What makes a pro hunter, a pro hunter? I guess the fact that they get paid. Don't get me wrong, I am sure there are many reputable hunters out there doing the TV show thing. However I do find myself at times getting tired of the glory given to hunts that are broadcast on TV. Sure we all like to see a big monster buck go down but shouldn't the glory go to the guide or outfitter instead of the hunter? I often wonder how many bucks these hunters have in the record books on their own, before the fame and glory and the sponsors. Let's face it, the most skill I see watching the TV shows is the abillity to put a bullet or broadhead in the right place and sometimes thats questionable. I'd just about bet you that skill has been acheived by most of us that hunt.
I had the pleasure of watching a well know hunting show that happened to be taped in the state I live,,,Wisconsin. Of course they hired a outfitter to put them in the right spot. Well, the weather was warm, the deer were not moving and in an effort to make a show they just dealt out some cash and changed outfitters in the middle of the show. Guess what mister pro hunter, most of us go home empty handed when that happens. They did manage to get the harvest of a record class buck on tape though and I'm sure the ratings were good.
I'm not sure how commercializing the sport like this is good for any of us, entertaining yes, good, not sure. Ohh how I can remeber it was a big deal to go out opening day and get a basket racked 8. Friends and family thought you had a trophy and it didn't cost $6000 or $12000 because I had to change locations. Gone, seem to be the days when you matched witts with an animal,won and was proud of that accomplishment. Now I seem to come home empty handed more and more because I didn't see 160 class buck while in the field.
posted by huntingc @ 3:24 PM
3 Comments:
I agree. About the only show I watch all the time is "The Archer's Choice" because Ralph and Vicki are very respectful of their guides and always give credit where is due (IMO) and they don't put their animals in the record books. Their theory is that, since they hunt for a living and have a massive advantage over the rest of us, it wouldn't be fair. And I have seen at least one of them come home with nothing -- very rare to see that on TV. Okay, and Realtree Outdoors because I adore watching Michael Waddell get all excited when he shoots one. Many others just go wow and that is it -- no matter what they shot. Whereas Michael gets shaky and excited and looks like it is all he can do to not jump up and down. And they are pretty cool about giving credit to the ranch managers, owners, outfitters, etc. on their shows.
Heck, I was excited about my little nothing spike last year! I know my husband and Dad got larger deer but I swear to you they were more excited over my little dinky deer than they were over theirs (my first ever). And I was excited because I made a good shot and I tracked it and hauled it out of the woods by myself (note to others out there, after this experience, I don't recommend being hard headed and doing it all on your own ... if some big strong man wants to help drag that deer out, let them!). And I remember the excitement and awe when I was little a group of family members would all meet up at our house on the first weekend of the season. To me that is what it is all about, not the trophy (don't get me wrong, I would not hesitate to shoot a big one if the opportunity arose). But watching most of the "pro" hunters to me is just like watching Cinderella -- I like to see the animals and what equipment they are using and the different places they are going but I know it will never happen for me because I am not going to spend that much money just to get a trophy.
And have you ever noticed they have to have the latest and greatest gear and clothes? Maybe it is just me but I would like to see someone say "This is my old trusted whatever that I have been using for years because I love it." As if the rest of us have that kind of money to invest in new stuff every year. Hmmm ... wonder what they do with last year's gear?
I, myself, also enjoy The Archer's Choice. I do enjoy Realtree Roadtrips with Michael Waddell as well. As for Realtree Outdoors, I'm not so much a fan. I've seen way too many shots taken at game that shouldn't have been taken be it bad angle or the body language of the deer. The one show that really makes my blood boil is The Wild Outdoors. I cannot count the number of poor shot choices I've seen and poor hits made on animals in their "show". I'm all for hunting in every which shape or form but I think we need to make a little better decisions concerning the people we have in the spotlight representing us as hunters. And I'm sure some people are going to get enraged by what I have to say but everyone is entitled to their own opinion, I'm just voicing mine. Good Luck to all..
I'm with you guys. I luv bowhunting and I luv it even more when I can tell about my "ONE SHOT,KILL SHOTS'. If you wait long enough, your shot will come. If you're in the eye of all the people, you should take care to do things right. Mark(AKA wildarcher)
Post a Comment
Links to this post:
Create a Link
<< Home