My Therapy Has Antlers: A Public Land Bowhunt on Veterans Day for Mental Clarity

The crisp autumn air bites at my cheeks as I navigate the familiar trail, the crunch of leaves underfoot a soothing rhythm to my soul. The woods are my sanctuary, my escape from the confines of my home office and the digital world that often feels too close for comfort. Since I began working remotely 6 years ago, I’ve learned that the line between work and personal life can blur, and the isolation can take a toll.

Studies show that remote workers often struggle with increased feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and depression. A 2023 study published in the Journal of Occupational Environmental Medicine found that individuals who worked from home had a 25% higher risk of experiencing a mental health disorder compared to those who worked in traditional office settings.

The American Psychological Association found that 62% of us who work from home reported experiencing increased levels of stress, and 42% reported feeling more lonely or isolated compared to their office going counterparts. The lack of face-to-face human interaction, the blurring of boundaries between work and personal life, and the constant pressure to be “on” can create a breeding ground for anxiety, depression, and burnout.

But here, in the embrace of the forest, those worries seem to fade. The trees stand tall and silent, their branches reaching towards the sky like ancient secret keepers. The sunlight filters through the canopy, painting dappled patterns on the forest floor. With each step, I feel the stress melt away, the constant pain in my “tech neck” lessoning, replaced by a sense of peace and connection to something larger than myself.

This year, my therapy has antlers. He’s a buck I’ve affectionately named “Straight 8”, he’s technically a 9 but the little sticker on his left side is small, and I do what I want. He’s not a monster buck by any means, but he’s a mature deer, and he’s my target buck. I’ve been watching him on my trail camera for months, his presence a constant source of anticipation and excitement.

I know some hunters might scoff at my choice. “Let him grow another year,” they’d say. “He has the potential to be a real trophy.” But I’m not concerned with trophies or quite frankly: other people’s opinions. This hunt is about so much more than the size of the rack. It’s about the challenge, the connection to nature, and the personal satisfaction of taking an animal I’ve spent weeks scouting and watching. Moving my Spypoint Trail Cameras around to try and pattern him.

It’s easy to get caught up in the opinions of others, to let their judgments dictate our choices and steal our joy. But I’ve learned that true happiness comes from living authentically, from pursuing what makes you feel alive, regardless of what others may think.

Today is Veterans Day, a day to honor those who have served our country. As a Navy veteran myself, I’ve taken the day off to immerse myself in the woods, to connect with the land and the traditions that have brought me so much solace. It would be incredibly special to harvest my first archery buck on this day, a tribute to the resilience and determination that both hunting and military service have instilled in me.

So, as I sit nestled in my tree stand, bow in hand, I’m filled with gratitude. Gratitude for the opportunity to hunt, for the peace I find in the woods, and for the freedom to pursue my passions, regardless of what anyone else may think. This buck may not be the biggest boy in the woods, but he represents something far greater: my mental well-being, my connection to nature, and my own personal journey of self-discovery.