The Center for Humans & Nature has posed a timeless question: does hunting make us human?   Even asking this question in the present time is interesting with our protein needs so readily available at grocery stores and a society all about convenience and choice.  Hunting truly has fallen by the wayside and most humans aren’t hunting.  So can hunting make us human?

It’s hard not to agree with professor Mary Zeiss Stange of Skidmore College that this question is personal so we put it on you, our readers, does hunting make us human?  

* Image Credit

For the first time in human history, more people live in cities than in rural environments. Instead of inhabiting wide open spaces, we spend 90 percent of our time indoors.

The urban migration has important physical, mental and cognitive implications. Check out this infographic on the big disconnect happening between our health and the environment.

Infographic from CottageCountry.com and the David Suzuki Foundation.

If you’re contemplating starting to hunt, step one is to complete your state-approved hunter education. Summer is a great time to take the course so you’ll be ready for hunting season, which is coming right up!

Many states allow, or even require, you to take a portion of your hunter education online. Other courses include a classroom course and other require a “field day” to demonstrate hands-on safety skills. Check with your local Department of Natural Resources or Fish & Game to find out your state’s requirements – or your local sporting goods store will likely be able to point you in the right direction if you’re not sure who to call.

If you can (or are required) to take an online portion of hunter education, there are a lot of options to choose from. Here are a couple to check out:

• Hu...

Thanks to The Desert Rat for letting us repost these great tips on getting girls hunting early!

Chris and Cidney McCotter with two Arizona javelinas.

It’s not much of a secret that lady hunters are the fastest-growing demographic in the hunting community. Part of that is due to families starting their daughters, nieces, neighbor girls, and granddaughters early, and making it fun for them with no pressure. My daughter is not an avid hunter, but she has hunted and has a javelina under her belt. As a matter of fact, she got her first javelina before I did! My friend Chris McCotter is well-known in Arizona hunting circles for not only his hunting prowess, but his support of wildlife organizations...