Arvins?

when i wake up in the morning I thank God for a beautifull day and i ask him for a safe hunt and if his will for me to kill a deer and that if i do try to take one i make a good shot and i tell u what i have prayed to kill a deer and see a deer and i did both! it was a 9point buck! thats not all i pray for but its just a extra little prayer that happens to tag along ..............the Lord knows are heart and he understands he doesnt always answer but when he does you will know dont stop he will eventually!

I pray before every hunt I go on. I think its Gods will if you get a deer or not.

Prayer is not an order form. If God wills for me to take a deer I will take it.

A Native American elder told me that the Earth and your body has the same amount of material in it. So when you take something from the woods you have to give something back (usually tobacco). He also said every animal that you kill or have seen killed gives it's life up to tell you something, and if you offer an elder tobacco he will tell you what the purpose of the deer's life was. I don't believe in that but it's a nice tradition.

Scary man. I have an Indian friend of mine who told me just about the same thing. Only hes not really an elder. hes in his early 40's but a wise man.

Arvins, god of the hunt, prince of green, the silent one, the horned one... check it out http://santharia.com/religions/arvins.htm

Great post. I pray before, during and after every hunt. Before I pray for safety and for the hunt to be enjoyable with or without a deer. During I usually pray that I'll at least see soemthing. If I see a deer I then pray for a good shot at it and if I get the shot then either let me make a clean kll or else miss altogether. After the hunt I thank God for the ability to do this great sport and for another great day in His creation. Do my prayers work? Absolutely!!!

I do not pray to get deer, I pray to be safe and to let all around use make great disicions. I pray that my son will enjoy the time out i the woods and continue to want to come out and hunt with. I probably have maybe slipped in a kill or two in my 20 years of hunting but I do not usually do so.

This animal, like its ancestors and progeny, was produced locally. The meat herein was produced as a result of free genetic exchange (no artificial insemination). The animal was not castrated, or forced onto a synchronized breeding schedule. She lived to maturity (4 ½ years) and reproduced at least once, but most likely had three sets of twins. The meat contains no antibiotics, synthetic steroids, artificial growth hormones or insecticide residues. Its production required no land clearing, fencing, fertilizing or feedlots. Her life did not contribute to the destruction of associated fauna and flora. No manure was collected or spread on erosion-prone pastures to produce (or as a result of) its growth. This animal was not confined, transported or kept in crowded conditions at any point in its life. The lean, un-marbled meat was not wrapped in plastic and Styrofoam packaging. No nitrates or sulfites were applied to prevent discoloration. No fossil fuels were used for specialized refrigerator transport or cold storage ageing. Associated inedible parts were not reconstituted into cattle meal or dog food. Inedible parts were fed to indigenous fauna (most likely coyotes, crows, and possums). Her bones provided calcium to the oak grove where she was feeding. Substantial calories were metabolized by the hunter over several days to secure this meat. She died quickly and honorably. Before, as well as after, her death she was treated with reverence and respect. Allowing my participation in a natural cycle was this animal’s gift to me. The energy that flowed from sun to plant to deer now also flows through me. This meal does offer reflection, natural continuity, appreciation, health, hope and tangible renewal of life. Let us prey.

I rarely pray for myself. Just seems selfish. I'm not really that religious either though. When I do pray it is usually for someone else.

I am in no way saying anyone is wrong for doing it or that they shouldn't. Everyones personal relationship with God is just that, THEIR personal relationship and no one can tell you if you are doing it right or wrong.

My opinion anyway.

And going hunting is like going to church for me. I feel much closer to God in a tree stand than I do sitting in church with a bunch of people that feel the need to judge me.

Paul