Elitism?? Really?

Tennessee Deer Sporting & Deer Hunting Community Forum

Help Support TNDeer | Tennessee Deer:

C

Coach

Well-Known Member
Joined
Dec 2, 2007
Messages
11,319
City & State/Province
Pall Mall, TN and Dexter, MI
I've been reading this in many posts lately especially from a few regulars...Elitism and bow hunters...I've never heard of such a thing. One post actually said there are only two reasons why most bowhunters bowhunt...that seems a little elite to me to tell me why I hunt...

Here's the deal....I bow hunt because it's bow season...I muzzleload hunt because it's muzzleload season and I rifle hunt because the book says it's that time of year again. Same for turkey and small game.

What in the world is it coming to when our discussions are about how one group feels superior to another? My family, buddies and I never heard of this...while that debate is going on, I think I'll go out and enjoy the woods, the squirrels and pesky crows...for that matter I may just enjoy all of God's creations while there...whether it's with a bow or not....
 
Coach,

As in politics if you really want to put someone on their heels attack with emotional words. Accusing bow hunters and calling them Elitists does exactly that. Democrats immediately scream race if they want to deter a debate from facts to emotion. I no longer allow emotions to dictate what I type because I know what the other person(s) are doing. Key? Bow hunters, don't take the bait.

Another thing is you will see more and more people start using the language of the person that has the most influence. People that don't think for themselves will start calling other people the same thing. take a look at the topic of hunting shows, once upon a time it wasn't popular to bash hunting shows but it sure is now with a few of the stronger influential people doing so.
 
Poser said:
richmanbarbeque said:
Coach,

take a look at the topic of hunting shows, once upon a time it wasn't popular to bash hunting shows but it sure is now with a few of the stronger influential people doing so.
Click to expand...

Not sure if I count as a "influential" member or not, but I sure do love me some hunting show bashing. You should hear my live satire at deer camp where I never miss an opportunity to turn a moment into satirical advertisement a las "hunting show". I can do it so well that they should pay me to write these shows (assuming the views of said shows would miss the parody aspect... which they most likely would if they are fans of said shows to begin with).
Click to expand...

I actually do a routine like that at deer camp too! fun stuff
 
I always thought bow hunters hunted with bows purely because they were crazy?! :) :)

Just joking!!! Bows are too range limited for me - I feel like I'm throwing rocks when I have a muzzle loader. But, like you, Coach, I hunt with what the season/law requires.

Seriusly though regarding bows, how do you guys that hunt early bow season stand the bugs? They eat me up that time of year just walking through the woods. I can't even imagine trying to sit still enough to deer hunt. Are there any bug repelants that don't spook deer? how do you do it?
 
When I say bowhunters are eliteists,I don't mean all bowhunters.But there are a few who do have that "im a better hunter than you" mind set because they hunt with a bow.These bowhunters are complaining about "the orange army" or wishing they had more "bow only" time to hunt.. The list goes on.I too bow hunt,but don't consider myself a eliteist,and I wouldn't classify you as one either,but like I said,there are a select few on here that do have the mindset.
 
There's only one group that I consider myself an Elitist in: TNDeer.com

Where else can you find a thread on a guy hunting live in the rain and another (or 10) threads about what weapons we should be allowed to hunt with in the Great state of Tennessee. I think I'll start my own random thread just cause I wanna. Wonder how those Elitist bow hunters would feel about only being allowed to hunt with long bows, recurves, wooden shafts and hand made broad heads? If they wanted to do that I'd consider them pretty [censored] elite then.
 
Coach said:
I've been reading this in many posts lately especially from a few regulars...Elitism and bow hunters...I've never heard of such a thing. One post actually said there are only two reasons why most bowhunters bowhunt...that seems a little elite to me to tell me why I hunt...

Here's the deal....I bow hunt because it's bow season...I muzzleload hunt because it's muzzleload season and I rifle hunt because the book says it's that time of year again. Same for turkey and small game.

What in the world is it coming to when our discussions are about how one group feels superior to another? My family, buddies and I never heard of this...while that debate is going on, I think I'll go out and enjoy the woods, the squirrels and pesky crows...for that matter I may just enjoy all of God's creations while there...whether it's with a bow or not....
Click to expand...

I agree 100 % Coach !
 
Hunter 257W said:
I always thought bow hunters hunted with bows purely because they were crazy?! :) :)

Just joking!!! Bows are too range limited for me - I feel like I'm throwing rocks when I have a muzzle loader. But, like you, Coach, I hunt with what the season/law requires.

Seriusly though regarding bows, how do you guys that hunt early bow season stand the bugs? They eat me up that time of year just walking through the woods. I can't even imagine trying to sit still enough to deer hunt. Are there any bug repelants that don't spook deer? how do you do it?
Click to expand...

Thermocell...it's pretty amazing
 
Coach said:
What in the world is it coming to when our discussions are about how one group feels superior to another?
Click to expand...

Although I've read a few posts that reak of superiority, I don't think that is really the point. In fact, "elitism" probably isn't the right word. The right word is "selfishness." And by that I mean that many bow hunters don't want other hunters hunting during bow season simply because they don't want to share the woods with other hunters. In essence, their primary reason for bow-hunting is to get time in the woods with less competition from other hunters. I certainly don't begrudge them that desire. However, arguing vehemently that they somehow deserve that time alone in the woods is a problem. That's where the selfishness comes into play.
 
It seems to me most discussions on TNdeer.com are pretty civil, and we'll never totally agree on much anything.

So I'll have to disagree with what BSK just said by "fixing" it to be in the context of us bowhunters already getting the "first opportunity" and that opportunity lasting over a month before anyone gets any opportunity with a firearm. :)
In this context . . . . . .

BSK said:
In essence, their primary reason for bow-hunting is to get time in the woods with less competition from other hunters. I certainly don't begrudge them that desire. However, arguing vehemently that they somehow deserve [color:#FF0000]yet MORE exclusive[/color] time alone in the woods is a problem. That's where the selfishness comes into play.
Click to expand...
[color:#FF0000]Fixed it for you, BSK.[/color]

I like our current season segments, i.e. archery, muzzleloader, gun. Good balance for all.
 
BSK said:
Coach said:
What in the world is it coming to when our discussions are about how one group feels superior to another?
Click to expand...

Although I've read a few posts that reak of superiority, I don't think that is really the point. In fact, "elitism" probably isn't the right word. The right word is "selfishness." And by that I mean that many bow hunters don't want other hunters hunting during bow season simply because they don't want to share the woods with other hunters. In essence, their primary reason for bow-hunting is to get time in the woods with less competition from other hunters. I certainly don't begrudge them that desire. However, arguing vehemently that they somehow deserve that time alone in the woods is a problem. That's where the selfishness comes into play.
Click to expand...

It's also possible that bowhunters have/need to have their quarry closer in order to be able to get an ethical shot...and having more hunters in the woods may possibly hamper that effort. Like I stated, I hunt with all three and enjoy all three very much but I also hunt private land only. I'm thinking of hunting with a camera and puttin' the dis on weapon hunters.. ;)
 
Coach said:
BSK said:
Coach said:
What in the world is it coming to when our discussions are about how one group feels superior to another?
Click to expand...

Although I've read a few posts that reak of superiority, I don't think that is really the point. In fact, "elitism" probably isn't the right word. The right word is "selfishness." And by that I mean that many bow hunters don't want other hunters hunting during bow season simply because they don't want to share the woods with other hunters. In essence, their primary reason for bow-hunting is to get time in the woods with less competition from other hunters. I certainly don't begrudge them that desire. However, arguing vehemently that they somehow deserve that time alone in the woods is a problem. That's where the selfishness comes into play.
Click to expand...

It's also possible that bowhunters have/need to have their quarry closer in order to be able to get an ethical shot...and having more hunters in the woods may possibly hamper that effort.
Click to expand...

And if it does, so what? Everyone having the same opportunity to hunt the same number of days, with their weapon of choice, is fair. If you want to challenge yourself by using a bow, then accept the challenge, and everything that goes with it (like needing to get closer to your quary and the fact other hunters may hamper that effort).
 
BSK said:
If you want to challenge yourself by using a bow, then accept the challenge, and everything that goes with it (like needing to get closer to your quarry and the fact other hunters may hamper that effort).
Click to expand...
I agree.
Other hunters don't "owe" special homage to someone just because he CHOOSES to use a less effective weapon.

jar said:
. . . . . some people just want to close gun season for a few weeks to give the deer a break, even if there is no hunting at all for the 2 weeks.
Click to expand...
But MOST hunters don't.
Most just want to know the rules, so they can go hunting without worrying about accidentally breaking the law.

jar said:
. . . . just go buy a bow and bow hunt no one is stopping you
Click to expand...
Likewise, if you want no hunting for a couple weeks during November, just stop hunting. :)

Oh, what I would have given to have had our current season segments when I was doing lots of deer hunting back in the 70's and 80's. Back when archery season ended October 31, and didn't re-open. Back when there was no muzzleloader season. It was mostly just "deer" season in late November, although there were few deer compared to today. I did bowhunt a lot in October, and the "modern" bows of that day are now antiquated.

We even had a 1-buck limit in TN when I started deer hunting back in the bad "good" old days! :D

IMO, we have it great today with our current season segments in TN, regardless of which weapons we prefer to use while deer hunting.
 
I can't stand the arguing on the subject either. I LOVE to bow hunt, but CAN'T WAIT to get a gun in my hand! I wouldn't argue anything unless they tried to shorten the time I could have a gun ;)
 
BSK said:
Coach said:
BSK said:
Coach said:
What in the world is it coming to when our discussions are about how one group feels superior to another?
Click to expand...

Although I've read a few posts that reak of superiority, I don't think that is really the point. In fact, "elitism" probably isn't the right word. The right word is "selfishness." And by that I mean that many bow hunters don't want other hunters hunting during bow season simply because they don't want to share the woods with other hunters. In essence, their primary reason for bow-hunting is to get time in the woods with less competition from other hunters. I certainly don't begrudge them that desire. However, arguing vehemently that they somehow deserve that time alone in the woods is a problem. That's where the selfishness comes into play.
Click to expand...

It's also possible that bowhunters have/need to have their quarry closer in order to be able to get an ethical shot...and having more hunters in the woods may possibly hamper that effort.
Click to expand...

And if it does, so what? Everyone having the same opportunity to hunt the same number of days, with their weapon of choice, is fair. If you want to challenge yourself by using a bow, then accept the challenge, and everything that goes with it (like needing to get closer to your quary and the fact other hunters may hamper that effort).
Click to expand...

The main point of my thread is all the elitism comments about bowhunters and the fact I have never heard of it before nor has any of my hunting buddies. I disagree with you BSK but not enough to debate it. I hunt all private land and if you come on my land in your orange during bow season disturbing my hunt I'd have more to say I guess...By the way, do you bow hunt? ;) :grin:
 
jar said:
Yall are way over thinking this some people just want to close gun season for a few weeks to give the deer a break, even if there is no hunting at all for the 2 weeks. How could it be elitist anyway, just go buy a bow and bow hunt no one is stopping you
Click to expand...

What if a I don't want to hunt with a bow?

Why do bow hunters think they deserve time to hunt when other hunters wanting to use other weapons can't?
 
Coach said:
The main point of my thread is all the elitism comments about bowhunters and the fact I have never heard of it before nor has any of my hunting buddies.
Click to expand...

That's because no one has ever forced to look in the mirror and realize bow hunters don't deserve time in the woods alone. They currently have that, but they certainly don't deserve it, and I see no reason to preserve that if more hunting time could be given to more hunters without doing harm to the deer population (although that is a question that would have to be biologically answered first).


I disagree with you BSK but not enough to debate it.
Click to expand...

Why would you want to? Those arguing for a bow season don't have a logical leg to stand on. It's a no-win argument.


By the way, do you bow hunt? ;) :grin:
Click to expand...

I used to bow hunt almost exclusively. I would put in well over 100 hours of treestand time during bow season, and then maybe 20-25 during MZ/gun season.
 
BSK said:
jar said:
Yall are way over thinking this some people just want to close gun season for a few weeks to give the deer a break, even if there is no hunting at all for the 2 weeks. How could it be elitist anyway, just go buy a bow and bow hunt no one is stopping you
Click to expand...

What if a I don't want to hunt with a bow?

Why do bow hunters think they deserve time to hunt when other hunters wanting to use other weapons can't?
Click to expand...

Maybe think of it like this...baseball season, football season, basketball season, hockey season with a little overlap here and there. I'm thinking that you have some ulterior motive for being so flippant...especially, since you don't bow hunt...
 
Coach said:
BSK said:
jar said:
Yall are way over thinking this some people just want to close gun season for a few weeks to give the deer a break, even if there is no hunting at all for the 2 weeks. How could it be elitist anyway, just go buy a bow and bow hunt no one is stopping you
Click to expand...

What if a I don't want to hunt with a bow?

Why do bow hunters think they deserve time to hunt when other hunters wanting to use other weapons can't?
Click to expand...

Maybe think of it like this...baseball season, football season, basketball season, hockey season with a little overlap here and there. I'm thinking that you have some ulterior motive for being so flippant...especially, since you don't bow hunt...
Click to expand...

But if I want to play football during baseball season, and that does no harm, shouldn't I be allowed to?

Of course I'm being flippant on purpose! ;)

But in all honesty, I do want bow hunters to realize they have no special "right" to a unique weapon season, and there is no valid argument for such a right.
 
BSK, are you just upset bc you weren't better shooting live deer with a bow?

I kid, kinda.

I recognize the logic and agree with your argument, but I would be very sad if there was not a bow only season. Gun season brings out the crazys, and I can't imagine how little daylight rutting activity would be seen if it was open well in advance of the rut.

I'm fine being called selfish for that and don't deserve a lot of things I have in life, but I still enjoy them!
 
No one ever said we had a right to bow hunt only but it is the fairest. Gun hunters put crazy amount of pressure on deer, so in reality i think it is fair for bow hunter's to have that month. And if someone doesn't want to hunt with a bow to have the woods "to themselves " then that's their fault they have no excuse to be unhappy that they hunt after the bow hunters. Everyone has a fair opportunity at every season. Bow hunters do not think they are better hunters nor our we selfish.
 
I think you may have to look at the impact that having one season if they did that you might get one more week of hunting guns. Then the other question is are you ready to pay more for the gun lisc? The would have to make up for the loss revenue. Also you would see a loss in the sporting goods sales in tn. While I am sure some would still hunt with bows but the numbers would drop a lot.

If put in charge I would not change the season but personally I would rather have all gun season open from Aug and close some time in Apr. But that is why they don't do what we want but what is best for the deer and to try to satisfy as meany as they can.
 
We need a 2 buck,4 doe season,any weapon from Oct1st to Jan 31st. Only 1 buck can be tagged from Oct1-Nov31 and 1 from Dec1st to the end. Only 2 does in each of the segments as well. If you need more deer to eat,buy another license and take that person hunting,or have some more kids. :D
 
infoman jr. said:
I think we need an unbiased opinion. Any fly fishermen or bird dog owners on the board? :whistle:
Click to expand...

Yes, I flyfish saltwater. I've fished it all with every type of gear and I can offcialiy confirm that's the best there is. I'm also a new bow hunter with one bow kill. I'm feeling pretty darn elite these days, although I have no interest in dogs or birds except for turkeys. My unbiased opinion is that bow season is pretty darn close to being a right without actually being one. Glad I could help settle that.
 
BowGuy84 said:
BSK, are you just upset bc you weren't better shooting live deer with a bow?

I kid, kinda.
Click to expand...

Naaa, I'm not even really advocating a three month any-weapon season. I'm just trying to get bow hunters to think, and realize they have no special right to a unique hunting season before everybody else. They should be very lucky to have what they have. Some Southeastern states have very little in the way of a bow season.


I recognize the logic and agree with your argument, but I would be very sad if there was not a bow only season. Gun season brings out the crazys, and I can't imagine how little daylight rutting activity would be seen if it was open well in advance of the rut.
Click to expand...

But hunters in some parts of the state already deal with that. Their peak breeding is in mid-December, yet gun season opens a month before that. The deer (and especially the bucks) have been shot at with guns for almost a month before the rut kicks in. Those of us with a rut close to the gun opener are very lucky.


I'm fine being called selfish for that and don't deserve a lot of things I have in life, but I still enjoy them!
Click to expand...

Hey, at least your honest enough to admit it! I can appreciate that. I just think it's too funny how some will believe that "because I don't want to hunt with other hunters" is somehow a defensible reason for a special season.
 

Latest posts

Back
Top