Post by Old Ironsights on Oct 11, 2006 12:41:08 GMT -5
I wrote this last year and it was published in the Raghorn. Woody agrees it should be posted on the Site, but I'm at a loss to pick the right Subforum. Since Deer Season is upon us, I thought I'd stick it here for now.
Several years ago I moved from Alaska to go to University in Washington State. Obviously, going home to hunt was out of the question - as was keeping my gear on campus. After finishing school, I ended up here in the Chicagoland area - with absolutely no idea how to hunt in the land of Shotguns, Leases, and Stands (still don't really). The lack of connection that today's mobile workforce creates strikes terrible blow against hunting. I hope this letter/article can spotlight it.
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Do your eyes light up at the local outfitting store? Are you talking incessantly about your Lease or Party or favorite Stand? Do you ever notice people around you listening wi
lly, but becoming obviously more and more depressed as you talk?
Once more I wonder if this is the year to take out "The Personals".
"Gunless Young Hunter from out of state seeks Old Coot for Hunting Partner/Mentor. Call your local University Student Center for details."
"Clueless Buck from out of state seeks Local for lie-swapping and field learning."
But then, reality strikes as I remember that Hunters generally don't read personals and that one of the unstated purposes of University Life is to separate Young Hunters from their gear and Sport for four years - increasing the likelihood that they won't pick it up again after graduation.
Every year we read the articles about hunter numbers falling, shake our heads sadly, then head out to our favorite spots - alone or with the same old groups.
How much is hunting worth to you? Some PAC money? A letter or two to the Government? How about sharing a gun and your spot for the season with a displaced young hunter?
Look around you. Do you know some college kids from out of State - ones who might have grown up hunting? Ask them out with you. Heck, even if they don't buy a tag (at non-resident prices, who can blame them?) at least they will get the Smell back in their lungs and the fire in their bellies.
And they will Learn too. Can you imagine how hard it is for an open-range Western hunter to figure out a Tree Stand, Blind or Drive (on private land no less)? Somebody taught you, so you know the ropes and you have the Lease. is it truly better for the Sport to force the fortunate student (with access to gear) or that new guy at work to hunt in the most dangerous way possible - untrained and alone?
The longevity of our hunting lifestyle depends on more than just taking your "Families Afield", it means doing everything we can to keep your adult neighbors in the field as well. We need to use our hunter's skills to identify those around us who want to hunt, but can't, and help keep them hunting. Adopt a Hunter.
Or watch our lifestyle whither & get legislated out of existence.
Your call.
Several years ago I moved from Alaska to go to University in Washington State. Obviously, going home to hunt was out of the question - as was keeping my gear on campus. After finishing school, I ended up here in the Chicagoland area - with absolutely no idea how to hunt in the land of Shotguns, Leases, and Stands (still don't really). The lack of connection that today's mobile workforce creates strikes terrible blow against hunting. I hope this letter/article can spotlight it.
-------------------------
Do your eyes light up at the local outfitting store? Are you talking incessantly about your Lease or Party or favorite Stand? Do you ever notice people around you listening wi
lly, but becoming obviously more and more depressed as you talk?Once more I wonder if this is the year to take out "The Personals".
"Gunless Young Hunter from out of state seeks Old Coot for Hunting Partner/Mentor. Call your local University Student Center for details."
"Clueless Buck from out of state seeks Local for lie-swapping and field learning."
But then, reality strikes as I remember that Hunters generally don't read personals and that one of the unstated purposes of University Life is to separate Young Hunters from their gear and Sport for four years - increasing the likelihood that they won't pick it up again after graduation.
Every year we read the articles about hunter numbers falling, shake our heads sadly, then head out to our favorite spots - alone or with the same old groups.
How much is hunting worth to you? Some PAC money? A letter or two to the Government? How about sharing a gun and your spot for the season with a displaced young hunter?
Look around you. Do you know some college kids from out of State - ones who might have grown up hunting? Ask them out with you. Heck, even if they don't buy a tag (at non-resident prices, who can blame them?) at least they will get the Smell back in their lungs and the fire in their bellies.
And they will Learn too. Can you imagine how hard it is for an open-range Western hunter to figure out a Tree Stand, Blind or Drive (on private land no less)? Somebody taught you, so you know the ropes and you have the Lease. is it truly better for the Sport to force the fortunate student (with access to gear) or that new guy at work to hunt in the most dangerous way possible - untrained and alone?
The longevity of our hunting lifestyle depends on more than just taking your "Families Afield", it means doing everything we can to keep your adult neighbors in the field as well. We need to use our hunter's skills to identify those around us who want to hunt, but can't, and help keep them hunting. Adopt a Hunter.
Or watch our lifestyle whither & get legislated out of existence.
Your call.
