BowJoe Posted July 11, 2006 Report Share Posted July 11, 2006 Recently I read and article by Craig Dougherty in Deer and Deer Hunting Magazine. Mr. Dougherty is executive director of the Whitetail Alliance and chairman of the board for the QDMA. That being said.... I don't care if I ever read another of his spoutings. The ego and elitist attitude he has towards his fellow hunting pros and average hunters is disgraceful. I may not know him personally but to cut down people for celebrating an accomplishment that some have worked their whole lives for is ridiculous and not what hunting is about. He opens his article by saying that a hunt is not complete if their is no kill and yet cuts down people for hi fiving their buddies after a good shot. He more specifically targets RealTree and Michael Waddell along with the rest of the hunting industry that celebrates by shaking hands, slapping backs and celebrating in their own way. Oh he doesn't name names but it pretty obvious. The part that upsets me the most is how he tells people that you shouldn't do things like that and that real hunters should be cofused at killing an animal. He says you should be thankful for food and remorseful for the taking of a life. Is this guy an Anti Hunter in disguise? I think this guy is the one confused and that his status in these groups has gone to his head. This is the real world Mr. Dougherty and I for one will hi five my buddy and slap him on the back and be as happy as all get out when I take the meat to my home and prepare it for consumption or the horns to the taxidermist for him to make a display. I wrestle with my consciense daily but I still eat steak and eggs with no remorse. I say celebrate your own way. If you feel remorse then feel remorse but if you yell at the top of your lungs and jump out of your treestand racing to your kill then that's alright with me. Just don't ruin it if I'm hunting with you somewhere else LOL. I just don't like others telling me what makes a real hunter. If you abide by the laws and eat what you kill or give it away for others to enjoy then you are a real hunter. I don't need QDMA to tell me how I should act especially from somebody who sounds jealous at the thought of these guys taking huge bucks while no one wants to film him. I would be interested to see over his shoulder while he's taking a huge animal though. I bet he reacts differently to his real life situation. One other thing too. Notice how he's trying to imitate the painting of the hunter knelt next to his buck and praying? Yeah he's very original. If it's that sacred to him then why is he photographing a staged scene himself? I also wonder what he would have said to the Indians that hunted and celebrated every kill with whooping and hollering and jubilation. This guy has probably never had to rely on hunting for his only food. I guess he should try to act like he's been there before too! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tedicast Posted July 11, 2006 Report Share Posted July 11, 2006 Re: Deer and Deerhunting Article I too read this article Joe, and have been contemplating making a post about it. I see it in the opposite light . I pretty much agree with Mr. Dougherty, and I know I'm gonna get smoked here for it. That is why I held off on my post. I think some of the antics of hunters we watch on TV are pitifull. Not just MW, there are others. I probably feel this way, because I am about as opposite as can be after making a shot on a deer. I sit back down, get myself together, say a little thank you, and have a little quiet time. I love deer hunting, and I live for it, but for me the moment of a kill, and the time right after that is an internal struggle for me. The fact that the life of an animal that I truly respect, has to end, for me to be succesfull doing what I love to do is what causes this. Just my opinion, and I know I'm gonna be in the minority here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BowJoe Posted July 11, 2006 Author Report Share Posted July 11, 2006 Re: Deer and Deerhunting Article I don't condem you for your oppinion tedicast and I fully respect the way you feel. But I also don't condem others for their jubilation. I don't condem Mr. Dougherty for his oppinion either but to insult others for their celebration is improper in bringing others into this hobby. Let them be happy or sad or whatever they want to feel. Just don't criticize others for doing the same thing a different way. I say my thankyous and am grateful for the sacrifice as well but I am more happy for the payoff of time away from family, fellowship of friends and skills I have learned and used successfully in harvesting this deer. I just happen to look at it differently than others but I don't criticize them in a national publication either. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AdvantageTimberLou Posted July 11, 2006 Report Share Posted July 11, 2006 Re: Deer and Deerhunting Article I admit, when I shoot a deer I don't jump up and say, I just laid the smackdown on it! I respect the animal and the challenge it gave me. In a way you kind of feel sad but in no way do I hoot and holler, I respect the challenge the fallen animal gave me and thank the lord for being there with me! Got to respect the game you hunt and show some kind of compassion. The best reaction I have seen on TV was last weekend on a rerun of Whitetail Country and Alex Rutlidge (sp?) after he shot the buck he called "magic" He cried on stand and showed some raw emotion and had a good reason too, that was a good moment!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Swamphunter Posted July 11, 2006 Report Share Posted July 11, 2006 Re: Deer and Deerhunting Article I see Tedicasts post as refreshing as I feel the same way. Years ago when I shot a deer I celebrated and was very pumped. Now today, I guess I tend to think of life and death more. Just before I pulled the trigger my heart is racing and I am anxious to fill my tag with a nice deer that will help feed my family lean nutritious meat. Once I shoot though, and I approach the animal, I feel a bit saddened by its death. Especially if it is a younger deer. I am glad to see that I am not the only one who thinks and feels this way. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Swamphunter Posted July 11, 2006 Report Share Posted July 11, 2006 Re: Deer and Deerhunting Article [ QUOTE ] I admit, when I shoot a deer I don't jump up and say, I just laid the smackdown on it! I respect the animal and the challenge it gave me. In a way you kind of feel sad but in no way do I hoot and holler, I respect the challenge the fallen animal gave me and thank the lord for being there with me! Got to respect the game you hunt and show some kind of compassion. The best reaction I have seen on TV was last weekend on a rerun of Whitetail Country and Alex Rutlidge (sp?) after he shot the buck he called "magic" He cried on stand and showed some raw emotion and had a good reason too, that was a good moment!! [/ QUOTE ] I have seen a couple of guys on TV cry after shooting a deer. One was on Drury Outdoors I believe. A real heavy set funny guy cried and was all emotional after shooting it. I think more out of joy than anything, but at least they didn't edit it out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AdvantageTimberLou Posted July 11, 2006 Report Share Posted July 11, 2006 Re: Deer and Deerhunting Article Ken, as we get older we do respect life more and deer hunting to me gets a new meaning and I tend to enjoy it more. Its like a chess match with these animals and when we finally make the last move its kind of sad that the game is over. So we must respect the animals and show some compassion. Some have the brown its down, kill em all attitude, thats just not hunting, enjoy the outdoors and experiencing what others may never seen or be able to do, now that is what makes its great! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wtnhunt Posted July 11, 2006 Report Share Posted July 11, 2006 Re: Deer and Deerhunting Article Have not read the article. I do always feel a bit of remorse after my shot, that is just me. Then it is the shakes that comes over me as I am thanking God for the opportunity he has given me. My oldest daughter after she shot her first deer did give me five and she was very excited, but there was no celebration like what you see on tv, no dances no shouting "yeah baby", although I have probably been guilty of yelling that out after killing maybe a deer or two before. I can kind of see part of where to the hunters who are a little older they might not view the celebration in some of these cases as being very sporting or respectful to the animals, however we have to remember we only see what is edited for the camera, and maybe this guy in his perception is seeing things differently than you. I do have to admit that some of the celebrations might come across as being just a bit overboard. I however have on multiple occasions watched a many of the pros on these shows very humbly thank the Lord for the opportunity just prior to the celebrations that take place. I personally see nothing wrong with that so long as they do not go too overboard. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buckbuster11 Posted July 11, 2006 Report Share Posted July 11, 2006 Re: Deer and Deerhunting Article [ QUOTE ] I too read this article Joe, and have been contemplating making a post about it. I see it in the opposite light . I pretty much agree with Mr. Dougherty, and I know I'm gonna get smoked here for it. That is why I held off on my post. I think some of the antics of hunters we watch on TV are pitifull. Not just MW, there are others. I probably feel this way, because I am about as opposite as can be after making a shot on a deer. I sit back down, get myself together, say a little thank you, and have a little quiet time. I love deer hunting, and I live for it, but for me the moment of a kill, and the time right after that is an internal struggle for me. The fact that the life of an animal that I truly respect, has to end, for me to be succesfull doing what I love to do is what causes this. Just my opinion, and I know I'm gonna be in the minority here. [/ QUOTE ] I agree 100%. I have actually turned hunting shows off a number of times because of excessive celebrating and carrying on after taking a deer down. I think it is completely disrespectful and quite frankly casts a pretty poor light on the hunting community. I'm not saying you can't or shouldn't be excited, but I've seen plenty of guys take it WAY to far. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OJR Posted July 11, 2006 Report Share Posted July 11, 2006 Re: Deer and Deerhunting Article I agree with that there is too much celebrating when an animal is killed. Show some respect for that critter whose life has just expired! There should not be a celebration or jubilation because something has died! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gator Posted July 11, 2006 Report Share Posted July 11, 2006 Re: Deer and Deerhunting Article I can't beleive what I am reading here........So you all that disagree with the "celebration" that some take after taking a deer is in your eyes "disrespectful"?? I can't even type......... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OJR Posted July 11, 2006 Report Share Posted July 11, 2006 Re: Deer and Deerhunting Article [ QUOTE ] I can't beleive what I am reading here........So you all that disagree with the "celebration" that some take after taking a deer is in your eyes "disrespectful"?? I can't even type......... [/ QUOTE ] Yep! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GWSmith Posted July 11, 2006 Report Share Posted July 11, 2006 Re: Deer and Deerhunting Article I have not read the article you mentioned but I'll tell you my opinion about the subject... Do what feels right for you! I'll tell you about seeing someone react to the taking of an animal that very closely resembles my flood of emotions that I experience. I watched this very experienced hunter shoot a very unique and special buck. As the camera showed his face immediately after the shot you could litterally watch the color drain from his face. I dont know this hunter personally...but I know the emotion thats so overpowering that it has physical effects. Emotion that is so strong that you cant stand safely, breathe normally, or talk in any understandable language. Hi...My name is Gary and I'm a "Mumbler" after the shot! It does not matter what type of deer either...Buck or Doe...I'm tongue tied and emotion filled. All of us have the right to celbrate in our own way at the taking of an animal as we all have our own individual reasons for hunting in the first place. I have every right to be happy at the successful ending of a hunt...which by the way for me is long after the shooting of any animal. I dont live my hunting life in front of a camera so I'm not trying to be anything but myself for the benefit of an audience. I thank God for the time I have hunting regardless of if I have just taken a deer or not. I do more praying when I'm hunting than at any other time and not just about seeing a deer that I would like to take. All of the worlds distractions and stresses have melted away somewhere since the alarm clock went off that morning. I'll be in the woods thinking of a mix of everything that has happened on previous hunts, the tradition that I was given by my Father who taught me hunting, and the awesome power that created the beautiful surroundings I'm priveleged to be in at the time. Hoot and Holler...Towards God thanking him for the privelege I have done it. Kneel and say a Prayer of Thanks...I have done it. Appreciate every second...by the grace of God I hope to be able to say...I have done it. When it comes to Hunting...I feel successful if I have appreciated every second from the Alarm Clock to the Frying Pan. It's the Providence, the Presence, and the Closeness to God that I appreciate the most when I'm hunting. In the chance that an animal dies to provide life...I appreciate and even celebrate that...in my own way! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Texan_Til_I_Die Posted July 11, 2006 Report Share Posted July 11, 2006 Re: Deer and Deerhunting Article Different individuals are going to have different reactions. As long as the emotions are genuine and not something that's faked for the camera, I don't have a problem. And I'll even open myself up for criticism by saying that I haven't gotten emotional at all about killing a deer in many years. When I pull the trigger, my heart rate is probably around 60, unless I've been physically exerting myself. And the feeling I have is more one of quiet satisfaction for a job well done. Something akin to having just built something really nice with my own two hands. And that's not to say that I don't thoroughly enjoy my hunting time, because I do. It's just that I don't have a big emotional outburst associated with killing a deer. Some people do, and for them, the high fives, the tears, and the whoops of joy are just fine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Swamphunter Posted July 11, 2006 Report Share Posted July 11, 2006 Re: Deer and Deerhunting Article [ QUOTE ] I can't beleive what I am reading here........So you all that disagree with the "celebration" that some take after taking a deer is in your eyes "disrespectful"?? I can't even type......... [/ QUOTE ] I am not saying I disagree with the right of others to celebrate...its just as I get older I better understand the value of life and feel saddened for the animal I have taken as its life is now over. That is just ME...I have no problem if others wish to celebrate. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buckee Posted July 11, 2006 Report Share Posted July 11, 2006 Re: Deer and Deer-hunting Article I feel it all when I'm in the woods. I feel jubilation for the prize of the hunt, respect, sadness, thankfulness, ..all of it, but I express myself in a quiet way. When I say respect, I mean respect for our creator and the wonderful creation he gave us. I don't feel remorse for something God intended for me, just a deep gratefulness. If I was remorseful, I mean truly remorseful, I would have to stop hunting. remorse is guilt, and I've never felt that while hunting. I do shake hands and pat backs and say "way to go man" to my hunting buddies when they are successful, always. To me, there doesn't have to be a kill, for a successful hunt. The woods for me is a quiet time. Being part of nature and trying to remain invisible to it at the same time. I just don't like breaking that silence until I'm out of the woods. I'm not one for too much hootin and hollerin in the woods, even after I've been successful. I guess I prefer to leave it quietly, the same way I entered it. It's not that I'm not jumping up and down inside sometimes I'm sitting here thinking back at the buck I arrowed last fall, and it only went 15 or 20 yards before keeling over. That got me rather jubilant alright, but I kept it to myself, without the hootin and hollerin. I did say, "yes, yes, yes and thank you Lord." quietly as I sat there listening to that buck thrashing around just on the other side of the stream. But that's me...that's how I feel about the quietness of hunting, for big game.. You have to remember too, that these guys on TV have a camera man sitting beside them to share the moment. I never have. If I did, I venture to say, some of that jubilation might just be shared with the guy next to me Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GWSmith Posted July 11, 2006 Report Share Posted July 11, 2006 Re: Deer and Deer-hunting Article [ QUOTE ] ...remorse is guilt, and I've never felt that while hunting... [/ QUOTE ] You got that right...Exactly the same here!!! True Gratitude...is worlds away from Disrespect. Some people have made a business out of sharing the moment with other people...IMHO..if anywhere thats where part of it gets lost when it becomes more about the Money that comes from the DVD sales. Even more disrespectful than someone overtly celebrating is some video hunter showing no emotion and saying something like: "We're done here, this should make the video, now on to...such and such State and another hunt". Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dogdoc Posted July 11, 2006 Report Share Posted July 11, 2006 Re: Deer and Deer-hunting Article Hey--when I quit getting buck fever and quit getting excited over a kill--I'll give up hunting. The emotional high that starts when I first see the deer, duck, turkey to the kill is an awesome feeling. I get pretty excited--and after a good shot you might here me from a mile away screaming "YES!" It's not for the camera as I'm by myself 99% of the time. Waddell made a funny statement after a kill one time--goes something like this "If that doesn't get you excited and pumped up then you need to take up sewing or knitting with your Aunt--go home and knit a blanket to keep you warm--or better yet make a blanket to keep us hunters warm. I laughed for 10 minutes after he stated that. I will state that I do think some guys might go overboard for the camera but unless your in their shoes you don't know the emotions they are feeling. If you've ever met Micheal Waddel you would realize you won't find anyone that has more passion for the sport of hunting. todd Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MUDRUNNER Posted July 11, 2006 Report Share Posted July 11, 2006 Re: Deer and Deer-hunting Article I agree that some of the t.v. shows blow the celebration up and they look faked for the most part. I see no problem with celebration or true emotion from bagging an animal.When someone from deer camp tags an animal it's handshakes,hugs and high fives for our group.When you put forth so much effort scouting or putting in food plots and hanging stands,it's satisfying to get what we are all ultimately after....a filled tag. I do thank the Lord and respect the animal very much,but when the time comes I don't feel the buck fever, or the excitemant of the hunt, it's time to try something else.I don't think that will ever happen though since it's been the exact same for the last 15 years. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spyderpancake Posted July 11, 2006 Report Share Posted July 11, 2006 Re: Deer and Deer-hunting Article As long as it is sincere, I see nothing wrong with celebrating however you want to. I have seen some guys on tv that were fake, but they usually act fake thru the whole hunt b/c they can't be themselves in front of a camera. I have had a range of emotions after killing deer. I have shot deer before and gotten choked up about it, but i have also gone crazy, like when i killed my first mature buck, a 10 point when i was 13. I was saying "Yes! Yes!" as I practically jumped out of my stand, and was whooping and yelling"Thank You Lord!" when i got to him b/c it had taken so much work to get him. Different people will will respond differently, just keep it real! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ruttinbuc Posted July 11, 2006 Report Share Posted July 11, 2006 Re: Deer and Deerhunting Article To each his own when it comes to expressing your emotions after killing an animal. Hunting is in itself emotional. How many emotions do you go through when waiting the time after shooting an animal not quite sure if it was a good hit or not. What different emotions course through your mind? You climb down from the tree and find little blood and things start to look bleak. You start feeling pretty darn bad and start to come down on yourself and your emotions are kicking you to quit this stuff. Then just as you are about to give up you find the object of your search. Great swing of emotion, huh? Its the same if you watch an animal go down. Your emotions peak as you play that scene over and over. "Yes, yes, that was awesome!, Yessssss! Then you realize you have a 2 mile drag back to the truck! Mood Swing? Hunting alone says alot as to how you may or may not celebrate. Groups of guys will be groups of guys and act accordingly. As for TV and the video portrayals I have to agree with the Texan--- [ QUOTE ] "As long as the emotions are genuine and not something that's faked for the camera, I don't have a problem [/ QUOTE ] The trouble here is that these video and TV shows need to take a better look at some of the things they do! "I believe that the future of hunting will be in putting the hunt back in hunting!" Gary Alt-2006 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WIwhitetailhunter Posted July 11, 2006 Report Share Posted July 11, 2006 Re: Deer and Deerhunting Article Read the article again. I think it is aimed more towards the "recreated" celebrating involving the hooting and hollering both after the shot and then all over again when they get to the deer. It's fine to do the high-five and be emotional...spontaneously in the heat of the moment. Some of the hunting shows put on too much of a "show" and are over-dramatical when a shot is made and then we get to see it all over again when the deer is recovered. One of the authors points was that for a nonhunter to see the over-dramatized celebrating does absolutly nothing for the sport. Hence the quote, "Act like you've been there before." When I read the article I thought it was one of the better ones I've read in a while. I really liked it. I personally didn't think it was aimed at any hunter or show directly. That thought never crossed my mind when I read it. If anyone wants to see the article shot me a PM with your email and I'll send it to you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
unioncountyslayer Posted July 11, 2006 Report Share Posted July 11, 2006 Re: Deer and Deerhunting Article This argument reminds me of an old post that got me in high water with a few members in here (I won't elaborate and open that can of worms). But I came to realize after talking with those members that in hunting, as long as you do it because of a passion that you have, and you abide by all the laws and restrictions of your state, it is each individuals right to take whatever animal he or she wants, and I feel in this case, they should be able to celebrate or rejoice in a manner that they feel is appropriate after a successful kill. We spend way to much time bashing each other as hunters. We should remember that we all have a common goal in the woods and on the water, and we should stick together and not give the "Anti's" any more fuel for the fire. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BowJoe Posted July 11, 2006 Author Report Share Posted July 11, 2006 Re: Deer and Deerhunting Article If Craig Dougherty isn't aiming his comments at Michael Waddell and Realtree then I'll eat my bow. Come on. Music, high fivin', being extremely excited. That's Waddell to a T. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tedicast Posted July 11, 2006 Report Share Posted July 11, 2006 Re: Deer and Deerhunting Article [ QUOTE ] If Craig Dougherty isn't aiming his comments at Michael Waddell and Realtree then I'll eat my bow. Come on. Music, high fivin', being extremely excited. That's Waddell to a T. [/ QUOTE ] Joe.. I agree with you. I believe the article was partially aimed at MW. But, after watching the first couple RT's this season, he seems to have mellowed out a bit after a kill. My post wasn't meant to knock anyone. We are all different. I don't feel guilty, or remorsefull after killing a deer. I just feel a sadness that such a majestic animal had to die, for me to be succesfull at what I basically live for. No guilt. It is just the way I feel Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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