A big thank you goes out to all the members here on TradGang and the moderators for making it possible.

I just received a less than pleasant e-mail from my brother about my recent bear hunt and my deer hunting activities. He listed a number of reasons why hunting is distasteful to him.

While I believe there is room for all opinions, I want to thank all of you who provide a place for people like me. People that want to participate in the circle of life. Many today do not understand what we are doing when we go into the woods with a bow. I want to thank you all for giving me a place where my motivations are understood.

He is aware of why I hunt. Not for antlers or trophies, just the internal drive to be a part of nature. He still doesn't get it.....


Thank you again to all my brothers of the bow on Tradgang. I'm not sure what I would do without you guys. This is my home away from home!  

Shoot straight  

   

Thank you for sharing what sounds like something that is painful for you.

I am sorry for it.  

I am glad that you can remain true to yourself even while having to deal with the disapproval of others, the same others that you would love to have the acceptance of.

I can tell you that I am proud to be able to call you brother and let you know you would be welcome around my campfire.

     

It certainly would be worse when coming from a family member or close friend. Some folks will just never "get it", no matter how much we would like them to at least accept it in us.

Thank you for all the kind words.

I mostly wanted to make sure you all knew that this site is a God send for those of us who didn't come from a hunting family or didn't have a mentor.

I really appreciate the site and all who call it home. I hope it didn't come across as a whiney, pity poor me post. The main thought I want to convey is being thankful for you all. Also to say thank you for all the knowledge that has been passed on to those of us without other resources.


You guys are top notch!  

Charlie   I got to witness your enjoyment of hunting at Bear Quest V.I watched you enjoy every aspect of the trip,the kill,baiting and hauling out bears,cleaning,stories,camp life,bowdoc,pitching in around camp just doing what we enjoy.You will probably not change his mind so don't let him make you feel bad.Just enjoy ,I know I have for about 47 years.Kip

Sounds lIke your brother has "Nature Deficit Disorder".

     ...like the saying goes, "If I have to explain it to you, then you will never understand "

Froggy

Charlie,

I was blessed with a GrandPa that introduced me to Hunting and fishing. He took those opportunities in the field to teach me right from wrong. He taught me about Honor, Morals, Ethics, and Values. My GrandPa passed in 95 doing what he loved. He was squirrel hunting. I thank God for that man and his lessons everyday.

Do what makes you happy and take the time to pass your love of hunting to the next generation.

Hang in there Charlie. There will always be people who feel that way. It is unforunate though that one of them is your brother. In this great country though, he has that right just as we have the right to do what we love. I just have to wonder what people think would happen to all the animals if none were ever killed by hunters and all the money hunters and fisherman contribute to conservation stopped coming in.

People see what they want to see. Steady she goes until the light goes on for him. Good luck.

I certainly took it as you were feeling it. If I had taken it as you being whiney, I assure you I would have just quietly passed the thread on by. My late, older brother didn't like hunting either but we sure had some fine times Fly Fishing together (among other things - LOL). I agree with you about the folks here. We do have a pretty good nest here for the cukoo to fly over - LOL.

There are blood brothers and then there are soul brothers.  I love my blood brother, (at least mine gun hunts) but feel closer to my soul brothers here.

I had to laugh because my oldest daughter said, "Well... I think.... I kinda understand you daddy."


God bless her!

Stole this from a farmer/gunsmith friend and use it to end such discussions with family, friends or co-workers:

"Well, ya gotta kill it to eat it, whether its a carrot or a cow"

If they don't "get that" they'll not understand any other rhetoric.

We only get to pick our friends... Gang are good crew to pick from.

QuoteOriginally posted by Whip:
There are blood brothers and then there are soul brothers.  I love my blood brother, (at least mine gun hunts) but feel closer to my soul brothers here.

Slip me some skin soul brother.  

I'm right there with ya Whip and Mudd thanks for the comments. Both of you were right on the mark as was everyone else.

My brother WAS also anti-hunting until I fed him some deer meat and now he is simply a non-hunter, guess in Boston not many deer wander through town. Some you will never convince so it is a waste of energy-others are more susceptable to understand it is not bloodlust that drives us but rather the need to heed our heritage. Keep true to yourself. We can only live our own lives.