#1761675 - 02/02/10 01:01 PM
Re: When the word "trophy"....
[Re: Beekeeper]
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BSK
Jerkasourous of the non-typical kind
Non-Typical
Registered: 03/11/99
Posts: 59555
Loc: Nashville, TN
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mstanton1181,
The problem is two-fold. First is differences in definition of "trophy hunter." The range of what constitutes "trophy hunter" is amazingly wide. Hunters with many different methods of operation consider themselves "trophy hunters" because their ultimate goal is the same--to kill large-antlered bucks--yet go about accomplishing that goal very differently. "Trophy" hunters will run the gambit of methodology from those who are exceptionally wise deer and habitat managers to those who only exploit the resource. Just like every competitive process of Humanity, "trophy hunting" brings out the very best of Human Nature and the very worst of Human Nature. Trophy hunters exist that truly have the best interest of the resource at heart and share their acquired knowledge and experience improving that resource with others. Then you have the opposite end of the spectrum, the "somebody has something I don't and I want it" group, the "world owes me things" group, the cry-babies who blaim everyone else for their lack of success group, and many other examples of the "worst of Human Nature."
The second problem is the difference between fact and perception. Even though some "trophy hunters" are a great credit to hunting in general, the non-hunting public doesn't see or understand the differences in definition of trophy hunting. They simply hold a perception of trophy hunting based on the word "trophy" as well as images of exploitive and wasteful African Trophy Hunting of the past. The publics' view of trophy hunting is an exploitive and disrespectful process that diminishes majestic animals to macho bragging rights trophies, or worse yet monetary gain. Now again, these views are generally NOT based on fact. They are just impressions. Non-hunters don't see the good some trophy hunters strive to produce. But on the other hand, some of their views ARE accurate. The type of trophy hunters they perceive absolutely exist in the deer hunting world.
You asked, "how can anyone say trophy hunting will be the demise of hunting?" Unfortunately, the answer is "easily." We hunters talking amongst ourselves "get it." We know the different definitions of trophy hunting and we understand the "bad apples." However, having given many talks to large groups of non-hunters about deer and the fascinating complexities of herd dynamics, I've heard the concerns of the non-hunting public, over and over again. They absolutely despise the concept of trophy hunting as they see it. And as long as we hunters tolerate and don't stand up to the "bad apples" who epitomize the publics' view of "trophy hunter" we run the risk of losing the priveledge of deer hunting (the vast majority of the voting public is comprised of non-hunters).
In fact, that's why I completely disagree with the idea that we hunters need to stick together and defend each other, even if some do things we consider unethical. That is the same philosophy that will eventually be the demise of the Muslim religion. When the "moderate majority" refuse to stand up and discredit and point out the extremists, suspicion is cast upon the entire religion. To survive, they will have to begin policing themselves.
The same is true of the hunting community--we need to do a better job of policing ourselves. When we see something we feel is hurting the reputation of hunting we need to say so. We need to make certain behaviors unacceptable within the hunting community, or the bad apples ABSOLUTELY WILL ruin it for all of us.
_________________________
"Know where you stand, and stand there" --Jesuit Father Daniel Berrigan
"There is no reasoning someone out of a position he has not reasoned himself into." --Clive James
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#1761716 - 02/02/10 01:29 PM
Re: When the word "trophy"....
[Re: BSK]
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@fulldraw
8 Point
Registered: 09/29/08
Posts: 1161
Loc: Clarksville
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BSK,
Very well put. I have always thought that fighting as a group against something would help. In this case I see what you are saying. Public opinion will not change as long as the worst aspect of their views are not disproven to them by each hunter standing up to the "bad apples".
Another question, how can we change public opinion when there is so much marketing that affects public opinion?
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#1761742 - 02/02/10 01:43 PM
Re: When the word "trophy"....
[Re: Bottom Hunter]
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Setterman
8 Point
Registered: 12/31/09
Posts: 1783
Loc: Knoxville, TN
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Having just returned from the taxidermist trophies range from spikes to 170" monsters.
If trophy hunting is the demise of our sport then it is so because of the goons who run it down based on a lack of knowledge.
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#1761905 - 02/02/10 02:57 PM
Re: When the word "trophy"....
[Re: @fulldraw]
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BSK
Jerkasourous of the non-typical kind
Non-Typical
Registered: 03/11/99
Posts: 59555
Loc: Nashville, TN
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Another question, how can we change public opinion when there is so much marketing that affects public opinion?
I hate to keep flailing away on the same dead horse, but I honestly believe many of the hunting shows on TV for the whole non-world to see are the worst advertisement for hunting one could imagine. Talk about out-of-control trophyism...
_________________________
"Know where you stand, and stand there" --Jesuit Father Daniel Berrigan
"There is no reasoning someone out of a position he has not reasoned himself into." --Clive James
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#1762005 - 02/02/10 04:08 PM
Re: When the word "trophy"....
[Re: BSK]
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ChippewaPartners
10 Point
Registered: 08/25/01
Posts: 2910
Loc: Pamelot, my farm near Catoosa
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Bryan,
Isn't that the truth.......watching "shooters" walk up to the animal and start counting points is usually enough to warrant an immediate channel change. And the "shooters" in the Texas shooting houses wearing CAMO and "scent-free" suits are icing on the humor barometer as well. It's one big cluster out there these days and it seems every year fewer hunters want to hunt deer rather than just simply "shoot" deer. BTW, will you have the maps at the 'Vouz you had mentioned?
Edited by ChippewaPartners (02/02/10 04:08 PM)
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#1762048 - 02/02/10 04:30 PM
Re: When the word "trophy"....
[Re: Coach]
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Aussie Sniper
4 Point
Registered: 10/05/09
Posts: 248
Loc: Middle Tn
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A trophy hunter is not defined by what is a trophy to to any single hunter...heck, I've killed some trophy does...Instead it is defined on the record books.
I agree!
_________________________
"To be conscious that you are ignorant of the facts is a great step to knowledge." - Benjamin Disraeli
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#1762058 - 02/02/10 04:32 PM
Re: When the word "trophy"....
[Re: stik]
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Aussie Sniper
4 Point
Registered: 10/05/09
Posts: 248
Loc: Middle Tn
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i would call them DEER hunters.
_________________________
"To be conscious that you are ignorant of the facts is a great step to knowledge." - Benjamin Disraeli
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#1762142 - 02/02/10 05:08 PM
Re: When the word "trophy"....
[Re: Aussie Sniper]
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51 pointer
4 Point
Registered: 10/03/09
Posts: 436
Loc: Tennessee
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There is no doubt I am a trophy hunter.
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#1762156 - 02/02/10 05:12 PM
Re: When the word "trophy"....
[Re: 51 pointer]
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mathews338
10 Point
Registered: 11/05/09
Posts: 3990
Loc: jackson co.
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There is no doubt I am a trophy hunter.
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#1762227 - 02/02/10 05:51 PM
Re: When the word "trophy"....
[Re: BSK]
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Wes Parrish
16 Point
Registered: 06/12/02
Posts: 16993
Loc: Knoxville-Dover-Union City, TN
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. . . . . I honestly believe many of the hunting shows on TV for the whole non-world to see are the worst advertisement for hunting one could imagine. Talk about out-of-control trophyism...
I couldn't agree more.
Can't tell you how many conversations I've had with non-hunters regarding their perceptions on deer hunting. Most have watched these "hunting" shows, and most believe hunting is more about shooting and killing, than well, hunting. Most really do believe it's not much more challenging to go kill a deer than it would be to go kill a cow in a farmer's pasture ---- and most of this perception has come from those hunting shows IMO.
How often does a 30 to 60-minute show NOT include "trophy" buck being killed? Very unrealistic, but non-hunters don't know that. Neither do inexperienced hunters, many of whom stick their toe in a little hunting, then go back to video games when they don't kill a trophy buck during their first few hunting experiences.
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