Fishing is more than just a father-son bonding activity. Studies have shown that it can also help provide stress relief. A 2022 report published in the National Library of Medicine revealed that 63% of anglers who went fishing during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic felt a noticeable reduction in stress. 

Clemson University professor Brandon Peoples observed the same thing, as he stated in an article he co-wrote for the school publication.

“Because most anglers reported that they consider fishing to be ‘extremely safe,’ overall the results suggest that fishing was potentially a safe way for many people to find a way to relax during this stressful time.”

For some people, fishing has been a tool to overcome mental hurdles. BBC presenter and author Will Millard wrote an article for Penguin where he shared how ‘angling’ helped him through his battle with PTSD. 

One of his traumatic experiences happened while white water rafting in 2012, where he almost smashed into a wall of rocks. He couldn’t shake off the “horrific feeling” for years, but fishing allowed him to have the mental clarity to reassess the entire situation.

Organizations like PETA will likely not soften their stance on hunting any time soon. However, looking at it from all angles will tell you it isn’t all bad. 

An article published by the Massachusetts government explains that deer can cause forest degradation and the ineffectiveness of capturing and storing carbon dioxide. And as we know, these greenhouse gases speed up climate change. 

Hunting may reduce deer densities to an ideal range of 12-18 deer per square mile in Massachusetts. At the time of the article’s writing in 2023, it was found that there were 30-50 per square mile.

The article explains that hunting in places like Massachusetts is regulated through the issuance of hunting permits. The government primarily does it to control the deer population in the absence of predators like wolves and mountain lions. 

In the same way, licensed hunters are able to provide an abundant food source for their families. Harvested venison can reportedly provide over 1.8 million family meals across the Massachusetts Commonwealth. Likewise, venison is a known source of lean protein.

We'd like to hear from you if you enjoy fishing, hunting, and the great outdoors. What do you enjoy about them the most? What do you least like? We’d love to know your thoughts in the comments!