or the skill more important? (Me)

A6. Hands down the skill and lots and lots of practice. (Mark)

Impression: This is a good way of going about things because from an ethical standpoint, it is the responsibility of the hunter to know what to do in order to cause the animal the least amount of pain and to make the most effective and efficient kill. If the hunter has not practiced and does not have the skills (and knowledge) about what he is doing then the hunt will not go well and he may leave a mess behind him. 

Q7. Do you feel that hunting disrupts the ecology of the animal's living spaces or habitat? (Me)

A7. "There are two types of hunters in this world: Ones that are there to take (who are not a friend to the environment) and those who are there to experience (more in tune)". Those that are there to take and take only often leave trash and animal carcasses and other waste around that disrupt the habitat of the animals. However, those who are there to have an experience are most conscientious and attempt to leave their hunting territory just as they found it (minus and animal or two). (Mark)

Impression: This was an interesting concept to me in regards to hunting but it is also one that I understand very well. I am a firm believer in doing all that you can to leave nature as pristine as possible when visiting wilderness areas and people who don't respect that are not ethical in my opinion. They are selfish and care only about their wants and do not regard the rest of humankind or nature as important. I got a little fired up when discussing this topic because I feel that as humans it is our duty to try and take care of the world the best we can and to care about the other inhabitants on this planet.

Q8. Is hunting "natural" in your opinion? (Me)

A8. "Man has in him to hunt - go and kill." It was not necessary to hunt before the "Fall of man" however since then man has it in his nature. So it is a two-fold answer. No, it is not from man's original nature but yes, it is in his nature as we know of man. (Mark)

Impression: It was mind-opening to see this question answered in this way. I like the way that Mark brought his religion into the answer because he told me that hunting is sort of a spiritual release and I think that we are made as spiritual beings in our own unique ways. 

Q9. How do you feel after you make a kill? (Me)

A9. "Relieved to have succeeded followed by an overwhelming knowledge of the work I have in front of me". It is a series of emotions that stream from elation to the overwhelming sensation of a massive amount of work that is to be done. (Mark)

Impression: I can relate to Mark with this feeling. It is almost a bittersweet moment but one that keeps him coming back and therefore allowing the good to outweigh the bad in a sense. All in all, I was very enlightened in the ways of hunting and also got a feeling for the competition, emotion, skill and work that go into the sport.