In Calgary, Vladimir Batinić shares a personal reflection on his evolving relationship with hunting and firearms. Despite growing up around guns during the war in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Batinić’s views on hunting have shifted over the years. Initially drawn to the idea of hunting with family members, he found his own approach to the activity differed from theirs. His experiences have led him to question his stance on firearms and hunting, particularly as he embraced activities like yoga and vegetarianism.
Batinić’s journey took a turn when his son expressed an interest in hunting, leading to internal conflicts for Batinić. Despite his reservations, he eventually relented and accompanied his son on hunting trips, opting to support his son’s passion while refraining from actively participating in the hunting process. The shared experiences between father and son culminated in a significant moment when his son successfully shot a deer, marking a milestone in their relationship.
Through this personal narrative, Batinić reflects on the complexities of parenting and navigating differing interests within a family dynamic, ultimately finding a path to support his son’s endeavors while staying true to his evolving values and beliefs.