Stewardship and the Spirituality of Hunting
By Krystal Montgomery & Roland Flasch
Stewardship calls each of us to see the world not as something to be used, but as a gift to be cherished. For those who hunt, perhaps this call goes deeper. Sitting quietly in a stand or blind, far from screens and noise, a hunter becomes witness to God’s artistry. From the sunrise and the rhythm of the forest to the song of birds… these moments of solitude are not empty. These moments are invitations to gratitude… to see creation as a living testament to God’s love.
From this perspective, hunting becomes more than just another sport or hobby; it becomes prayer. The heart turns from desire for success to thanksgiving for all of God’s blessings: family, community, faith, and the gift of life itself. Stewardship reminds us that these blessings are entrusted, not owned. In recognizing this, many are moved to generosity, sharing not only the harvest but also the peace found in nature, and reaching out to those in need.
Hunting, grounded in respect for the natural rhythms of life, mirrors our Christian calling to live in harmony with all of creation. Treating the land as God intended, rather than a possession, nurtures humility and gratitude… virtues that extend beyond the woods into every aspect of daily living.
In the stillness of the forest, silence becomes prayer, much like the quiet reverence of the Mass. A hunter’s patient waiting looks much like the Church’s posture of expectation before God. Ultimately, Catholic stewardship transforms hunting into a pathway of spiritual renewal… a way to encounter God, give thanks for His abundance, and commit anew to caring for His creation with humility, generosity, and love.
Whether or not you are a hunter, time spent with God leads us into a deeper relationship with Him. It doesn’t matter if it’s in a tree stand or somewhere else, when you find the peace of Christ, invite others to experience God as you have. Place God at the center of everything you do. And when necessary, make time to retreat to those restorative places that help renew that peace and deepen your relationship with God.