While most students think of fall as a time to watch the leaves change colors or to visit apple orchards, freshman Brendan Lindstrom said he looks forward to fall as it is the season of duck hunting.

Lindstrom first started hunting ducks four years ago with his four uncles and his grandfather. Every fall, the family travels to North Dakota to participate in this sport.

“It is a tradition and I like spending time with my uncles,” Lindstrom said. “I like being in touch with the earth.”

The part of duck hunting Lindstrom said he enjoys the most involves the excitement of collecting the ducks from the water.

“I like watching them die, when the dog swims out there and catches the ducks in the water,” Lindstrom said. “They fall into the water and the dog retrieves them.”

While Lindstrom describes the duck hunting process as simple and basic, he said he believes it to be more than just a hobby.

“It is not just a bunch of hillbillies,” Lindstrom said. “It is an intricate sport and it is more complex than just pulling a trigger.”

Lindstrom said duck hunting poses a challenge to him, as any sport would. Aiming the gun and blending in with nature are two of the difficulties Lindstrom faces.

“Learning how to blend in so the ducks can not see you [is a challenge],” Lindstrom said. “We put on camo clothes and make blinds, there are little huts you sit in.”

Spending time in nature offers Lindstrom an opportunity to reflect about the way he lives his life.

“It has taught me not to take things for granted. Some people out there do not have food to eat or a home to stay in,” Lindstrom said. “It takes me back to how many years ago people hunted for their own food.”

Participating in the family tradition of duck hunting exposes Lindstrom to a different view of nature. This alternative perspective confirms his interest in duck hunting.

“I see it as animals doing tough things to survive. Things are hurting and killing each other for survival in this world,” Lindstrom said. “It is a harsh world and there are tough things that have to be done.”

Lindstrom said he plans to continue duck hunting later this fall and is considering joining Park’s trap team.