Once there was a great hunter named Carl Kitterage. He was full of pride and considered himself to be the best hunter in the world. His house was lined with trophies and some of his friends were spooked by the scary stuffed specimens that stood in his home. After many years of living in sadness and fear, the animals of the forest decided to complain to Mother Nature. In late summer, they took action.
They made the long journey to the forest of life where she resided. Many of the smaller, more delicate animals, rode of the backs of the deer and the elk. After many weeks, the band of weary, ragged animals reached the heart of the forest of life.
The were greeted by Mother Nature herself. She sat on a throne of plants in the middle of a softly lit glen. Her blue dress rippled as if it was made of water, and her brown hair cascaded down her back in silky waves. Her gentle grey eyes were filled with comfort and a crown of flowers circled her head.
“Dear friends, why have you traveled so far,” she inquired as she tended to her guests. “Why do you seek my help?”
The majestic elk stepped forwards, his head low in respect:
“Great Mother, we have come to ask you a favor. A hunter is ravaging our families and he shows no respect to the nature around him. He strikes us with small steel pellets that are as fast as lightning. Is there any way you can help us to deal with him?” He asked in a hopeful tone, and the rest of the animals nodded in agreement.
Mother Nature nodded and with a thoughtful gaze she replied, “I will help you with your troubles as long as you can hold on for a few more weeks. You may stay here and recover for a few nights, but then you must return home.”
That night, as Carl slept soundly in his cabin, it started to rain — Mother Nature’s first step. Torrential sheets of water poured down around his property damaging his hidden wildlife cameras. His canoe was washed away, swept down the raging river. His favorite deer stand was ripped from its perch high in the oak tree flung far into the forest.
When he awoke the next morning, he was an absolute bear. He roared in fury as he hiked through the deep mud, only to find his possessions destroyed or missing. He stomped on the plant life in his path leaving a trail of broken stems behind him. The few remaining animals hid far up in the trees. Over the next few weeks, Mother Nature sent powerful storms with strong winds and extreme flooding.
By the time hunting season rolled around, Carl was busy repairing his property. The costs of the restorations drained his funds. He couldn’t afford his usual gear and decided to forgo the first few weeks of hunting.
Without anything to do, he started to tend to the land around him. He planted new grasses for the deer and cleared a proper path into the forest. He snipped out the tangles of vines and took care of the dead trees. Clearing up some overgrown areas, he created new habitats for the animals. Eventually, his home was transformed into a paradise for the wildlife.
Mother Nature checked in with the animals a year later. They were flourishing in their new environment and seemed happy and content. Carl had learned to respect the land and seemed to enjoy watching the animals play more than having them line his walls. Even his faithful hunting dog had become friends with the local wildlife, frolicking with the foxes and dancing with the deer.
Her work her was done. Carl had learned to never mess with Mother Nature.
Audio edited and story transcribed by Bernadette Becker