Hunting
I have followed just about every thread hear for the better part for a few years, I occasionally post but not too often. And when I do I try to keep it kind, simple, and bland. so let me start by saying thanks to everyone for all their knowledge.
1st I believe I am a true outdoorsman, my definition. I hunt, hike, camp, canoe, fish, crab, RV, ride motorcycles, I just love anything to do with the great out of doors.
The hunter / hiker conflict to me is most bizarre.
To hunt one must hike, so all hunters are hikers. Hikers may or may not hunt, but there probably is a decent percentage that must [my opinion]. Hunters have a set season to hunt, it’s governed by state and federal agency’s threw the division of fish and game, as well as the DEP. A hunter must go to a hunter education class, buy a hunting license well as any additional permits he may need to chase his game of choice. This is on top of his hunting gear, which is in addition of his hiking gear. I spend close to $1000.00 a year on hunting and fishing licenses and permits yearly for the states of NJ and PA and sometimes NY. Those funds are what finances the great out of doors we all love.
Game wardens seek out and govern hunters [the best they can]. Park rangers do the same.
So hunters basically can better than double their gear purchases, more like triple, compared to a hiker, has to pay to hunt, can only hunt from one set time to another, and has a constant eye on him / her from game wardens, rangers, other hunters as well as HIKERS. Remember hunters have to openly display their hunting license on them. Don’t get me wrong….I think the game wardens and park rangers are very much needed, personally think there should be more of them.
Hunters must also be extremely safety conscious of all that is around them and what’s beyond at all times. Hunter safety, firearms safety, and the responsibilities that go with that as well. Both legal and moral.
Remember that hunters are hikers, so all the hiker responsibilities also apply.
Keeping in mind that humans, ALL OF THEM, make mistakes, act carelessly, and become lax. And the fact that sometimes accidents do happen. It surprises me that there is so much animosity between the two groups. After all you are so similar to each other, both can benefit from each other as well.
I do not judge one on what one eats, drinks, weather they hunt and fish or not, where they come from, same with their ancestors. Don’t really care what you’re against or for. I’m glad you’re not me and just as happy not being you. Live and let live, hike your own hike, hunt your own hunt, do unto others as you would want done unto you.
However,
A hunter that breaks the law, game or otherwise is no longer a hunter, but a game thief, poacher, trespasser, vandal, etc.
A hiker that breaks the law is no longer a hiker, but becomes a vandal, trespasser, eco terrorist, etc.
So I see it as all hikers and hunters are good responsible people.
Once you break that trust you are neither.
RUNT ‘’13’’