What have we become?
I started a thread in “Hunting Gear Discussion” about testing long johns…Under Armor vs. Polypropylene vs. Duo fold and someone mentioned I don’t know how anyone survived 30 years ago…it really hit me. What have we become?
First let me say I’ve been actually hunting since 14 mostly by myself that’s 42 years in the woods every chance I get. I owned a Hunting & Fishing Store and Guide service and got sucked in by all the hype just like everyone else…and I knew there was a ton of advertising out there sucking in sportsman by the minute…But it really hit me this year. I bought Under Armor products you know why…because it’s in your face almost everywhere you look. Now let me say this and make it very clear YOU draw your own conclusions about what ever you purchase, I’m not here to knock any company.
But I bought the gear because of advertising without doing my homework….advertising which is heavily focused on deer hunters. I see all the new “stuff” and I’m usually very careful about what I buy. Because of my age (56) I hunt in wool, that’s what I learned, it works and I stuck to it. My first rifle was a Winchester 30-30 iron sites. I shot a re-curve bow and learn to still hunt with a compass.
What have we become? From all kinds of mineral licks, hearing implements, gadgets for this gadgets for that… are you kidding me? Did I mention Scents? There must be hundreds? Wash your clothes in this, wipe with that… Sure some of the gear is great no question about it (like scopes & GPS), but look back in time I guess no one ever shot anything without this stuff right? I guess they were just dead down wind without it.
All I’m saying is we have gotten away from the core of the sport. Its not about all the gadgets trust me, It’s about the basics, camaraderie, enjoying the outdoors and teaching someone else who wants to learn…it’s a tradition pass it on.