Sharing your hunting experiences on social media can be a good thing if you do it the right way. But these three pitfalls claim a lot of hunters and do more harm to the hunting community. And that’s why they drive me crazy.
Posting Classless Photos
Nothing turns off would-be future hunters and stokes the anti-hunter fire like a careless hunter-posted photo that disrespects the game.
Some hunters think it’s funny, entertaining, or edgy to plaster these inappropriate images all over social media. But all it really does is make the rest of us look bad and spark outrage.
Trophy photos that are overly gory or sexually suggestive don’t belong on social media. Never pretend to ride your kill or take off any articles of clothing for photos.
There’s nothing wrong with a respectful hero shot. Just keep it classy.
Giving Unsolicited Criticism
Some keyboard warriors just love to tell other hunters that their buck isn’t big enough, their form isn’t perfect, or their choice in gear isn’t great.
But a single photo can’t tell you the whole story or give you the right angle — and it doesn’t entitle you to bully other hunters. It could be a kid’s first deer, a new hunter learning the ropes, or the only tackle they can afford. And another hunter’s rude, unsolicited comment could keep them from ever trying again.
Unless you see someone doing something illegal or unethical, keep your snarky opinions to yourself.
Just Doing it for the ‘Gram
Whether they’re chasing likes, influencer deals, or free gear, some hunters seem to care more about their presence on social media than their success in the field. These attention-seekers will pull out all the stops — chronicling every second of the stalk, faking tears following a hunt, bragging about the impressive shot distance. But how many times do you think a buck walked by while they were too busy taking selfies?
Put the phone down and enjoy the hunt. Chase quarry instead of clout.
I agree 100%. Every deer is a trophy and should be treated as such.
rk,
Never was a “trophy hunter”… my stomach’s preference for tasty venison always had me choose a tender 1-1/2 year old 6-point over a tough 6 year old 12-point that’s been chasing all season. 🙂
Hank
>>> bragging about the impressive shot distance. <<<
TBB,
IMHO, Shooting beyond the effective range of the shooter, the equipment or the situation is the worst form of disrespect for the sport and for the quarry.
The shooter may have the skill to hit at long range (in a target situation) but when hunting there are too many variables (like the game moving) that make the "long shot" unethical and irresponsible.
Just my 2 cents. Have a great weekend!
Hank
No disagreement here!
I am on three forums…this, a watch forum and a photography forum.
Not on Facebook, Instagram…wouldn’t know how to Tweet if my life depended on it.
All for the reasons stated here.
cowboystar dad, and your life is probably much better for it!
The best thing that could happen, and not soon enough, is if all “social” media went away; it is only feeding the epidemic of “look at me” narcissism, some of it deadly, incivility, poor taste and disunity we are experiencing. This is coming from somebody who “does” Facebook, though mostly to connect/reconnect with friends and family and also to benefit from the expertise of enthusiasts’ groups; belong to a couple of vintage military vehicle groups for that purpose. Also follow some in the airgun community who have positive things to say and advice to offer for that group of enthusiasts.
Nevertheless, if it all were to disappear overnight, FM would shed no tears. We used to get along just fine without that crap.
I wouldn’t complain if it all went away today either!
“It could be a kid’s first deer, a new hunter learning the ropes…”
The Bow Bully,
You nailed it there! A decade ago, I was doing a lot of re-building of old single-shot shotguns; many were for a pastor in West Virginia, who sadly had a break-in at his Dad’s farm where he was storing all the “first gun” shotguns for his many grandkids. I found a bunch of old scatterguns for him, and did them up nice. One of them was an old “Eastern Arms” .410 for his 8-year-old grandson Elijah that I got ready just in time for his first turkey hunt with Grandpa. His granddad didn’t need to pay me for that one; I told him, “Just send me a pic of your grandson with his first turkey.” Knowing the background, that pic takes on a whole new significance: an 8-year-old boy got his first turkey, with Grandpa, who called it in to him for a nice 15-yard shot (it was a really tightly-choked .410). Just seeing the look on Elijah’s face, and realizing the memory he’d carry with him for his whole life, made the work I did on his gun more than worthwhile. Thank you for a report that called to mind a really good memory for me. 🙂
Keep up the good work,
dave
Love to see that!
Amen! 🙂