Doc Posted November 8, 2004 Report Share Posted November 8, 2004 Here is another topic that will probably get a wild variation of opinions depending on the location of members. Over my 40 years of hunting, I have seen a great change in attitudes about hunting. One of the things that I have noticed is that there seems to be a lot fewer people interested in the activities and achievements of hunters. TV programs and internet forums tend to mask this, but personal, day to day contacts with other people convinces me that this is the case. Let me explain. Many years ago, (40'ish), Monday mornings at work used to be a fairly large bull session among a fairly large group of hunters at work. Everyone seemed to be genuinely interested and eager to tell someone about their hunting and to hear the stories from other hunters. Things were a bit different back then. The only compound bow that was even on the horizon was Allen, and nobody seemed to really own one. Consequently, the topic of conversation was not about the trophy buck that anyone got, but more likely about the one that they saw, or missed or perhaps even the doe that they almost got a shot at. Even the gun hunters would gather around to hear these stories. The same thing would happen at family gatherings (which there were a lot more of then), such as Thanksgiving when the topic of conversation would ALWAYS turn toward hunting and everyone would set around and listen to all the hunting stories (successful or not). Today, and increasingly for quite a few years now, it seems like hunting is only discussed with a couple of close hunting buddies and an occasional hunting relative. It seems the difference is very dramatic. So, you hunt........big deal......who cares! Ok, so this is where you start hearing comments like, "well, I hunt for my own challenge and satisfaction anyway", or "hunting is a personal activity". I suspect this was always the case, but there used to be a real good feeling when people respected and were generally excited, or at least interested in an activity that you held so important in your life. Ok, with all that droning blather out of the way, here comes my question (finally). How important is recognition and appreciation of your hunting activities in the eyes of others, to you? Do you really care if no one pays any attention to your achievements and experiences in hunting? I am sure there are other localities across the country where this change has not happened yet, but this question is more for those who have seen hunting go from a central part of local life, to a condition of almost irrelevance. Doc Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wtnhunt Posted November 8, 2004 Report Share Posted November 8, 2004 Re: Acceptance and Recognition It is for my personal satisfaction. I really could care less if anyone else has an interest, but I will share my experiences with anyone who will listen. I think some places hunting is more popular. Around here, the workplace hunting is a big topic. We talk quite a bit with family about hunting. I do like to get recognition for my accomplishments, but that is not why I hunt. I hunt for me, for the simple pleasure being in the woods brings me. Honestly that is all that really matters. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
huntn4bucks Posted November 8, 2004 Report Share Posted November 8, 2004 Re: Acceptance and Recognition I'm not sure recognition is the right word but I do like to share my successes with others. I'm fortunate enough to have a Father and several brothers that love to hunt and enjoy hunting with them when given the chance. We have hunted Thanksgiving morning together for over 20 years. It's a time when all my brothers, my Father and I make a special effort to hunt together. I work in a place that definately has more non-hunters than hunters but most are supportive of the sport. There are several people in my office that routinely ask me how my weekend hunts go...and they all are non-hunters. I enjoy telling them about my hunting adventures. They are usually the ones to start the conversation...I don't go out of my way to get "recognition" but I do appreciate them asking. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tominator Posted November 8, 2004 Report Share Posted November 8, 2004 Re: Acceptance and Recognition well, it doesn't bother me too much. now if my buds like ohiobucks and shawn didn't take notice of my stories, that would bum me out a little. either way, i'd still hunt. i'm afraid i hunt for me much to the detriment of everything around me. especially in early november. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Palssonater Posted November 8, 2004 Report Share Posted November 8, 2004 Re: Acceptance and Recognition There seems to be a darker line drawn nowadays. My whole class of guys and some girls hunted. We went out every weekend and really had a great time together. Recently I noticed like only 25% of a class hunt now. I have long since graduated and everyting but the girlfriend's brother is just coming into 12th grade. He would rather sit on the computer or play x-box than head out to the marsh for a duck hunt or the bush for a buck. I would say society as a whole is changing and hunting is becoming scarce. Numbers (since our great gun fiasco in Canada) are dramatically down and less and less people are doing it. I hunt because I love it. I love harvesting, tracking, breathing the air, hearing the ringing in your ears when it is so quiet, the laughs at the end of the day, the misses, the "hits", the cleaning and the friends. Everything about hunting is great and it is really to bad less and less people are doing it. I would like to be accepted better and would like it if I didn't have to watch what I say in public. Recognition? I really don't care about. In the end, I hunt for myself, but for the various reasons listed above. I really don't care what the mail clerk in head office thinks about it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ravin R10 man Posted November 8, 2004 Report Share Posted November 8, 2004 Re: Acceptance and Recognition Man.....anybody that knows our family will ask us how the hunting is going first, and what the bucks are doing second, what have we killed this fall third... Then we might get to the small talk....but I doubt it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeramie Posted November 8, 2004 Report Share Posted November 8, 2004 Re: Acceptance and Recognition It must be a regional thing, Honestly. Down here you can stop in the parking lot of the local grocery store, with a buck or doe in your truck, and people will come up to talk to you. Its still revered and a very active part of our community. When you get into the bigger cities such as Tulsa its a little different but you can still find groves of people who live for hunting and fishing. Luckily my family (including my wife's family) still has a lot of hunters. I can always find someone to talk hunting with at family events. Many members of my Church talk hunting too. In fact I talked hunting last night at church. I have certain members that just draw information from me almost every time we meet. Makes me proud to live down here..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
c_lou Posted November 8, 2004 Report Share Posted November 8, 2004 Re: Acceptance and Recognition In the small town where I live gun deer season is an all out town shutdown. A few bars are open for after hunting hours get together, but during the day, I think the town is pretty dead. Strangers will come out to look at your deer, buck or doe. During the off season there are few of us that keep the hunting communication going. Personnally I don't really care if anybody but my family accepts or recognizes how I hunt. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
total disaster Posted November 8, 2004 Report Share Posted November 8, 2004 Re: Acceptance and Recognition here there is alot of recognition when I went to school teachers would't do much work the friday of deer hunting cause not very many kid would be in class ( I was one missing) LOL I get asked by all kinds of non hunters to shot them some type of game because they like the taste but don't hunt ... I think here hunting is still a big part of life Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VermontHunter Posted November 8, 2004 Report Share Posted November 8, 2004 Re: Acceptance and Recognition I hunt for me and me alone and could gice 2 spike horns as to weather or not someone else like it or not. But I do have to say that it is nice to talk about hunting and statagies with friends and family. Also as far as I'm concerned I'll have you guys and Gals here in the forums to bragg to and ask advice from. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
archerjg Posted November 8, 2004 Report Share Posted November 8, 2004 Re: Acceptance and Recognition I find that most people in my area accept it and don't worry about it too much. Of course I am in a mostly rural area and everyone hunts. Some of the people I work with don't hunt, but they have no problem with it. Archerjg Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buckshot Posted November 8, 2004 Report Share Posted November 8, 2004 Re: Acceptance and Recognition Hunting is still a big part of our community.The biggest change I've noticed in the last 25yrs is that there is far more bowhunters now than there was then but the number of gun hunters has fallen dramatically. I hunt mainly for myself than anything.It is my escape from the stress of life. Getting recognition for my hunting efforts is nice,like when we post pictures of ourselves with game we took while hunting and then have others compliment and congratulate us on our accomplishments. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
puffy Posted November 9, 2004 Report Share Posted November 9, 2004 Re: Acceptance and Recognition Living here in Saskatchewan for the past 23 yrs. I can honestly say that most of the population in and around my area hunts. People generally share hunting, fishing, trapping or other outdoor pursuits openly. Although with the gun laws that are in place now, most people have taken up archery as a result of the change. I don't look for recognition for the sport I love, but enjoy sharing stories and experiences with those with an interest , wether they hunt or not. ...............................Hunt Smart-Eat Well Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doc Posted November 9, 2004 Author Report Share Posted November 9, 2004 Re: Acceptance and Recognition As I said in my original message, I expected the replies to vary quite a bit, depending on individual locations. My thoughts come from all of my 60+ years of living a life that basically revolves around hunting and over that time, I have witnessed massive changes in attitudes that perhaps many have not yet had the opportunity to notice. There was a time in our locality that hunting season dominated conversations and activities, just like many of you are describing here. When I was in school, opening day of gun season was basically a holiday. and it was harder to find someone who didn't hunt than to find one that did. That was a long time ago and a completely different society. Today hunting is a non-starter when it comes to conversation. Also, you could take a record book buck and very few would care or understand what you have accomplished and how rare and difficult an achievement that really is. Sure, I continue to hunt. And, yes, it is primarily a personal activity that I do for my own benefit and satisfaction. But, I'll be the first to admit that it has lost a lot of the luster when it is so difficult to find anyone who appreciates or recognizes the value of something that has dominated my entire life and has become such a large part of who I am. It's sad to watch a complete way of life starting to fade away. I hope that those of you who live in areas where this has not happened yet, continue to have the surroundings where hunting remains an important part of your local society. But I fear that time is not on your side on this. Doc Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wtnhunt Posted November 9, 2004 Report Share Posted November 9, 2004 Re: Acceptance and Recognition [ QUOTE ] But, I'll be the first to admit that it has lost a lot of the luster when it is so difficult to find anyone who appreciates or recognizes the value of something that has dominated my entire life and has become such a large part of who I am. It's sad to watch a complete way of life starting to fade away. [/ QUOTE ] Fortunately it just does not seem to be that way around here. That is too bad that where you are it has gotten that way. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doc Posted November 10, 2004 Author Report Share Posted November 10, 2004 Re: Acceptance and Recognition [ QUOTE ] Fortunately it just does not seem to be that way around here. [/ QUOTE ] I think that in some cases, these changes can be so subtle that we don't even recognize it. There are also cases where some hunters do not have the longevity to see the changes. I guess I am in a unique position in that I have been in the same locality for 60+ years and have been able to witness the changes in a more dramatic fashion than others that might not be quite as old, or who have not spent so much time hunting the same real estate. While there may be many areas that have not seen this dramatic a change, I'll bet most, when viewed over a long period of time, have had trends of this nature that have gone un-noticed. When I first started hunting, this was a much different place. Farming ruled the area and access to prime hunting land was not even a consideration. Posted signs were a rare novelty and no one really had to wonder where they could hunt. I can remember bow hunting and feeling like I was the only one on the hill. In fact, during bow season, I may very well have been. You could walk all day and never encounter a posted sign or residence. Hunting was almost a semi-wilderness experience. Since that time, because of the more reliable cars and better highways, we have seen a migration of urban folks who have busted up the old farmsteads and brought with them their posted signs and anti-hunting attitudes. Today, you are never out of earshot of cars, trucks, airplanes, atv's, chainsaws, etc. Hunters have been relegated to hunting public lands or small plots that they may own or private land owned by relatives or friends. This has changed the entire nature of hunting here and I believe has made it an experience that not as many people care to indulge in. Now, that may not have happened all over the country yet, but I believe that the trend is there and growing. I can only take solice in knowing that I have experienced better times, but that experience makes today's situation even more sad. It is too bad that today's generation will never experience hunting as I and others knew it. It does not bode well for the future of hunting or the accompanying public attitudes toward the sport. Doc Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JimT Posted November 10, 2004 Report Share Posted November 10, 2004 Re: Acceptance and Recognition Everyone that knows me knows I hunt. Hunting is a personal affair with me, but I talk about it all the time. There is a small group of guys that I talk about hunting with years round,,,maybe 8-10 of them, thats it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whitetailkiller Posted November 10, 2004 Report Share Posted November 10, 2004 Re: Acceptance and Recognition i've actually found more hunters over the last few years..... i don't realy care what people think of me, or if they are interested in the same things.. my life evolves around god,family,hunting,& work !! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest deldeer Posted November 11, 2004 Report Share Posted November 11, 2004 Re: Acceptance and Recognition i hunt for me. & me only. i live in del. not a place known for it's hunting heritage. however being a small state most of our hunting community is a tight knit group for the most part. im lucky to have family & friends who hunt, so we get to spend a lot of time together. my father passed a lot of good traits onto me through hunting & i feel as if i have done the same for my children.i can remember my father taking me squirrel hunting, or putting me in a tree by myself the first time while hunting deer. there is more to the stories but i would be rambling. i think hunting has kept my son on the right path so far in life, he is 16 & you could not ask for a better kid.he has had a chance to hunt with his dad & both of his g-pops.he has heard all the stories at deer camp from the other guys,& you can hear him & the other boys talking about how we were crazy & funny back in the day.but to me the big thing that they have not realized yet, is they are making their own memories to pass on. so to me it really does'nt matter to me what people say about us or our kind, i know what it has done for me & mine..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Swamphunter Posted November 11, 2004 Report Share Posted November 11, 2004 Re: Acceptance and Recognition I live in an area where hunting is a big part of life. Many people around here will still ask a hunter how he was "making out" that year. Of course we also have our anti hunting freaks that would rather issue contraceptives to deer and let them starve to death through the winter )due to woodlands becoming smaller with progress), that hearing of someone taking them humanely. The vast majority though still support hunters. We also have slob hunters that make us all look bad, but I hunt for me. I am a meat hunter only. Ya, I like to kill a nice buck, but you know, later in the year, when I eat a venison steak, funny thing is, I can't tell if its a buck or a doe. I want my children to be interested in hunting and enjoy the sport also. I guess moreover, I hunt for "ourselves". Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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