Changing Minds in Changing Times
Changing Times
“Stay inside, segregate, and be aware”
We’ve all heard it by now. Covid-19, as everyone knows, is now present in almost every geographical location. The presence and unprecedented growth of the virus have brought the entire world to a screeching halt. While worldly governments have implemented plans to try and slow the growth of covid-19 to ensure the healthcare systems are not overburdened, some believe that the virus will still spread. News of the spread of the virus has caused many people to overreact by hoarding supplies like toilet paper and hand sanitizer and ravishing grocery stores of items like meat, bread, and rice. I’ve been to a few stores already in the past week where people were lining up out the door with carts full of food. I’m sure some people were actually there to buy food because they were running low, but I have to imagine most were there to “stock up” for the inevitability hardship that is to come. Along with material shortages, there are now social distancing practices. Don’t be in groups of 50 or more and don’t be within 6ft of other people. Restaurants, social establishments, and entertainment venues are all shut down until further notice. While this might be a cause for concern in some people's minds there is a small percentage of people living in the US who are sitting back and merely watching this all unfold from a distance.
The Few
Throughout history, America has been the land of freedom and opportunity. Anyone could come here, and if you worked hard enough, you could reap the benefits of your hard work. These benefits include having financial stability, a surplus of food for hardships, or maybe just a fresh start in a new place. There are some of us who live this mantra as a lifestyle every day. We work hard and love what we do and most are reaping the benefits right now when all of the worlds is looking for answers. I am of course talking about hunters. Hunters are extremely passionate about their craft and often boast about the benefits that come from hunting. But oftentimes this information falls on deaf ears. What everyone fails to realize is that most hunters know they’ll be fine during these times…they have a freezer full of meat to last them quite a while. But hunting numbers are on the decline and that’s why I believe right now (today) is the best time than ever to push for the new generation of hunters!
A recent survey found that of the total population of the United States, only 5% of Americans are hunters. That 5% makes up deer hunters, small game hunters, big game hunters, waterfowl hunters, etc.
And while some might think that’s a small number, the numbers continue to decline every year and that is cause for concern. Most believe it’s due to the decrease of the “baby boomer” generation (individuals born between 1946 – 1964), or the shifting of demographics. Hunters have always tried to pass on their tradition to their offspring of others that they know, but things haven’t taken off or haven’t been retained and passed on again as we’ve anticipated. So to combat this, here is an idea for all of my fellow hunters during this time of uncertainty….recruit!
Recruitment
Get to know them
The past decade has shown us that people are coming more self-aware about where their food is coming from. They want to know who’s growing/raising it, what’s being feed, are pesticides used, ect.. They also might have a different view on the image of a hunter. They might not want to be viewed as the camo wearing country boy. They might no longer be intrigued by the “horn porn” of the hunting industry. They might just want local sustainable meat, they can hunt on their own and provide for themselves and/or their families and friends. So consider their intentions.
Most hunters are raised and woven into hunting communities where they learned and absorbed the surrounding ethics and morals. Be understanding of the new hunters’ values and motives. Be receptive, understanding, and above all respectful. Everyone is different, but in the end, we all fight and love the same thing: The right and enjoyment of the outdoors and of hunting.
Get them involved
One of the main reasons people who are new to hunting eventually fall out, is involvement. Without a mentor, people have to turn to either online articles and videos or Hunting Seminars which only lasts for one day and really doesn’t give the mentorship the new hunter needs. Be involved and be a teacher
There many great “new hunter” programs out there available to everyone. Help the new hunter(s) to find programs that are long term programs. Programs that include classroom sessions, field days, hunts, meat care, etc. These types of programs like QDMA’s program Field-to-Fork have strong results for retainment. Offer to attend these classes and trips with them. New things are always easier to do when you have a buddy
Get Outside!
Federal and State Governments have declared social distancing which means many of the previously stated establishments have come to a screeching halt. With the inability to head to a movie, mall, or restaurant, many people are sitting at home doing nothing worrying about what’s happening on the news channel and how they are going to survive in these uncharted waters. This is where you can step in!
Gather up your friends, relatives, neighbors, and anyone who can find and head out into the woods! Now is the time to start expanding and nurturing on any peaked interest of hunting. Begin just as you would with a child (only don’t talk down to them). Show them from a very basic level “the basics”. This is why we are here, and this is what we are looking for. Not only will this create an opportunity to recruit new hunters, but it also gives you a chance to get outdoors and enjoy the beautiful world we live in!