Killing the future of hunting

Clay Hayes · July 07, 2015, 08:10:00 AM

I recently walked into my office and noticed a copy of a magazine sitting on my desk. It was put out by the International Hunters Education Association and it didn't take long to figure out why it was sitting where it was. I was a little aghast at what I found inside – so much so that I felt compelled to write a letter, something I never do.

http://www.twistedstave.com/future-of-hunting/

PistolPete · July 07, 2015, 08:18:00 AM

Great letter--I agree completely. Terrible concept to impress upon new hunters, and one that I had to learn the hard way as well, since I had to teach myself to hunt. It took me years to learn that spending all the money on scent-free clothing, sprays, and soaps actually does not help at all, is a complete waste of money, and, like you said, cheapens the experience.

Pete

Phillip Fields · July 07, 2015, 08:30:00 AM

Excellent letter. Everyone wants to buy success rather than work for it.

wscruggs · July 07, 2015, 08:47:00 AM

Good letter

Sam McMichael · July 07, 2015, 09:01:00 AM

I am lucky to have grown up in the 50's and 60's. I literally learned to read from Sports Afield magazine, one of my dad's favorites. The old timers taught hunting and outdoor sports, not merchandising. I learned a lot of real information from the publications of the time. Now I rely on magazines dedicated solely to traditional archery for information and relaxation. I was not at all surprised by the content of the magazine articles you saw and am glad you responded to useless information contained therein.

NBK · July 07, 2015, 09:12:00 AM

Your letter is an excellent example of how to respond. Intelligent and direct without bashing or accusation. Well done.

July 07, 2015, 09:19:00 AM

Everything is so commercialized now, I rarely read the magazine or watch the show anymore!

Bisch

D. Key · July 07, 2015, 09:26:00 AM

Well done, Sir.

McDave · July 07, 2015, 09:30:00 AM

Good response!

Orion · July 07, 2015, 09:41:00 AM

WOW. We know how these things happen, of course. The "sponsor" probably kicks in a big pile of money to help a cash strapped association pay for printing the document in return for running its ad under the guise of educational information.

I was a bowhunter education instructor until the past few years. Was thinking of becoming active again. Sure hope that garbage didn't make it into the bowhunter education instructional manual. If so, I won't be part of it.

Slickhead · July 07, 2015, 09:55:00 AM

very well written

wapiti792 · July 07, 2015, 10:23:00 AM

Outstanding Clay! Blows my mind the marketing ploys and unparalleled greed these companies have.

dbd870 · July 07, 2015, 10:48:00 AM

QuoteOriginally posted by wscruggs:
Good letter

Homey88 · July 07, 2015, 01:07:00 PM

Well written!

kevsuperg · July 07, 2015, 01:10:00 PM

i figured when the ozonics came out , bowhuting jumped the shark..

BigTimber · July 07, 2015, 03:50:00 PM

Makes me laugh. Ozonics. P&Y just jumped on their bandwagon.

highlow · July 07, 2015, 04:11:00 PM

Unfortunately, there are too many out there looking for that "quick fix" to put this kind of hokum to bed. I truly admire the guy who came up with the scent-free spray and soap. He knew exactly what he was doing. Never use the stuff. Have to laugh at these TV "stars" who haphazardly spray themselves before hitting the woods, missing probably more than 50% of their clothing. Guess that non-sprayed 50% doesn't have any odor. Once mentioned to a friend of mine, who uses the stuff, that no matter what, you still have to breathe. Great letter by the way.

STICKBENDER98 · July 07, 2015, 04:27:00 PM

Nice response to a sad truth these days. It seems that most every one is too busy in the fast paced hustle and bustle of keeping up with the "jones's" that applying shoe leather to ground is slowly being lost and not being passed on to the next generation.

TX FLY CASTER · July 07, 2015, 04:37:00 PM

Great letter !!! Agreed , it has gone way overboard with all the products claiming to give you instant success. One thing is guaranteed , if you don't put in the work .............you will eat your tag........LOL

lablover · July 07, 2015, 05:33:00 PM

instant gratification. If I can give you success without you having to work for it they'll buy it. Sad but true. Very good response on your part. Thank you for sticking up for real hunting ethics.