Iwas recently watching a couple of online “ influencers ” who were arguing about R3 efforts ( recruitment , retention , reactivation ) and whether “ more competition ” was a good or bad thing . Then I saw a meme a few days later of a full hunting area parking lot that generated more than a few hostile ( and downright nasty ) posts about “ too many ” hunters . This may be an attitude harbored by many , but if we sit and think for a moment , this self-centered focus is leading us down the path of our own destruction .
That seems like a bold claim I ’ m making , but the reasoning is sound . Of course we want our ranks to expand over time . I actually rejoice when I see a full parking lot , or packed boat ramp , and standing shoulder to shoulder with others during a steelhead run is about the best thing I can imagine . I might be an outlier , but I think we can all agree that if we are to protect our outdoor traditions , plus-one is better than minus-one .
To put this plainly , the full parking lot might mean that I don ’ t get that great spot I scouted today , but because my army is strong , I will be back tomorrow and the next day and next year . If my truck is the only one in the parking lot today , my cherished heritage is instead gone tomorrow and the next day and next year . For those who want to argue with me , I say your self-centered motives will lead to our demise , or at best , negatively affect future generations . At least admit fewer sportsmen on the landscape is obviously not good for the future . Therefore , your motives , even if based on selfish reasons , are actually self-defeating .
The alternative is to recognize we are part of a community and that our community ’ s health is directly related to its overall size . Our heritage will not be saved by the good intentions of others . It will be protected in perpetuity because we are a legion , or we will be shuttered off the landscape . Numbers matter when it comes to decision-making in this country . I want our army as big and strong as we can build it and keep it .
And this goes well beyond a theoretical discussion about R3 or packed parking lots . In fact , it is our collective individual behaviors and motivations that matter most long term .
Taking time to welcome new hunters , both young and old , to the field aligns with our goal of protecting our heritage more than coveting uncrowded hunting spots .
METHODS OR SPECIES When sportsmen join hands , we win . It really is that simple . And the reverse is also true : when we remain divided , we get beaten . And sometimes , we even divide ourselves or refuse to join the fight to protect others . When deer hunters join bear hunters join duck hunters join bird hunters join trappers join bass anglers , etc ., to fight for elk hunters ( or whatever ), good things will happen for all sportsmen . When we don ’ t join hands , well , you know the answer . Even worse , when one “ species ” group decides that “ another species ” group is a problem , then we turn on each other and our true enemies relish the bloodbath .
This problem becomes even worse when rifle hunters decide the bow hunters are somehow their enemy , or traditional archery enthusiasts decide that anyone with a crossbow is a menace . We ’ ve watched these battles on “ methods ” time and again . Rifle hunters vs . shotgun hunters . Still hunters vs . drive hunters . Blue water vs . flats . Fly vs . live bait . Public vs . private . And the list goes on and on .
SUMMER 2024 35