To those unfamiliar with the sport of hunting, it might seem cruel or violent. While there are certainly gray areas, for those who hunt responsibly and legally, hunting is more than just a sport. In an increasingly online world, hunting offers recreators a unique and often profound way to connect to nature. Fred Bear, a famous American bowhunter and considered by many as the pioneer of modern archery, once said, “To hunt is to understand the delicate balance of life and death and our role within it.” The U.S. offers a plethora of hunting options. From marshes and inland woods on the east coast to the mountainous terrain of the west coast, there are seemingly endless environments and species to hunt across the country. In the heartland, there is one spot that is home to some of the best and most diverse hunting in the nation: Harlan County Lake in Republican City, Nebraska.