Syncerus1
Active Member
Disclaimer: Thanks for having me here. I appreciate being added to LHR and the depth of resources this community offers. In no manner is this post meant to demean, troll, or irritate any LRH's members. It is simply an honest, and non-unique perspective to solicit other's thoughts, and by extension, have a meaningful discussion.
A bit about me, at 72 I have used more weapon platforms than I can recall, been fortunate to experience, as a professional, most forms of hunting/shooting around our world, and have killed big game in numbers that are sure to raise skeptical eyebrows from most readers. I offer the following for your thoughts with honesty.
I am currently in disbelief regarding today's sci-fi capable shooting/hunting platforms, reduced hunting opportunities, and how these two factors intersect in the psychology of today's "hunter".
Technology: If you build it, they will come. I am fascinated by the ever-evolving modern cartridge in all its' forms. I recently used a friends 6.5 PRC to harvest a Desert Bighorn ram. The gun was as good a type as any that I have ever handled. Accuracy, as always, far better than most who would ever fire it. I had read, and continue to read the endless declarations regarding the 6.5, 7, and .300 class of calibers and why one is better than the other. I call these rifles "Over the Horizon" arms for simplicity. Each platform example can be categorized as better than State of the Art, craftsman dependent.
Hunting Opportunity's: Everyone can harvest a record class blank, just fill in the species of your choice. All it requires is to obtain a tag. Well hell… I must have been doing it all wrong for these many decades. There is a world class trophy behind every bush in every unit of every state. If you believe the pervasive media in all its forms.
Psychology of today's hunter: Armed with the latest and greatest Over the Horizon gun, its'(his, or her, to be cancel culture correct) precious tag firmly in hand, our hero(or assign proper non-masculine pronoun here) is assured of soon to be success. Social media presence/fame and fortune awaits. Best of the Best is available to all who can afford the entry fee (rest assured you will pay to play on every level).
Question: What ever happened to the concept of hunting? I will ask this specifically in light of the above recitation. No reflection on sticks and strings, handguns, spears, or any other methods which may be similarly impugned. I will not explore the general concepts, all valid in my mind and experience of family, friends, camaraderie, meat (source guaranteed), adventure, outdoor lifestyle, conservation et al… Instead I will focus my elderly diminished mental capacity on the "simple" stuff.
Technology:
Long range hunting/shooting is a learned behavior. I do not care a whit about the guaranteed MOA of the platform you proudly purchased. The "fact" the manufacturer delivered you a package with Best of the Best rifle, optics, handloaded ammunition, etc… I will happily agree you can shoot it dialed to one thousand yards and hit your target… but not every time, and not under very many circumstances. You all know well Long Range Hunting is assuredly an art form. That form has many components, with each having subsets within their own discipline, and a very small number of true specialists. These specialists all have one thing in common. The desire to dedicate themselves to learn. Dedication requires commitment and passion to excel. Without it, well, it is very illustrative of life in the U.S. of A. today IMHO. I applaud and hold in awe those "trickler's" who fine tune their preferred load. The "drifter's" who through experience and tools can dope the wind and enviromentals. The "smithy's" who can first conceive, construct, then assemble their ideas into a physical masterpiece, and all the other specialists that continue to create their art and share it with us lesser beings. Taken in their totality this results in the committed individual who takes the time to understand their platform and utilize it to its' fullest and best capabilities, regardless of caliber/cartridge. Few who ever hold a weapon will equal its' inherent abilities…
Opportunities: With no disrespect – Fuhgeddaboudit …
I feel strongly about the mismanagement of all States Game Departments, or whatever incarnation they are known by. I have known several directors and commissioners in my life, all were principled individuals with vision. I do not know any of the people in charge of today's State agencies. Rank and file guys, yes, management a few, but the policy maker(s), not a one. The issue for me is the term "opportunity". A crap term with an entourage of baggage which now must enhance/accompany every revenue source. My attitude is summed up pretty much in my definition of "opportunity". Pursuit in search of revenue, regardless of biological consequences.
I used many decades worth of points last year to draw three tags. Spent over 67 days afield. Successful on 1 of 3. Enjoyed varying aspects of each. I experienced things I could have never believed, on a scale that left me speechless, and more than a little concerned about what "hunting" has become. A partial reason for crafting this introductory thread. In summary, the game is barely afoot, my dear Watson. It is pursued relentlessly through expanded "opportunity" seasons. The census numbers are made up in the dark of night from extrapolation of very limited "surveys" of dubious origin, with masterful usage of smoke and mirrors, that would make a politician envious. We hunters are facing rapidly declining game populations most everywhere. An ever-expanding number people in pursuit of said resource, most legally licensed, but hey what's "legal" in one jurisdiction/population, is held in contempt by others, monetary resources not-withstanding. Then there is the cost. Boy Howdy. All things today are expensive, especially those of a recreational nature. But hunting, seriously? Fuhgeddaboudit…
Psychology of today's hunter:
As a group, we are largely disrespected by society, here and abroad. We are a frequent target of politicians of every ilk. Do-gooders, feel-gooders, rule the day. Emotions always trump facts. The outdoor experience is for everyone, the pursuit of revenue, drives this mantra. Agency's close millions of acres of previously open "public" land, yet allow limited (read revenue generation) access, but no meaningful public access, especially for consumptive resource utilization (hunting)? Whatever happened to "wise use"?
Our generic hunter goes afield with limited skills, unrealistic expectations, while expending huge sums of money. Their behavior is, in most cases abhorrent to ethical, moral hunting practices. The attitude of "win at any cost" thrives and indeed is fostered by the good ol' Social Media in every form. Sure we all want that trophy of trophy's, but what about that old term "Sportsmanship" and "Fair chase"? I think Merle Haggard phrased it best long ago: "Is the best of the free life behind us now, and are the good times really over for good?
Thanks for the read. I hope I can contribute something meaningful to our discussions here.
How do we restore our sport? What do you think? Your comments appreciated!
A bit about me, at 72 I have used more weapon platforms than I can recall, been fortunate to experience, as a professional, most forms of hunting/shooting around our world, and have killed big game in numbers that are sure to raise skeptical eyebrows from most readers. I offer the following for your thoughts with honesty.
I am currently in disbelief regarding today's sci-fi capable shooting/hunting platforms, reduced hunting opportunities, and how these two factors intersect in the psychology of today's "hunter".
Technology: If you build it, they will come. I am fascinated by the ever-evolving modern cartridge in all its' forms. I recently used a friends 6.5 PRC to harvest a Desert Bighorn ram. The gun was as good a type as any that I have ever handled. Accuracy, as always, far better than most who would ever fire it. I had read, and continue to read the endless declarations regarding the 6.5, 7, and .300 class of calibers and why one is better than the other. I call these rifles "Over the Horizon" arms for simplicity. Each platform example can be categorized as better than State of the Art, craftsman dependent.
Hunting Opportunity's: Everyone can harvest a record class blank, just fill in the species of your choice. All it requires is to obtain a tag. Well hell… I must have been doing it all wrong for these many decades. There is a world class trophy behind every bush in every unit of every state. If you believe the pervasive media in all its forms.
Psychology of today's hunter: Armed with the latest and greatest Over the Horizon gun, its'(his, or her, to be cancel culture correct) precious tag firmly in hand, our hero(or assign proper non-masculine pronoun here) is assured of soon to be success. Social media presence/fame and fortune awaits. Best of the Best is available to all who can afford the entry fee (rest assured you will pay to play on every level).
Question: What ever happened to the concept of hunting? I will ask this specifically in light of the above recitation. No reflection on sticks and strings, handguns, spears, or any other methods which may be similarly impugned. I will not explore the general concepts, all valid in my mind and experience of family, friends, camaraderie, meat (source guaranteed), adventure, outdoor lifestyle, conservation et al… Instead I will focus my elderly diminished mental capacity on the "simple" stuff.
Technology:
Long range hunting/shooting is a learned behavior. I do not care a whit about the guaranteed MOA of the platform you proudly purchased. The "fact" the manufacturer delivered you a package with Best of the Best rifle, optics, handloaded ammunition, etc… I will happily agree you can shoot it dialed to one thousand yards and hit your target… but not every time, and not under very many circumstances. You all know well Long Range Hunting is assuredly an art form. That form has many components, with each having subsets within their own discipline, and a very small number of true specialists. These specialists all have one thing in common. The desire to dedicate themselves to learn. Dedication requires commitment and passion to excel. Without it, well, it is very illustrative of life in the U.S. of A. today IMHO. I applaud and hold in awe those "trickler's" who fine tune their preferred load. The "drifter's" who through experience and tools can dope the wind and enviromentals. The "smithy's" who can first conceive, construct, then assemble their ideas into a physical masterpiece, and all the other specialists that continue to create their art and share it with us lesser beings. Taken in their totality this results in the committed individual who takes the time to understand their platform and utilize it to its' fullest and best capabilities, regardless of caliber/cartridge. Few who ever hold a weapon will equal its' inherent abilities…
Opportunities: With no disrespect – Fuhgeddaboudit …
I feel strongly about the mismanagement of all States Game Departments, or whatever incarnation they are known by. I have known several directors and commissioners in my life, all were principled individuals with vision. I do not know any of the people in charge of today's State agencies. Rank and file guys, yes, management a few, but the policy maker(s), not a one. The issue for me is the term "opportunity". A crap term with an entourage of baggage which now must enhance/accompany every revenue source. My attitude is summed up pretty much in my definition of "opportunity". Pursuit in search of revenue, regardless of biological consequences.
I used many decades worth of points last year to draw three tags. Spent over 67 days afield. Successful on 1 of 3. Enjoyed varying aspects of each. I experienced things I could have never believed, on a scale that left me speechless, and more than a little concerned about what "hunting" has become. A partial reason for crafting this introductory thread. In summary, the game is barely afoot, my dear Watson. It is pursued relentlessly through expanded "opportunity" seasons. The census numbers are made up in the dark of night from extrapolation of very limited "surveys" of dubious origin, with masterful usage of smoke and mirrors, that would make a politician envious. We hunters are facing rapidly declining game populations most everywhere. An ever-expanding number people in pursuit of said resource, most legally licensed, but hey what's "legal" in one jurisdiction/population, is held in contempt by others, monetary resources not-withstanding. Then there is the cost. Boy Howdy. All things today are expensive, especially those of a recreational nature. But hunting, seriously? Fuhgeddaboudit…
Psychology of today's hunter:
As a group, we are largely disrespected by society, here and abroad. We are a frequent target of politicians of every ilk. Do-gooders, feel-gooders, rule the day. Emotions always trump facts. The outdoor experience is for everyone, the pursuit of revenue, drives this mantra. Agency's close millions of acres of previously open "public" land, yet allow limited (read revenue generation) access, but no meaningful public access, especially for consumptive resource utilization (hunting)? Whatever happened to "wise use"?
Our generic hunter goes afield with limited skills, unrealistic expectations, while expending huge sums of money. Their behavior is, in most cases abhorrent to ethical, moral hunting practices. The attitude of "win at any cost" thrives and indeed is fostered by the good ol' Social Media in every form. Sure we all want that trophy of trophy's, but what about that old term "Sportsmanship" and "Fair chase"? I think Merle Haggard phrased it best long ago: "Is the best of the free life behind us now, and are the good times really over for good?
Thanks for the read. I hope I can contribute something meaningful to our discussions here.
How do we restore our sport? What do you think? Your comments appreciated!
