Another "New Hunters" article

[BSK]

Great article.

I believe this issue of drawing "foodies" into hunting, and finding the best way to convince them that hunting isn't about knuckle-dragging Neanderthals, is critical to the resurgence of true conservation over the current "greenie"-driven focus on preservation.

 

[treefarmer]

I too think it is a good thing to bring some "foodies" into hunting. I have seen surveys where non-hunters think well of us when it comes to eating what we shoot. I have offered to others to come hunting and if they don't have the equipment, I'd loan it to them. We all have a rifle in the back of the cabinet to share. I have only met one person that decided as an adult to hunt, bought the equipment and went on a WMA to hunt deer. The rest of us, me included, were taken by a dad, uncle, etc. and loved it. We can also improve our reputation by serving wild game/fish to others that don't hunt.

 

[Bone Collector]

I can't wait to be on Priest and see my first Hipster Hunter, even if they don't want to be called that.

Looking like they are going to a fashion show with a shotgun....

I guess I should mention though if they needed help, i would help them.

 

[BSK]

I've helped several young adults (those in their twenties) to start hunting, although all of them were either new family members (people marrying into the family) or friends of family members. Other than learning safe gun handling, and the basics of hunting techniques, we heavily stress our "sustainable" and herd-health-oriented management practices. That seems to be of great interest to new young hunters. They like the whole "management idea," not from a bigger/older buck angle, but from a "doing something good for the local deer population" perspective.

 

[bowriter]

Hmmm. There is some merit to the subject and it is an extremely well written column. It is true, there is some uptick in license sales due to "foodies". I mentioned that in a recent article as well. However, I am not sure in this area and especially in deer hunting it it is nearly as significant as the article potrays.

I too mentioned the license sales uptick but found the reasons to be totally different for the most part. In deer hunting, it is due to re-entry into deer hunting by seniors who had given up the sport and by women, though not women who would qualify as "foodies".

 

[redblood]

Foodies, hipsters, metrosexuals. i know there is supposedly strength in numbers, but i am not convinced this is the company we need

 

[BSK]

Foodies, hipsters, metrosexuals. i know there is supposedly strength in numbers, but i am not convinced this is the company we need

I honestly don't think many of them will become hunters. But I promise you, if just a few do, and realize what hunting and conservation (as opposed to preservation) are really about, and discuss that with friends when the topic comes up in conversation, they can change A LOT of minds. When "one of their own" tells a different story than what their much beloved Mass Media does, the group will listen. And that group is becoming a powerful voting block. Having as many of them on our side when it comes to new, potentially restrictive to hunting laws are proposed, I want as many hipsters, foodies, and greenies as possible to have heard a different story than what the Media tells them to believe. They will listen to their friends more than they will the Media.

 

[dr]

I believe that for this to work , new hunters would need some mentoring. Someone that can accompany them on their first few hunts, and in an area where the odds of killing that first deer is high. I think most will get discouraged after a few unsuccessful hunts when they find that hunting can be a lot of work, and there's not a deer hiding behind every tree. Most hunters probably come home empty handed about 90% of the time. If they could get that first deer early on they might get the fever. Much of todays society is into instant gratification, and might have a hard time sitting in the woods for days without seeing a deer.

 

[BSK]

I completely agree dr. And that will be especially true for any prospective new hunter raised outside of a rural environment. Anyone from a suburban/urban environment has no concept of how deer normally behave in a hunted environment. All they have been exposed to are "zoo deer" of the suburbs, who have no fear of Man.

 

[MattR]

I can't wait to be on Priest and see my first Hipster Hunter, even if they don't want to be called that.

Looking like they are going to a fashion show with a shotgun....

I guess I should mention though if they needed help, i would help them.

Already seen one on percy this year. He was dressed too much different but he was indeed a hipster.

 

[bowriter]

I cannot remember what state it is...up Nawth somewhere. They have a mentoring program with no age restriction. As I recall, the mentor signs up for one or two mentorees(?) for a few weeks. Some of the things taught are gutting, skinning, butchering and cooking as well as the actual hunting skills. I read about it in a magazine at one of my doctor's offices. Should have brought it home.

Seems as though that would make great fodder for a column or article down here. Might be a goodun for the TWRA mag. Gil.

 

[treefarmer]

I couldn't have said it better than BSK regarding good publicity from the few foodies and hipsters that might start hunting. The hunting community has such a good story to tell and are having a hard time communicating to the non-hunters that what we do is a good thing. People that see us as hunting to fill our freezers and managing the wildlife responsibly think highly of us, those that see us differently, don't think so highly of us.

 

[redblood]

I couldn't have said it better than BSK regarding good publicity from the few foodies and hipsters that might start hunting. The hunting community has such a good story to tell and are having a hard time communicating to the non-hunters that what we do is a good thing. People that see us as hunting to fill our freezers and managing the wildlife responsibly think highly of us, those that see us differently, don't think so highly of us.

but can current land resources and public access handle a new subgroup of hunter- ones possessing little or no resources in that area. Another thing to contemplate, is it fair to give them a "taste" of the of the flavor of hunting, but not have the resources to feed them a whole meal. how long will they stay if that is the case? I don't hunt public land and own most of the land i hunt and plan on buying more each year, so they will not affect me. But it seems everyone is on board with this movement, but many things that look good on paper, look bad in the light of a frosty morning.

 

[BSK]

I couldn't have said it better than BSK regarding good publicity from the few foodies and hipsters that might start hunting. The hunting community has such a good story to tell and are having a hard time communicating to the non-hunters that what we do is a good thing. People that see us as hunting to fill our freezers and managing the wildlife responsibly think highly of us, those that see us differently, don't think so highly of us.

but can current land resources and public access handle a new subgroup of hunter- ones possessing little or no resources in that area. Another thing to contemplate, is it fair to give them a "taste" of the of the flavor of hunting, but not have the resources to feed them a whole meal. how long will they stay if that is the case? I don't hunt public land and own most of the land i hunt and plan on buying more each year, so they will not affect me. But it seems everyone is on board with this movement, but many things that look good on paper, look bad in the light of a frosty morning.

redblood,

What do you mean by "land resources?" Of course the deer population and habitat can handle more hunters. A big chunk of the state allows virtually an unlimited doe harvest. A few more hunters isn't going to make any difference.

Now as for hunting access, that's where "hunting experience" may be compromised slightly. More hunters and less land each year to hunt on (expanding suburbs) is certainly going to put more pressure on public lands. And that is one more reason to buy land for hunting. Although, I wouldn't be shocked if "greenies" are able to access land for hunting that is currently off-limits to hunters due to landowner attitude. Where landowners currently have their doors closed to "Bubba Six-pack," those doors may be opened to educated eco-type hunters. And lets be honest, a lot of the greenie/hipster types ARE highly educated, usually having at least 4-year college degrees if not post-graduate degrees.

 

[bowriter]

There is more than enough both land and deer to support considerably more hunter numbers. You are not going to have a vast sea of humanity all of a sudden start hunting. In terms of TN, it is highly unlikely the slight increase would even be noticed. Public would not suddenly be inundated with orange clad ecos. I would be surprised to see a 1% bulge in TN.

But what may happen is a small ground swell nationwide may bolster hunting and offset anti-hunting sentiments. I cannot see a downside to non-hunters and foodies exploring hunting and I for one welcome them.

 

[BSK]

But what may happen is a small ground swell nationwide may bolster hunting and offset anti-hunting sentiments. I cannot see a downside to non-hunters and foodies exploring hunting and I for one welcome them.

Agreed. "Winning friends" into that social/political circle would have HUGE upsides for hunting.

 

[MossyOakLandman]

I may have a some what unique prospective. I live in a suburban area but spend most every day in rural parts of west Tennessee. The kids, mostly all suburban, I have introduced to hunting are academically driven, good kids. Some you might classify as hipsters. Even though they might live in that realm, they seem to always break out of it when I encounter them. I say we are becoming outnumbered and soon we will need there help.

 

[parkerxbowhunter]

Thats a good read for sure.