By the Light of the Hunters Moon

The early morning fog  blanketing  the Tennessee Valley in late fall is a phenomenon that evokes memories of earlier times and the fragile balance between nature and humans.  The eerie solitude is ripe with the sounds of birds and wildlife foraging alongside waterways and woodlands.   

Harken back to the time of early settlers, this would be the time of year for hunting wild game to stock larders in preparation for the winter ahead. As the days shortened, early settlers would use the light of the “hunter’s moon” to hunt and gather food.  Nuts, dried fruits, and meat were critical to a family’s survival on the frontier.

Few of us today know the imperative of preparing for a long winter.  The modern convenience of grocery stores and seasonal produce year round has dulled our senses of what life was like for our forefathers.  For those that shop local farmer markets, the season is marked by changing offerings.  Spring means greens; summer is corn and tomatoes; fall brings squashes, cabbage, and fruits; winter markets mimic cold storage or larder foods, offering onions, potatoes, apples, cheeses, and meats.  

On October 20, the Hunters Moon will light our skies.  There is a bounty still to be discovered in the woodlands.  Look for pecans, walnuts, and chestnuts for your holiday treats.  Pinecones and grape vines are a natural way to decorate for the upcoming holidays. 

Hunters will be hunting deer and turkey.  When you are in the woods, respect hunting hours and bag limits.  Ethical hunters provide a valuable conservation service on public lands.  Regulated hunting is the driving force that maintains abundant wildlife and protects large tracts of public lands and wilderness. 

This is a special time of year to appreciate all that nature provides us….by the light of the Hunter’s Moon.