Wiping blood on the face of a new hunter

[Taudisio]

I hunted with a guy who did it to himself for his first deer (he was approx 55-60 years old). I just shrugged and helped drag it to the truck. Not my business to judge people’s beliefs. I think there is an amendment for it somewhere.

 

[UTJL]

My dad it to me when I killed my first deer as a kid. Looking back it was silly. However at the time it did make it feel like a bigger deal. He also taught me to give thanks to every animal you kill.

On the other hand, once you’ve had blood on your face going elbow deep in the blood filled chest cavity of an animal isn’t as big of a deal.

 

[schmalzy]

My buddy’s dad put a little bit of blood in a cross on my forehead when I killed my first buck. It was his ranch; He was so happy for me and excited. We said a prayer and just sat in the moment. I was so thankful to be there with them and for the buck. Not to be overly dramatic about it all but it was pretty cool and a memory I cherish. I’ll probably do the same thing with my boys.


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[Milestone522]

Friends I have in Normandy France do this after a Roe deer kill there. A small wipe of blood on each cheek of a first time hunter, and then place a green leafy branch or plant in the mouth of the animal. It is done as a sign of respect.

Traditions like that which have gone on for centuries in Europe have filtered into the US in various forms.

 

[ezwy]

We try to remember a prayer of thanks. But we celebrate and joke around a lot too. Blood to the face sounds a lot better than a penis cord wrapped around your head through your mouth. @Hoosker Doo
We always got some kind of initiation from dads or uncles.

 

[GSPHUNTER]

I have eaten, tuna hearts, blue fin and yellow fin. I draw the line at skipjack. rabbit, dove, quail, quail hearts give me bad gas.

 

[7Bartman]

I did it to my son and everyone who hunts with me that kills their first. Right of passage. Not even sure where I got it from.

 

[Randle]

No blood on the face but I have made my kids and grandkids all drag aleast 1 of their deer out

 

[def90]

Who cares.. There's bigger fish to fry in this world.

 

[Rich M]

I'm not into the blood, feeding a dead animal, or any other rituals.

I like having the new hunter help process the deer - skin, quarter, etc. Gotta learn sometime.

Will say "thanks" out loud and get down to the business of finding and getting the critter to the truck.

You do what makes you feel right.

 

[TxxAgg]

The thing that gets me these days is the pics of hunters "gazing longingly into the eyes of their downed quarry". They do it from multiple angles and head positions. It's manufacturing fake drama.

It's like hey look at me and how much I love and respect this animal blah blah blah. You aren't a great photographer or artist. Just take your grip and grin and get to work.

 

[KurtR]

Im generally thinking how am i getting this thing out of here now. Im a lot more selective where i shoot stuff after some hard lessons learned while younger.

 

[Hoosker Doo]

We try to remember a prayer of thanks. But we celebrate and joke around a lot too. Blood to the face sounds a lot better than a penis cord wrapped around your head through your mouth. @Hoosker Doo
We always got some kind of initiation from dads or uncles.

Yeah, it's always good to be grateful, and if you're not, there's something missing. But to the old meat hunters who taught us how to go out and get it done, hunting and harvesting is an enjoyable chore. "If you need some meat, you go out and get some meat and have a good time doing it" I can only imagine the razzing I'd get for being a "candy ass" if I would have tried to turn a kill into an emotional, somber event.
With that being our hunting heritage, fun and jokes are a healthy part of it, so the opportunity to "initiate" the new guy was usually well planned and executed. Lots of laughs, memories and good times while filling the freezers.

 

[mtnwrunner]

It's good to have traditions and rituals. Do whatever you choose.
Our group thanks the animal with a pat and a few words of thanks.
Maybe a toast or two later that night.

Randy

 

[MaraviaDave]

From my perspective; these rituals/traditions, of wiping blood on people, eating the heart, or whatever else … are perpetuated by hunting dorks. Why can’t it be as simple as walking up to the animal and expressing sincere thanks, either verbally or a silent prayer? As opposed to a bunch of silly theatrics…..

 

[DangerRanger]

I think it’s goofy but I won’t say anything about someone doing it, walk your own path imo

I’m not gonna do it though, I find rituals strange, but I also find banana and mayo sandwhiches weird so whatever, I just don’t eat them.

 

[GSPHUNTER]

An Indian guide I have used always gives thanks his special way after we take an animal. When the field dressing is complete, we buried the gut pile with sticks and dirt out of respect for the animal. Then he gives thanks one more time. I find the ritual very interesting and respectful.

 

[Cfriend]

I don't really have any rituals. Although I do like to take minute to just stop, appreciate the animal, admire it's beauty and just appreciate the moment.

However, I certainly get it if someone else has a tradition or ritual for how they show respect or celebrate the event. Sure they can be seen as pointless, but I think the same thing could be said for the other countless, traditional things we do. Why do you take your hat off in doors, wear a suit to a funeral, shake hands with someone? The list could go on.

All are things that could be considered pointless from one viewpoint but from another are traditional and meaningful ways to me show respect and lend significance to an event.

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[IdahoBeav]

I usually just drink a beer when I get back to the pickup. I know a guy who fishes salmonfly hatches. When he takes a newb out, he makes him eat a whole live salmonfly.

 

[sodaksooner]

It's good to have traditions and rituals. Do whatever you choose.
Our group thanks the animal with a pat and a few words of thanks.
Maybe a toast or two later that night.

Randy

pretty much my ritual. I'm pretty pragmatic for the most part and think much more than that is wasted effort. To each his/her own though. I don't judge. Not my place.