I was sitting on my deck this morning, thinking about the way I am perceived as a hunter. I find that many times, I get lumped into the "hunter" category. We all know its a very general category that over the years has been degraded enough to make people not want to be in that category and find a way to stand out. Many of the land owners I deal with on a year to year basis, dont hunt. They dont know the difference between a compound and a recurve, and if they dont know the difference between the bow they certainly dont know the difference between the people carrying them. I like to think I'm different than most of the "hunters" that many landowners have to deal with. But how do you portray that when asking for permission to hunt their land? Without a while spent showing them you are a good person, and that your equipment does make you different, how do you set yourself apart from the degenerate general category of "hunter". We are traditional bowhunters, very different from the category we often get lumped into, but without having a few months to show landowners who we are, how do we get access, without the stigma of being a general hunter? Once I get permission to hunt a piece of land I am always certain to thank the landowners repeatedly and to send holiday greetings, and gift cards to show my appreciation, but when I get turned down or told NO I take it personally, often times its because "after two years ago we dont allow hunting anymore." Or we dont want hunters in our woods, its not safe. I wish I could have the chance to show them we are different than just "hunters". So I guess after my long rant my question is this.
How do you avoid the stigma that goes with the general category of blood thirsty, care more about the kill than the actual hunt type of "hunter" we often times get associated with by the public. I question whether I am doing enough to set myself apart, to make me better, make me different than the rest. Not a better hunter, I dont care about that, I just want a better image than society gives us in general. Maybe its one of those things people refer to as "lifes mysteries". And so Ill sit on my deck and keep thinking of new ways to be different.
I hunted not for the aminals but to just get away from the everyday life style and rut we all fall into. When I was working I took my off days and vacation time to get away from stress and pressure of work and just kicked back and enjoyed myself for a couple of weeks. If I was lucky enough to harvest an aminal so be it, if not I still hard the memories of a great hunt.
I'll tell you what will go a long way to help get access and to set yourself apart from the pack. One thing I like to do is to get permission well in advance of the season and wearing presentable clothing when I approach a landowner, I don't were my hunting clothes when I do this and I like to beat the crowds. I also explain my weapon of choice and it never hurts to bring that person a small gift at the end of the season like a Ham or such, also once I get permission I ask every year so that person remembers me and to show them respect. Sometimes you will start hunting just woodchucks and it can expand to big game after the landowner can see your just not another run of the mill hunter.
It's not about the equiptment in front of the man, but rather the man behind the equiptment.
I personally don't think the equiptment has anything to do with what kind of person you are.
With all due respect.....
Todd
I've got to agree with Todd.
I'm the same person whether I'm carrying my longbow or one of my rifles.
I've met stand-up men who hunt with firearms and I've met jerks who use recurves.
It's the individual who will make the difference, not the gear they use.
Guy
Another in agreement with Todd. The equipment in your hand doesn't make you any better. It is the person you are. Instead of expecting special treatment because of your equipment choice, how about setting yourself apart by showing up in the spring and summer and help bale some hay, or muck out the barn, plant some trees, mend some fence, bring the landowner a mess of fresh crappie fillets, or something like that. Get to know them and give something back. Then they will know what kind of man you are regardless of the type bow in your hand.
QuoteOriginally posted by Lefty:
Another in agreement with Todd. The equipment in your hand doesn't make you any better. It is the person you are. Instead of expecting special treatment because of your equipment choice, how about setting yourself apart by showing up in the spring and summer and help bale some hay, or muck out the barn, plant some trees, mend some fence, bring the landowner a mess of fresh crappie fillets, or something like that. Get to know them and give something back. Then they will know what kind of man you are regardless of the type bow in your hand.
Amen!!!
Those actions would for sure set you apart.
It all boils down to one word, RESPECT!
Those that know about it will know you have it. Those that don't know about it will still know you have it.
Todd