When did hunting become so elitist.

[mrcrossbow]

So I rarely post or comment but this has just stuck with me, I'm not going to list a date or time or area because never know if that person is on here to. Any ways let's get to it.
I love hunting, I'm out probably 3/4 of the year hunting, if it isn't big game it's rabbits and other small game ( yes I eat everything thing ) now the thing that has stuck in my craw so badly is while I get hunt almost every day I plan one big trip a year were I go out for about 2 weeks solo, I dream of this trip all year, so this year I pack up everything and head out with my new rifle ( will bring that up again ) and I head to the mountains to a spot I go every year. Finally after a 5 hr or so drive I get there and I do my thing of have a coffee and light my pipe and take it all in, free at last from wife and kids doesn't even matter if I get any thing, just the peace of being in the mountains slowly fills me up. After a few minutes a truck pulls in same parking area. And out jump these three guys that look like they should be on a seal team and they start gearing up glancing at me now and then I wave back say hi ask what there out for , and bla bla bla, they chat back, my coffee is finished and I grab my pack out the back. At this point I get a funny glance. My pack is a beat to hell old ilbe pack. ( Army surplus pack ) thing is awesome and only cost me like $120 compared to there kuki ( think how u spell it ) pack it looked like crap I look over and they have these beautiful rifles tika lights I think with stainless steel barrels, totally awesome I'd been looking at those online, any ways I put on my clothing a good pair of earth tone pants a earth tone long sleeve shirt and my camo jacket, ( Walmart mossy oak) so faded you can barely make out the pattern every thing sort of blends together . Personally I like it like that, it blends in well almost every were. Now at this point these guys have mostly stopped unloading and are looking at me. I act like I don't notice but the looks I'm getting are like I stepped in something and I have a bad smell coming off me, then I uncase my new rifle "" get ready for it "" my sks and the looks I got were like what I stepped in I must also have bathed in and I stunk, cause those boys packed up there gear and drove off with out a word. But there looks said it all. Now I know a sks isn't the best rifle, but a week before that I used it to drop a elk ( might gone 20yrds and fell ) and also in same week a black bear that was bothering the cows on my family's ranch. So I don't really care what anyone one says I think it a good rifle and it works, and I wouldn't use it over 200 yrds any ways , it's a good bush gun. Any ways when did hunting become so elitist that you need have shinny new gear and nice rifles to be able to hunt , the whole experience sort of soured my trip I'm not sure why, iv never had that happen before, but I've heard of it from other people and has happened to my brother also.
We are all hunters we all love the out doors and we should all share a common bond. Placeing importance on gear and looks is bad for the community as a whole.
And to judge some one on there looks and gear is wrong , there might be a story as to why and might even be a good one. My self iv had better times I've owned beautiful rifles and gear but life, injurys,having kids, living on disability takes a toll and iv sold all my nice rifles, to cover life costs .now I own a little cooey for my small game needs and yes my sks for bigger game and a little single shot shotgun for bird etc,
And I think alot of the younger guys need to talk to there grandfather's and even fathers of the gear they used to use , you don't need a $1000 plus outfit and $1000+ rifle to hunt, sometimes jeans and a faded out jacket and a beat to hell rifle will fill your fridge just fine.
Ok I think I'm done ranting , I did have a point In all of this, we are a community one that is slowly having our rights taken and places we can hunt shrunk we should all stick together not judge each other but embrace one another.
P.s
If some how the fellas that did give me the dirty looks figgered out this is from that guy please don't take this rant as any thing against you, just maybe take it as a learning experience that other ppl have feelings and story, mine is a perty good one, iv had a interesting life, and hey maybe next year if we bump into each other we can share a story and a coffee , I make a good coffee even have extra cups just in case .

[Stinky Buffalo]

Haha! Sounds like you dress a lot like me.

Hope you enjoy your hunt! That’s what it’s all about. :wave:

[CF8889]

Honestly, I doubt they even actually noticed. %99 of the times I've heard of this, it's all in the head of the person being judged.

The sks may have thrown em off, but I'd blame that on the large number of jabroni's out there who would assume that cheap surplus ammo (fmj) is good to go hunting with. That's not being a snob, that's you unfortunately being guilty by association.

[Maxwell78]

Don't worry. The last buck I shot, I snuck up on him wearing my work coveralls with the reflective striping on them.

[sjemac]

Sounds like you told yourself a story. Everything in your narrative is about how YOU interpreted a look that may or may not have been conveying a message.

[bessiedog]

You shouldn't have put the bayonet on in front of them.



Just joking.

Seriously man, why even worry bout what others think?

You shoulda offered them some claymores.... :)

[buck403]

I feel ya. Don't worry about what others think. People have really become so materialistic. I just wear my normal clothes and do pretty good for myself. Jeans and a jacket. I don't think the deer I've got cared. Or cared about what gun I shot them with lol. I also think kuiu gear doesn't even match most terrain but I've also noticed that as long as your sitting still they don't ever notice you anyway. Just be you! And have a good season sir.

[HunterDave]

Seriously man, why even worry bout what others think?

X2 To be honest, I get an immediate impression of the type of hunters that the op described. I think that it's because of seeing so many non-residents on their first moose hunt in Canada back in ON. I wonder what they thought of my Lee Enfield? :)

[purgatory.sv]

You shouldn't have put the bayonet on in front of them.



Just joking.

Seriously man, why even worry bout what others think?

You shoulda offered them some claymores.... :)

yes!

[MugEye]

Sounds like your uncomfortable with your life storey for it to bather you . So what they gave you a look. You let it get to you. I’ve been there all the time . Don’t let these things get to you . Enjoy your hunt

[Hunter4ever12]

Don't worry. The last buck I shot, I snuck up on him wearing my work coveralls with the reflective striping on them.

Hahaha been there!!!

[JD848]

Whatever tools you use for your hunting should be no ones business,if your content with what you own than you are better off those who have it all that are unhappy with the best money can buy ,but yet are very unhappy people.

Have a puff on your pipe,enjoy your coffee and the view,load up head first into the wind and you will be the only one who knows if your truly happy .

Some of the most powerful and wealthy men have begged for mercy harder than the poorest man on earth.

[Tfng]

This is my interpretation of the other guys thoughts.

So we were just pulling up to our spot and there was a truck parked there already and we thought oh great another hunter.

However when we pulled up he just seemed to be sitting there drinking coffee and didn't seem to be a hunter.

As we got ready he pulled out a pack and we hoped just a hiker but then he pulled a rifle out. We figured we'd leave the spot to him since he was there first and went to our plan B spot.

[Pphoenix]

This is my interpretation of the other guys thoughts.

So we were just pulling up to our spot and there was a truck parked there already and we thought oh great another hunter.

However when we pulled up he just seemed to be sitting there drinking coffee and didn't seem to be a hunter.

As we got ready he pulled out a pack and we hoped just a hiker but then he pulled a rifle out. We figured we'd leave the spot to him since he was there first and went to our plan B spot.

Good point!

[New Hunter Okotoks]

This is my interpretation of the other guys thoughts.

So we were just pulling up to our spot and there was a truck parked there already and we thought oh great another hunter.

However when we pulled up he just seemed to be sitting there drinking coffee and didn't seem to be a hunter.

As we got ready he pulled out a pack and we hoped just a hiker but then he pulled a rifle out. We figured we'd leave the spot to him since he was there first and went to our plan B spot.

This^^^

[macee]

I'm going to have to get myself some old wore out clothing and an old sks if that is all it takes to get guys to pack up and leave my hunting area.

[Hunter4ever12]

I'm going to have to get myself some old wore out clothing and an old sks if that is all it takes to get guys to pack up and leave my hunting area.

Ya no kidding.

[J0HN_R1]

To the OP - The SKS was possibly the issue, it's associated with new-shooters and/or guys who "think" they know how to handle a firearm...

And in all likelyhood, once they saw you unpacking a rifle (regardless what it was), maybe they didn't want to interupt you hunt by just barging in.



I'm going to have to get myself some old wore out clothing and an old sks if that is all it takes to get guys to pack up and leave my hunting area.

If you start emptying stripper-clips full of ammo in rapid succession... It surely will.

That's happened to me once already this season. Guys started target shooting not even a KM away (Lord knows which direction) while I'm sitting in my blind.

:scared0018:

[Saskhunter2]

Go see a doctor

[Bushleague]

To the OP - The SKS was possibly the issue, it's associated with new-shooters and/or guys who "think" they know how to handle a firearm...

And in all likelyhood, once they saw you unpacking a rifle (regardless what it was), maybe they didn't want to interupt you hunt by just barging in.



If you start emptying stripper-clips full of ammo in rapid succession... It surely will.

That's happened to me once already this season. Guys started target shooting not even a KM away (Lord knows which direction) while I'm sitting in my blind.

:scared0018:

Ya, the SKS, or other tactical type rifles can sometimes spell ban news. Lord knows I've sat next to some dude at the range that sprays bullets all over the 50 yard backstop with some Mill-Surp semi auto. Its not that they are cheap but that I tend to associate that type of rifle with a certain type of crowd that I'd rather steer clear of.

I think that those guys were probably just trying to figure out whether you were hunting in fact.

I also think just about every activity I enjoy has gotten more elitist over the years. It used to be about the activity, now it seems like all the cool kids are all about the gear. If you don't have expensive gear you are perceived as a beginner or a dabbler, you couldn't possibly be avid, serious, or competent in that camo pattern.

[58thecat]

Well sounds like therapy time...so here it is...be yourself, hunt legally and enjoy the outdoors...now that will cost you $250.00!:sHa_sarcasticlol:
I will PM you for billing.....


Man I luv this therapy stuff! Easy money.:sHa_shakeshout:

[Nyksta]

Sounds like you told yourself a story. Everything in your narrative is about how YOU interpreted a look that may or may not have been conveying a message.

X2. They pulled up, said nothing to you, and decided to go somewhere else as they didnt want to disturb your hunt when you got there first. Take a chill pill snowflake. Your big long story of 'being judged' is all in your head.

[elkhunter11]

Honestly, I doubt they even actually noticed. %99 of the times I've heard of this, it's all in the head of the person being judged.

The sks may have thrown em off, but I'd blame that on the large number of jabroni's out there who would assume that cheap surplus ammo (fmj) is good to go hunting with. That's not being a snob, that's you unfortunately being guilty by association.

And while many people use their SKS in a responsible manner, there are many that spray the buffers and target frames with bullets at the local range, and that do stupid and dangerous things like skipping bullets off of the water at the local pheasant release site to have created a negative impression of the SKS, and the people that use them. I myself cringe when I see a group of shooters arrive at the range , and then get out and unload their SKS rifles and a wooden crate of steel core surplus ammunition..Then I end up pointing to the sign, and explaining that they can't use their steel core ammunition on our range. And often the result is them swearing or whining about not being able to use their surplus ammunition. So yes, many people are not enthused to see an SKS at the range or in the field, because of the image created by some SKS owners.

[catnthehat]

The type of rifle or the type of any other gear a person uses has nothing to do with how they act .
I have met good people and real morons on both sides of the fence, and that hasn't changed in the 50+ years I have been hunting
Cat

[urban rednek]

First, whether it was the elitist attitude, or the respect for another hunter who was there first, the important thing is that they left so you could enjoy your hunt without interruptions. See below. :)
Second, whether real or perceived, you set to much value on the opinion of strangers. Repeat after Sean Connery.

[Unregistered user]

If I hunted as often as you claim, I sure as hell wouldn't handicap myself with an SKS- and that does not make me elitist. FWIW I have a couple and I like them for plinking.

[pikeslayer22]

First, whether it was the elitist attitude, or the respect for another hunter who was there first, the important thing is that they left so you could enjoy your hunt without interruptions. See below. :)
Second, whether real or perceived, you set to much value on the opinion of strangers. Repeat after Sean Connery.
X2... Who gives a rats azz what others think

[tikkahunter73]

Enjoyed the read, been there too. I noticed but don't let it bother me if hunt tards have there $1000 suit, I'm the guy calling back to them from the river bank at elk season, if u can see me so can critters.


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[Lefty-Canuck]

When did all hunters become so judgemental?...wow both sides of the argument just want to argue.

Oh never mind, this is AO...it's what happens here :)

LC

[LJalberta]

They respectfully left a spot you were in first. Sounds like we could use some more of these "elitist" type hunters in the hunting community.

[ROA]

.....

[kujoseto]

I cannot speak to what they were thinking or doing, but I know in all sorts of situations we can be completely wrong with conclusions without hearing further from the other individuals. I like to assume others are down to earth - especially in the hunting community.

As for the sks, I think they're a dangerous firearm because they can malfunction. I've had it happen first hand and would choose to never be around another one because it is out of my control if that thing slams forward and fires unintentionally if someone has a round in the mag.
Obviously that isn't always the case. Seeing it once was enough for me though.
As for the cartridge, I'd never argue its effectiveness and you have proven that.

Sounds like you get to enjoy a ton of hunting. Keep enjoying it. I'm lucky if I get 5 days away from home

[FellSwoop]

I can recall one occasion when a group of young guys with all the modern gear and I met crossing paths. I had my old sporterized Lee Enfield and a mix of cammo and oilfield clothing. They were genuinely interested in the Enfield. I think that the hunting channels and magazines push this on them and they feel obligated to buy all of it if they are going to have some success. Also I recall that I didn't get a deer that day.
As for hunting with the SKS, I have not done it with mine even though I think that it is sufficient in accuracy and reliability. It is just so loud to cock, and I don't walk with one in the chamber. Interestingly my other semi auto rifle was designed for hunting (742 Rem) and it cocks as quietly as my bolt actions.

[Kurt505]

I'm not going to judge anyone in camo anymore than someone with a plad shirt and blue jeans. Facts are facts though, and first and foremost , the gig's up if your scented whether it be in jeans or camo. Animals use all of their senses to survive and the more of the senses you can fool, the better the odds are of you harvesting your prey.

If you're happy using an sks and whatever cloths keep you warm and dry, then just hunt and leave the judging to the fashion network and don't worry about it.

[play.soccer]

OP you're insecure.

Thank me later.

[The Spank]

This is my interpretation of the other guys thoughts.

So we were just pulling up to our spot and there was a truck parked there already and we thought oh great another hunter.

However when we pulled up he just seemed to be sitting there drinking coffee and didn't seem to be a hunter.

As we got ready he pulled out a pack and we hoped just a hiker but then he pulled a rifle out. We figured we'd leave the spot to him since he was there first and went to our plan B spot.

My thoughts exactly!! I think the OP is suffering from feelings of inadequacy and it’s much easier to cast your own doubts on others.

[fishinmatt]

I don't know why you'd complain about someone leaving you to have your hunting spot to yourself whatever the reason.

[fingershooter]

This is my interpretation of the other guys thoughts.

So we were just pulling up to our spot and there was a truck parked there already and we thought oh great another hunter.

However when we pulled up he just seemed to be sitting there drinking coffee and didn't seem to be a hunter.

As we got ready he pulled out a pack and we hoped just a hiker but then he pulled a rifle out. We figured we'd leave the spot to him since he was there first and went to our plan B spot.
That's the way i see it too. without communication, you can interpret the situation any way you want to. Don't diss them on what you feel happened.

[KegRiver]

A while back I saw a post here where one individual remarked that he wouldn't own a Lee Enfied because they are dangerous in his opinion, because the steal in them is too old and therefor weak according to him.

I've seen hundreds of posts that propose that an animal shot with a cartridge labeled as magnum will die faster compared to those shot with cartridges not labeled as such.

In many ways, we get the message that some hunters think they or their equipment is superior to what some others use or choose.

I don't find it unreasonable to suspect that some people we meet in the field would think likewise.

I'm told that 93 percent of communication is non verbal. In other words, it's body language. A lot of people like to deny this but one thing is clear, non verbal communication is a big part of the picture.

I wasn't there, I don't know what non verbal signals these guys were putting out.
I do know that some hunters are elitist. I do know that some hunters would rather avoid any hunter they see as inferior.

I do wonder, why do some people feel the need to tear down our brothers thoughts and actions.

[GregT]

I don't know... New gear or old gear, Walmart camp or Sitka gear. All the disparity in materials listed aside it sounds like you get out hunting a lot plus a yearly 2 week solo moose hunt. That's pretty sweet. I agree that lots of people are geared up to thier ears but that doesn't make a heap of different to the experience you get. I'm honestly a little envious of how much hunting time you have. my life-work balance does not allow a ton of hunt time. I don't want to be rude, but enjoy what you've got bud.

[MartyT]

OP it sounds like you're projecting your own judgementalism on the guys who showed up. I think your post could have been re-titled " Nice to see other hunters respecting that you were there first". Time to give up the victimhood. I think many guys envy anybody who is able to go out hunting as often as you do but can only day dream about it from the confines of work

[bigwolf]

I think alot of that kind if thinking is from watching too many hunting shows online. These guys are sponsored and have top of the line everyhting. Price is no object. After watching this you can start to believe that's what you NEED to be a real hunter. Truth is much of that is a sales gimmick. Don't worry about what other guys think. Enjoy your hunt no matter ehat

[KegRiver]

I know that some folks would pack up and leave so as not to disturb a fellow hunter. I've had it happen. Each time it did, those people were kind enough to tell me that they didn't want to intrude on my hunt. That's what gentlemen do.

Gentleman don't give a fellow hunter dirty looks and the leave if they are leaving out of respect.

I and the people I know would not even unpack if it looked to us like another hunter was there ahead of us. If I thought the other hunter might be about to leave, I would ask if that was what he was intending to do.
That is what a gentleman does.

And a gentleman does not tell a fellow hunter that he is being over sensitive or that he is reading a situation wrong unless he is a close friend, and then only if they are certain and want to help him out.

That is what a gentleman does.

It looks to me like elitist attitude is alive and well on this forum.
You weren't there, you did not see the body language, yet you stand in judgment of a fellow AO member.

That takes some kinda ego.

[Okotokian]

Honestly, I doubt they even actually noticed. %99 of the times I've heard of this, it's all in the head of the person being judged.

.


Yup. They didn't pack up and leave because the OP had old gear. They likely packed up and left because they gave it a second thought and realized he wasn't leaving and was heading out to hunt in the vicinity. I'd leave too. I don't want to be tripping over other hunters. I think his complaint seems to say more about what he thinks of guys with new gear than what they think about him. He labelled them elitist when they might have just been respectful. Sounds like lots of room for misunderstanding in that situation.

OR they may have been frightened by a crazy looking old guy toting an SKS and smoking something from what might have been a crack pipe. LOL Either way, doesn't make them elitist. ;)

[JohnnyU]

Meh. When I see an "elitist" with a multi-thousand dollar o/u and his/her fancy brand name gear and bling I just shrug it off because if all goes well the end result will be the same.

People with money spend that money on stuff they don't need to compensate for other stuff they lack- whatever it may be- often ironically a void that cannot be filled with material things.

But they sure do try. And I sure do laugh.

[MugEye]

Does having good and expensive gear make you a elitist? Why is that a bad thing ? I would take good pride if I had good gear . All these haters on here , all because of some hurt feelings [emoji102]

[catnthehat]

Meh. When I see an "elitist" with a multi-thousand dollar o/u and his/her fancy brand name gear and bling I just shrug it off because if all goes well the end result will be the same.

People with money spend that money on stuff they don't need to compensate for other stuff they lack- whatever it may be- often ironically a void that cannot be filled with material things.

But they sure do try. And I sure do laugh.

You seem to think You can label people with no
Problem , however you can't
My friends ( and myself ) worked hard for every nice gun we own and you may see me in the with a SxS gun made by a famous English company but in the afternoon with a cheap Belgian "hardware store" gun .
The gun changed but my attitude sure doesn't
You can't judge a book by it's cover ......
Cat

[Jhabs]

For most hunters, who have this so called “elitist” gear, they have spent their hard earned money on their gear to aid in their hunt. I have hiked in blue jeans and a plaid jacket 15 miles in the mountains from 6am to 6pm getting soaked to the bone and being uncomfortable. So if you give me the choice, I’m going to wear my quality gear so I can be comfortable and hunt longer and go further.

People are always going to judge other people, that’s life, but for someone to dwell on it and let it effect their entire hunt, that’s ridiculous.

[Chewbacca]

Don't worry. The last buck I shot, I snuck up on him wearing my work coveralls with the reflective striping on them.

I was wearing the same this year when I got my elk along with my partner calling to that bull all wrong according to most. :sHa_shakeshout:

[densa44]

The rest of the world, "normal" people look down on all of us.

Just think about it who in the right mind would spend a day in freezing weather looking down a hole in the ice, butchering a moose and carrying it back to the truck, walking miles to shoot a few small upland birds and I won't even go into what duck hunters go through.

No it hasn't become elitist, you are just a sensitive person. Many of your fellow hunters are as sensitive as a dead rhinoceros.

[Zuludog]

The rest of the world, "normal" people look down on all of us.

Just think about it who in the right mind would spend a day in freezing weather looking down a hole in the ice, butchering a moose and carrying it back to the truck, walking miles to shoot a few small upland birds and I won't even go into what duck hunters go through.

No it hasn't become elitist, you are just a sensitive person. Many of your fellow hunters are as sensitive as a dead rhinoceros.

great post:)

[The Spank]

Meh. When I see an "elitist" with a multi-thousand dollar o/u and his/her fancy brand name gear and bling I just shrug it off because if all goes well the end result will be the same.

People with money spend that money on stuff they don't need to compensate for other stuff they lack- whatever it may be- often ironically a void that cannot be filled with material things.

But they sure do try. And I sure do laugh.

Somebody has a severe case of jealousy as he is unable to afford nice gear so rather than be happy for those who either can or either saved up to acquire the nice gear they dreamt of he puts others down for having that which he does not! :2mo5pow:
I think that’s known as an inferiority complex.....

[JWCalgary]

Each to their own i guess. My gear is pretty good but it certainly doesn't miraculously make me a better hunter (darn). My hunting buddy just started and he is just picking up some good gear mixing with his "regular" hunting gear. He got his muley last year and i got mine....deer didn't even wink at me for my kuiu

Hunting gear is like golf gear. You don't need the newest and best it's all bout how you swing the club :)

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