What's makes a Pro Hunter
 

So I'm watching the Sportsman's channel on Comcast and are watching these "Pro" hunters and I can't help but ask...what the hell makes them so Pro?! Is it that they just get paid to hunt? They can afford fancy cameras and pay people to hunt on land that others can't?

I bet the majority of people on this forum can make the shots I see them make on t.v. if they had the same opportunities (not like they're hard) so why are you not pro? I'm guessing it is because you have a normal job, are part of the middle class and a family you need to take care of.

I kind of look at the title of "Pro" hunter the same as a "Pro" poker player.

RE: What's makes a Pro Hunter
 

they know the right people.

RE: What's makes a Pro Hunter
 

Pro are professional is some one who dose something for personal gain ( money ) are for a living. It has not a thing with being good, but it helps. In hunting unlike target are 3Ds were you got to be able to win to make money. You just got to have your own TV show and get lucky to get a big one some times are to keep it interesting to keep it aired. So you can get paid for doing it. Look it up in the dictionary

RE: What's makes a Pro Hunter
 

someone is one word, dose is does and fragmented sentences...and you want me to use a dictionary.

RE: What's makes a Pro Hunter
 

Honestly, I don't think there is such a thing as a "PRO" hunter. There are paid TV Personalities, There are "endorsed" hunters, and Professional shooters but in my opinion, and it may differ from any of yours, no such thing as a professional hunter.

RE: What's makes a Pro Hunter
 

I concur, Rob.

The only pro-hunter I know of is made by TC

RE: What's makes a Pro Hunter
 

I'd consider them guys in africa pro hunters.

Otherwise "pro" just means getting paid. Who cares whether they earned it or BS'd thier way to it, to bought into it.

RE: What's makes a Pro Hunter
 

:D

RE: What's makes a Pro Hunter
 

Must be nice to get paid for it.

RE: What's makes a Pro Hunter
 

I agree someone who can sell ice to an eskimoo. If you get paid for during a service I guess you can consider yourself a pro. They are the lucky one getting paid for something they love but alot of them do promote our sport which is needed.

RE: What's makes a Pro Hunter
 

Money and good outfitters.


Some "Pro" hunters are AMZING hunters though. Cameron Haynes is a good example of a GREAT hunter.

RE: What's makes a Pro Hunter
 

Most of the time they are "pro" staff members.... in other words, PROmotional staff members....somemay actually get"paid", most just get the hunts paid for in order to push a certain product...

I doubt any of these guys are getting rich....

RE: What's makes a Pro Hunter
 

Sponsers.

RE: What's makes a Pro Hunter
 

I agree. Pro is someone who gets paid for it

RE: What's makes a Pro Hunter
 

I could shoot my bow drunk better than some of the so called "pros" I watched on the Outdoor Channel this past weekend did sober. On Lee and Tiffany's show he shot a buck high on the back above the left shoulder and called it a good shot, the shot she made in the next clip wasn't much better. The real clincher for me was when they were getting ready to go out and set up "one more stand", he claims they set up at least 200 stands annually(), watching somebody sort through a stack of what appeared to be around 40+ pop-up blinds that you know they got for free turned my stomach. They were all in boxes stacked up like pizzas. [:'(]

RE: What's makes a Pro Hunter
 

Rob makes a good point. Technically, if they are getting paid, they are "pros", but we all know there are a lot of guys (and gals) out there doing it better.

RE: What's makes a Pro Hunter
 

If someone is getting paid to hunt, they’re a professional. Sure there may be better hunters, and there always will be, but at that moment, they’re professionals.

If you look up an electrician in the phone book to do some work at your place and call him out. While he’s at your house working, he’s a professional. He’s getting paid to perform a service, and it is understood that he has enough knowledge to do so.

If you’re better, go get paid to hunt. Don’t just sit around and talk about it; that’s the easy part.


Also, keep in mind that many have said, and in my experience it is true; “the best way to ruin a good hobby, is to start getting paid for it.”

Since there is probably a really long line of hunters waiting to take the place of the hunter on camera, I’d find it hard to believe that they’re making a lot of money. The money is probably in the products the cable contracts. I doubt it makes it down to the guy holding the weapon.

RE: What's makes a Pro Hunter
 

"If you're better, go get paid to hunt".

I have a real job that pays bills. Also, I know what a professional means. My point is similiar to what kevin1 was saying. Some of these guys get driven to their heated blind with coffee brewing and wait while 30 people push the game towards them. Alright, that's getting a little carried away but you get my point.

RE: What's makes a Pro Hunter
 

The problem with being a pro is that now it becomes your job. The celebrities on TV are just one example of a pro hunter. I consider a guide to be a pro also. He doesn't get to hunt much during the season cuz he's busy with clients.
A ski instructor is a professional skier, it could be a great powder day but he needs to teach a client, same with a ski patrolman, he's not free to ski anywhere he wants to.

RE: What's makes a Pro Hunter
 

Right on

RE: What's makes a Pro Hunter
 

What abou Fred Bear?

RE: What's makes a Pro Hunter
 

Interesting point Brent. Probably greatest of all time, both shooting game and just hunting in general.

Not sure why some of you get so wrapped up in the things these guys have, like Lee and Tiffany with the blinds. Who cares? You don't have them, so now your pissed off about it? They are the ones that bought the land they hunt on. Go buy 2000 acres, get some cameras, now you're a pro too, just like them.

There is this element of jealousy and asssumption that so many believe as the truth, like all these hunts they go on are just gimmes, deer is guaranteed to be killed every single time. I am friends with a pro hunter, not at all what is it is cracked up to be. The pressure to make a kill is not something that I want to deal with when I'm out in the woods. No kills, means no money/tv/sponsors.

RE: What's makes a Pro Hunter
 

I'm afraid it would be too much like work then. I've heard that from Pro Fishermen that I have spoken to in the past.

RE: What's makes a Pro Hunter
 

There are lots of over-used terms in the Hunting Industry. And "Pro" or "Pro-staff" is one of them. No doubt there are hunters out there which should labeled one, but not nearly the amount that there are.

RE: What's makes a Pro Hunter
 

The PH's in Africa are real professional hunters IMO. Those who hunt on a television program are professional entertainers andprofessional salesmen. Nothing wrong with it. Obviously they are filling a need.

RE: What's makes a Pro Hunter
 

Yoopermike nailed it I think.

I will add one thing though, there is an element of marketing involved, how many of you feel you could become a tv "personality" being liked by everyone and being able to sell product at the same time. Lee and Tiffany are a somewhat rare "commodity" in the hunting business. Both happen to have a great knowledge of their sport, they own a buttload of prime deer hunting property, they both are very likeable and know what to say while on camera, not to mention Tiffany is freakin hot! Also the thing with the pile of blinds and stands, I saw that also. I'm sure that company (dont recall it) is selling a ton more stands because of the promotion they get from show, the same goes for Uncle Ted and theloadofpallets of seed, mineral, food etc. that you see in his showshe gets from his sponsors. The bottom line is its all about marketing.

RE: What's makes a Pro Hunter
 

The pros on tv and the pro staff for companies are not professionals, they are promotional staff, they are not paid to hunt, they are paid to promote products, to do this they hunt and film that hunt using the products, but they also attend shows, make appearances etc.

Many of them are actually good shots, Lee and Tiffany are both good shots according to folks who have shot with them. They are also very down to earth personable people. Michael Waddel is another one, he just comes off as a great guy to spend a week in a hunting camp with.

If a "pro" hunter had the attitude that some other "pro" atheletes do, they'd be dropped in a second. They are paid to promote products, they do so.

RE: What's makes a Pro Hunter
 

I remember watching this one show were this guy's arrow looked like it was thrown by Jim Miller (Chicago Bears joke) and he was promoting his equipment. Good stuff!

Don't get me wrong. I enjoy watching the Hunting shows and try to learn what to do and what not to do. Mostly, I just like watching the hunt in action and what equipment people used. I wish everyone on here had a camera crew with them so we all can see their stories.

RE: What's makes a Pro Hunter
 

I never understand the "PRO" hater threads. My brotherand a couple of my buddies tried to put outsome hunting videos and sell them and for y'all that think that it easy you're dead wrong. There's a lot of pressure when you're out there on a hunt and you have to try and get good footage on a buck and a good shot and recovery it's not like you just going hunting for a day. Just like those of you that say "Well I'dlike to see so-and-so come to my neck of the woods and kill a big buck like they do on TV" when you have to do a years worth of filming in 3-4 months you have to go where you know they will be notjust go and climb a tree and hope. I honestly beleive that Lee and Tiffany do this 24-7-365 and that's not something that I'm or many of you are willing to do.

RE: What's makes a Pro Hunter
 

Endorsements, thats what makes a pro hunter. Other than that, nothing. Id put up quite a few of you good folks agianst the "Pros" any day. The folks here have done it the hard way, and on their own time. Pros go to nice managed ranches and spend weeks hanging out waiting on the right deer for film.

How they got to the point of earning endorsements? knowing the right people; being a good politic, etc. etc..

RE: What's makes a Pro Hunter
 

I agree with that. But id like to point out, that its not your primary job. You are haveing to do it on the side, when you got time. Thus the pressure. For the Pros, its their full time job. Besides the traveling during the offseason for promos, they hunt for a living.

No disrespect intended, but Id love to be able to do it 24-7. My life revolves around getting time to get out in the woods.

RE: What's makes a Pro Hunter
 

I love watching hunters on t.v. It makes me want to hunt all that much more. Like I said before, if any of you recorded your hunts, post it on youtube or something like that. It would be cool to watch. I would liketo do it eventually.

RE: What's makes a Pro Hunter
 

There is no such thing as a "Pro" hunter unless you are in Africa and he is your guide...............Pro-staff as mentioned earlier in this thread, means promotional, which means they are marketing a product (it has nothing to do with how they hunt or shoot)..........I don't know of anyone in the industry that gets paid to hunt, they all have sponsors and those sponsors may pay them for promoting thier products, but no one gets paid directly to hunt.

And as for how easy these "pro's" have it while hunting..............there are a small handful of people on TV right now that are ruining the reputation of all personalities because they don't actually hunt. So viewers equate all personalities to these few rotten apples and it taints the view of all people that have hunting shows on TV, for the most part these guys/gals bust thier a$$ 7 days a week for 6 mos. out of the year trying to lay down usable and entertaining footage, the other 6 mos. is spent editing or going to shows promoting their sponsors and shows and putting on teaching seminars to help the public.........................I find it funny that a lot of people make bad comments about a pro-staffer for such and such company but at thier annual deer classic they will sit in on a seminar given by that same person and will most likely learn something from them:eek:

As to the member that started this thread, i have one question: Do you video your hunts? I have a feeling the answer is no, becauseI can guarantee anyone that has ever tried to tape professional looking footage in the deer or turkey woods would have a better understanding and appreciation for what these guys/gals do day in and day out;)

RE: What's makes a Pro Hunter
 

Tred Barta.

RE: What's makes a Pro Hunter
 

What does that mean?

RE: What's makes a Pro Hunter
 

One of the guys you mentioned that give a bad name to the industry.

RE: What's makes a Pro Hunter
 

Oh.

RE: What's makes a Pro Hunter
 

Really? Where exactly did you come upon this knowledge of what all pro's do? Seriously, you make this statement as if you have some kind of intiment knowledge of all the pro's. Or, perhaps, you like many others, are hyprocrits when it comes to stereotyping? I mean, I absolutely guarantee you that anytime an anti group stereotypes all hunters together as redneck, slobs, poachers, killers for the sake of killing, etc. each and everyone of you guys would be up in arms screaming and whining about the anti's blowing smoke about things they have no idea about. No one here can tell me different. Can anyone tell me how it is different?

Sure, there are some terrible examples of pro's out there. But, you oughta consider that many create their own situations, and are not just handed everything. Some never or rarely use outfitters. Some use outfitters but yet scout and hang their own set ups. Adams, Gregory, Kiskys, Drurys come to mind as those that created their opp's.

RE: What's makes a Pro Hunter
 

What in the world does that even mean? Do you think pro poker players aren't risking their own money daily and actually making a living doing it?

I happen to be a guy thathas an outdoor show on tv, keeps a real job full time, and plays poker for money on the side, LOL. Poker paid theChristmas bills in my house. The tv showpaid for me to bowfish and hunt across the country the last two years. And my real jobpayed the mortage and groceriesthis month.

RE: What's makes a Pro Hunter
 

I guess that this topic/ argument has been covered in various ways over the past few years, and it is always fun!;)I have the Outdoor cannel, and vrs, and I am really glad that I do. There are alot of shows with alot of hosts that I really like and respect, and there are several that I can't stand and wouldn't want to hunt with if you paid for the whole hunt.
One thing is, I feel that we shouldn't judge and criticize, or lump the whole idustry together in one general group just because of the actions of a few, or our own opinions of them.
One thing that drives me nuts is when someone starts slamming someone for a bad shot they made. Now on the other hand, if I see a show where someone is constantly making bad shots, and calling them perfect shots, and trying to hide the shot placement, well then there is a reason to voice a complaint.
But man, we are all human. It seems like Lee and Tiffany are usually the ones who are brought up. I have seen them make alot of great shots over the past few years. I have also seen them make a few not so great shots. The same with alot of other of the hosts. I won't call them Pros!!:D No how many on this forum, if you have bowhunted alot of years, can honestly say that you have never made a bad shot? Or that you made a shot that you swore was a perfect double lunger, only to find out at the end of a long, grueling blood trail, wasn't even close to where you thought? Be honest, I will, it has happened to me, and more than once. And it gnaws at my gut every time. And I am sure that it does to the so called pros that so many are so quick to rip apart. It happens. It sucks, but unfortunately it does happen. And it happens to even the best bow shooter. Now I will agree, there are some guys on these shows that I have no idea why they still have a show, or why any company would want them to be the face of their product, but I am not the one in the boardroom making that decision.
I will be honest with you, I would love to be in some of these peoples hunting boots!! I would love to be getting paid to be out in the woods up in a tree. To have all my gear given to me. Heck, I do it for free about every day during bow season!! Most of these people are just good old nice people who found a way to turn there passion into a living. And like in all walks of life and every job out there, there are some real great people and some real jerks!! It is that way at the corporation I work for, and it is like that when these people are sitting around the camp fire or in the lodge of the area that they are hunting that week.
I know this for a fact. I have a cousin who is very involved in the hunting industry in the video/ TV production field. He made me promise to never reveal who he is or who he works with but that I could generalize things that he has told me.
He has told me in depth alot about the so called pros and the things they do. I will say that there are some shows that about 90% of the hunts are in fenced enclosures, something that is not a big secret. I won't even watch a second of those shows! Most of the shows are complete fair chase hunts. He has told me a few stories of a few hosts who weren't succesful on a hunt , so they took some footage with an aniaml that someone else had killed and said it was theirs, stuff like that. But the majority are on the up and up.
Like I said before, he said that just like anywhere elso out there, some are great people and some are jerks. I won't say the bad ones, but he said that Lee and Tiffany are some of the most down to earth and fun people to be around. Micheal Waddell is one the funniest human beings that you could ever be around. He is like a big kid, always having fun and brightening every one up. He absolutely hates it when he hears people rip on Bill Jordan and him being Mr. Rich and arrogant. He said that nothing could be farther than the truth. He said that everyone who says that should sit down with Bill for a while, hear his whole business story and see the great things he has done with his money, and the loyalty he has for his employees, then you will have the utmost respect for the man. He said that Jay and Tammi Gregory are great people, as is Ralph and Vicki. As for the NA Whitetail guys, he loves Stan Potts. Said he is great guy, one of the harderst working and hardest hunters he has ever seen. A real nice genuine guy with an absolute passion for big whietails. I won't say what he said about Gregg Miller. Won't go there.
Out of all, Will Primos is his favorite. He said that you may meet someone in your lifetime tha is as nice, caring, honest and genuine asWill Primos, but you won't find one that is more! Guarenteed!!My cousin said that when Goddecided to make a truly good man, he made Will Primos. And the guys on his staff are just like him. He said that Dave Watson is a close second to Will.
Man didn't mean to ramble on that much. Too much coffee this morning:D
Bottom line is, most of these people are alot like most of us on here. They love to hunt and the made opportunitied for themselves. Mycousin siad that is is alot tougher than most people can imagine. He said that most people couldn't handle the pace and the pressure that is involved and that it really takes alot of dedication to do it. He said that he has seen alot of gung ho young guys come in ready to set the hunting industry on fire, only to burn out real quick because they had no idea it would be that tough. Like the old saying goes " Don't judge a man until you have walked a mile in his shoes" In this case, I would say his hunting boots!!I'd like to give it a shot!!