The Man’s Guide to Hunting and Fishing, and Life

Written by Laurie Wang

Former police officer and expert hunter Manley McCorkell sat down with MenTodayOnline to talk about hunting, fears and the things that make life worth living.

MTO: When did you start hunting?

MC: I got my first deer when I was 12 years old. For me, hunting is a way of life. I love being out in the wilderness, appreciating nature and being outdoors, away from the busyness of life.

MTO: What do you hunt? What kind of equipment do you use when you hunt?

MC: I usually hunt deer, elk and bear too. Bears make good sausage! I have a 4-wheel-drive quad and I usually use a 300 Winchester Short Magnum or 30-06 rifles.

MTO: What tips do you have for people who may be interested in hunting?

MC:

1. Attend a training program. There are core hunter training programs available. Check for hunting programs in your location. Get a gun and hunting license and be sure to get a government safety manual. Depending on where you are, you may need to pass an examination before you get your hunting license.

2. Go with someone you know. Make sure your friend has gone hunting before. Going with a friend and learning from him is the easiest way to learn how to hunt. Learn from experienced people.

3. Be well-equipped. Make sure you have all the right equipment. Your life depends on it. You can get most of your supplies at a sporting good store. If you’re camping outdoors, don’t forget the right clothing and a sleeping bag. Oh, and remember to pack meals for yourself!

4. Research. It is vital that you do your research before you go. Make sure you know which animals will be at the location you are hunting. Sometimes there are grizzlies, mountain lions and other wild animals that could hurt you. Be extremely cautious and aware of the risks and dangers involved.

MTO: What do you enjoy most about hunting?

MC: I see hunting as a bonding time with friends and family. When I was a police officer, I was in a car accident with my partner and he was killed. Afterwards, I started thinking about the things that mattered in life. Relationships and spending time with my friends and family were on that list.

I also learned what didn’t belong on that list. You see, I spent most of my life living for a pat on the back. I wanted my sergeant, parents, friends and even strangers to say, “Good job, Manley” or “Great going, you’re the best!” I wanted to be somebody special. But I learned there’s more to life than getting ahead.

MTO: What makes life more? What makes it worth living?

MC: Knowing God. Now, let me explain that. I was baptized as an infant but that didn’t mean much to me because I didn’t really know anything about religion or who Jesus was. When I joined the police force, I had fellow officers who were Christians and tried to tell me about God. At that time I didn’t really respond but what they said stuck with me. They told me God loves me and sacrificed his son Jesus Christ on the cross to die for my sins—all my faults and all the things that made me feel guilty. Jesus rose from the dead after three days and offers us the gift of forgiveness and ultimately, the gift of eternal life. We can have a relationship with God if we believe.

It wasn’t until after I resigned from the police force that I found a Bible in my night drawer and started reading it. I remembered all the things my friends shared with me and I realized there is a God, a God who loves me and sacrificed his son for me. I believe in Jesus and I believe he saved my life. I see that there is more to life than recognition. I know where I’m going when I die, and knowing God makes life worth living.

I have a new life with Jesus now. I still face challenges today, but I know I need to follow the Lord. I am so thankful for my Christian friends who support me in all the big and little things in life. Life isn’t easier as a Christian, but it’s better.

Take a look at your life.  How would you describe it? Contented? Rushed? Exciting? Stressful? Moving forward? Holding back? For many of us it’s all of the above at times. There are things we dream of doing one day, there are things we wish we could forget. In the Bible, it says that Jesus came to make all things new.  What would your life look like if you could start over with a clean slate?

If you are looking for peace, there is a way to balance your life. No one can be perfect, or have a perfect life. But every one of us has the opportunity to experience perfect grace through a personal relationship with God through His Son, Jesus Christ.

You can receive Christ right now by faith through prayer. Praying is simply talking to God. God knows your heart and is not so concerned with your words as He is with the attitude of your heart. Here’s a suggested prayer:

Lord Jesus, I want to know you personally. Thank you for dying on the cross for my sins. I open the door of my life to you and ask you to come in as my Savior and Lord. Take control of my life. Thank you for forgiving my sins and giving me eternal life. Make me the kind of person you want me to be.

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Tags: adventure, faith, laurie wang, loss, Manley McCorkell, Men, spirituality, sports