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This is mostly intended for awareness. I've incorporated links to orgs that I feel every outdoorsman should be aware of. Quite a few of them rely on hunters, fishermen, and trappers to gain the funds they use to conserve and restore habitats and the species within, in order to ensure that hunting (et al) and wildlife will be around for generations to come.
You'll find some are orgs that rally against hunting (et al) , but they are just as important for outdoorsmen to become aware of and familiar with.
I also strongly feel that we outdoorsmen should take time to educate or include others in our passions of the outdoors. This means speaking with nonhunters, mentoring kids if not your own, introducing a friend, putting your own ethics aside to fight alongside another hunter for his chosen sport, and many more.
While it would be nice if everyone shared the same views about hunting, it is also unrealistic. By speaking with others, you have a better chance to find common ground. That, my friends, is a great start.
Lastly, you'll notice that I push for getting kids involved in the outdoors. I've added a few links that they may find enjoyable.
A Little Variety PT.1
Some of My Thoughts
In this age, I feel it is vital that all sportsmen know who they are up against. We need to know who is speaking against us and what their messages are. This is the only way we can counterattack their "facts" with facts of our own.There are those who do not understand how we can "hunt"; and to those, do not turn your back. Help them understand why. Educate them on how taxes from hunting (et al) conserve and restore habitats, and improve animal health and numbers. Share with them how you feel as you become a part of a natural order; taking your place in the outdoors. If they do infact eat meat, explain how game animals are much healthier than store bought meats. There are chances that you may not sway their opinion; they are entitled to their own, after all. But, you won't have the chance to at least find common ground if you do not try. They may not see a need for hunting for them, but they may see your need to hunt, and that can make a major difference when issues come up to vote on.
There are those who think hunters have all the advantages in the outdoors, and that the game animals stand no chance. To them, do not turn your back. If at all possible leave your gun at home, arm yourself with a camera, and set out on a "hunt" together. Show them how to track animals and watch for sign. Show them how we have to play the wind and how quiet we have to be. Simulate an actual hunt doing things you would normally do, explaining the whole while, and instead of "shooting" an animal with your gun, "shoot" it with your camera. As you are watching the (for ex.) deer, point out how it's ears are moving, listening for any noises. If it raises it's head to look around, point out why. The goal would be for them to walk away educated; knowing that wildlife have great senses as their defense and so they aren't unarmed. Perhaps they can understand that at times, the animal's senses trump our own, and we walk home empty handed.
"Sometimes the zebra gets away from the lion".
continuing............
A Little Variety PT.2
continuing.....
* Sometimes, with a youngster, it's a great idea to take one gun: theirs. It's important they feel they are a partner in the hunt and not a tag-along.
* The smaller the kids, the shorter the patience fuse. Carry along a fanny pack stuffed with snacks, drinks, and always be armed with stories or jokes to keep them entertained while waiting on game.
* Help them learn to identify animals by their tracks. Show them different rubs and scrapes. Ask their opinion often. ("What do you think made this track?" "Do you think this is a fresh scrape?" etc.)
There are many ways to share productive hunting experiences with a child.
Banding together is something I wish all hunters would do.
We each go by our own personal hunting ethics; that's fine because that's how it is with individuals. There are things that "Hunter A" does that "Hunter B" does not agree with, and vice versa. "Hunter A" may only shoot does because he likes the meat and wants bucks to grow. "Hunter B" may only shoot bucks and not agree with shooting does. "Hunter A" may be a bow hunter who feels crossbows aren't classified as archery weapons, and "Hunter B" may be a crossbow hunter who shares archery season with "Hunter A". We hunters pit ourselves against each other every year. We have one group who calls another slob hunters because their ethics or ways of hunting differ from ours. And that group turns around and finds fault in the ways we hunt.
There needs to be a time when we can push our personal ethics aside.
I grew up in a place that does not allow baiting. Therefore, I could never see myself baiting.
I grew up in an area where foxes were slim, so I could never see myself shooting a fox.
I am also here to tell you I would fight tooth and nail to help allow other hunters to bait or shoot foxes if it was in danger of being banned in their respected areas.
Everyone's ethics are different. We have to see things through the other's eyes at times. Just like we need anti's and nonhunters to see our need to hunt a certain way, we hunters need to do that often with each other as well. We need to see their need.
If we give anti's an inch,they will take a mile. They will not stop until their ultimate goal is reached: the end of hunting (et al).
It is up to us.
"Do you Involve Kids in the Outdoors?"
Thank You for Participating in this Poll
This is a simple poll. For the Topic: "Do You Involve Kids in the Outdoors?"
This includes any field: camping, hunting, fishing, trapping, (etc).
This also includes any kids not of your own.
Thank you for participating!
Links FOR Outdoorsmen
Links You Should Know
- NRA website
- Fighting for our right to bear arms, the NRA is also a supporter of hunting. Find out, on the website, how to become a member and read about the benefits. Browse the site to keep up to date with how politicians vote and how you can take action.
- Ducks Unlimited website
- A big supporter of hunters, Ducks Unlimited conserves, restores and manages wetlands and associated habitats for North America's waterfowl. These habitats also benefit other wildlife and people.
- Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation website
- The RME Foundation is an international, mission based, nonprofit wildlife habitat conservation organization. Find out more on their website.
- Hunters for the Hungry, by State
- Hunters for the Hungry and it's sister orgs feed hungry citizens with venison and game animals donated by hunters. This link lists states and the orgs that are in that state as well as ways to contact them and get involved.
- Farmers & Hunters Feed the Hungry
- FHFH is an outreach ministry who rely on venison donations from hunters and farmers to feed hungry people all over the U.S. Check out their website to see how you can help.
- Hunt of a Lifetime
- Hunt Of A Lifetime is a nonprofit organization with a mission to grant hunting & fishing adventures and dreams for children age 21 and under, who have been diagnosed with life threatening illnesses. You can't go wrong with that. Read on the site to find out how you can help.
- The Ward Burton Wildlife Federation
- "The Ward Burton Wildlife Foundation is a fast growing education-oriented organization dedicated to promoting an awareness for the need of wildlife conservation, habitat enhancement, and proper stewardship of America's natural resources. The foundation is dedicated to preserving the natural environment for future generations."
Read up on the site to find out how you can help. - National Wild Turkey Federation
- The NWTF supports scientific wildlife management on public, private and corporate lands as well as wild turkey hunting as a traditional North American sport.
Their mission is the conservation of wild turkey and the preservation of our hunting heritage.
Become familiar with the website to find out how you can join and help. Find out information pertaining to you and your sport. - Pheasants Forever, Inc.
- "Pheasants Forever Inc. is dedicated to the protection and enhancement of pheasants, quail and other upland wildlife through habitat improvement, public awareness, education and advocacy for sound land management policy."
- Ruffed Grouse Society
- Dedicated to improving the environment for Ruffed Grouse, Woodcock, and other Forest Wildlife. Find out more on their website and how you can join.
- Trout Unlimited
- Trout Unlimited's mission is to conserve, protect and restore North America's trout and salmon fisheries and their watersheds.
Read more on their website and find out how you can join and help. - Fur Takers of America
- from the site:
Presently we represent thousands of membership across the United States. The main purpose of our existence is to "protect the right" of all sportsmen to the conservation of animals.
Fur Takers of America, Inc. (FTA) is comprised of 5 elected officers and a governing board of 2O members. These officials are charged with the responsibility to ensure that all membership is appraised of the legislative rules that apply and guard the membership of all states against legislation that is detrimental to your "right" to the conservation.
Read more on the site to find out how to join, and find out about local chapters and their meetings near you. - National Trapper's Association
- From Scott Hartman, NTA Director, " Trapping has been an integral part of our American Heritage, and we intend to see that it continues to contribute to abundant wildlife and sound management programs."
Read on the site to find out how to become a member.
This site also pertains to the general public; you can find out furbearer facts, trapping facts, and about wildlife disease.
Links of Interest to Hunters & Kids
State by State Information
- Hunting Laws & Regs by State
- Find your respected state on this site and click on the link to be directed to your state's website to find your hunting regulations, bag limits, seasons, and etc.
- The Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation
- Are your congressmen for or against hunting?
CAUCUS members are congressmen who support and vote for hunting, fishing, and conservation. Click the link on the right of the main page ("Caucus Members") to see where your congressmen stand. - US Fish & Wildlife Service
- Find links , news, and information relevent to you.
- Vast Amount of Business & Organization Links
- These businesses and orgs were far too many to do individually.
Included are businesses such as:
Adirondack Outdoor Catalog, Cabela's, Coleman's Surplus, Cumberland;s Northwest Trappers Supply, The Outdoor Channel, and many more.
It includes such orgs such as:
Boone & Crockett Club, Buckmasters American Deer Foundation, Hunter's Shooting Association, National Taxidermist's Association, and many more.
This link will lead you to the National Trapper's Association's site. - FOR KIDS! Young Bucks Outdoors.com
- Read stories from other young outdoorsboys and gals; submit your own. Enter contests, play games, download and print coloring pages.
Read about wildlife.
This site was built for you! - NRA Free Hunters
- Free Hunters is a branch of the NRA more focused on battling for your hunting rights.
Their mission is to: "Consolidate and strengthen American hunters' political power through a visible advocacy group that preserves the sport, expands seasons, opens lands, and celebrates the culture of hunting. We chose the name Free Hunters because we want everyone to understand we are trying to preserve and expand their freedom to hunt."
Find out how you can join and the benefits you will recieve. - FOR KIDS & PARENTS: Traps 4 Kids.com
- This program is dedicated to helping youngsters get active in the outdoors by teaching them about trapping and helping them to begin to trap. They have mentor and sponsor programs; read on their site for more information.
They also have a forum for kids to ask questions about trapping and interact with one another. - FOR KIDS! Downloadable Wildlife coloring Book
- This links to the PGC site where you can download and print coloring pages of wildlife. Such animals include: Duck, turkey, Raccoon, Robin, Coyote, Barn Owl, and more!
- FOR KIDS! Smokey Bear Kids
- Play campfire games such as Smoke Jumper, Put Out That Fire, and etc. online on this site. There is a section for printing out coloring pages as well as sections that give out facts. You can join the Smokey Club and recieve emails each month.
Groups against Outdoorsmen
Know Thy Opposition
- People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals
- PeTA is the largest animal rights org in the world. PETA operates under the simple principle that animals are not ours to eat, wear, experiment on, or use for entertainment.
They are a constant threat to anglers, hunters, and trappers. If you haven't before, I urge you to read on their site; research their "fact sheets", and do not be unarmed (without information) if these issues are brought up. - The Humane Society of the US
- The HSUS has publicly rallied against several forms of hunting and fishing, and are altogether against trapping and furbearers.
Read up on their site. - Wildlife Watch Inc.
- Wildlife Watch, Inc. often puts hunters under fire. Their committee, C.A.S.H. (Committee to Abolish Sport Hunting) wants to do just what it says, in as short a time as possible. Become familiar with both.
- Greenpeace
- Most recently making headlines about whale hunts and seal hunts, Greenpeace is a group that you should be aware of.
- Committee to Abolish Sport Hunting
- C.A.S.H. is a committee of Wildlife Watch, Inc. They wish to abolish hunting altogether. Become familiar with their site and campaigns.
- Friends of Animals, Inc.
- Friends of Animals is an org whose goal is to "free animals from cruelty and institutionalized exploitation around the world."
They do not consider themselves friends with trappers or hunters.
Books of Interest to Outdoorsmen
Books I Think you'll Enjoy
Along with the theme of this lens, these are books of awareness.
In Defense of Hunting
This book has an inspirational feel to it. It is written for both hunters and anti-hunters (while being pro-hunting) in hopes that both will share common goals: conservation, habitat restoration, stopping poaching, etc.
Amazon Price: (as of 07/15/2009) 
List Price: $20.00
Used Price: $0.01
A Sand County Almanac
One of my favorite writers, Aldo Leopold left this masterpiece for all of us to enjoy. "Written with an unparalleled understanding of the ways of nature, the book includes a section on the monthly changes of the Wisconsin countryside; another part that gathers informal pieces written by Leopold over a forty-year period as he traveled through the woodlands of Wisconsin, Iowa,
Arizona, Sonora, Oregon, Manitoba, and elsewhere; and a final section in which Leopold addresses the philosophical issues involved in wildlife conservation."
Amazon Price: $9.20 (as of 07/15/2009)
List Price: $12.95
Used Price: $1.64
Know Hunting: Truths, Lies & Myths
A nationally known advocate for hunting, David Samual writes this thought provoking prose about "who" today's hunters are, "why" they hunt, "what" their values are, what their impact on the environment is, and the ethics of their sport. He also has a few chapters that tackle anti hunting and the anti-hunting movement. Quite an interesting read.
Amazon Price: (as of 07/15/2009)
List Price: $20.00
Used Price: $6.83
My Health Is Better in November: Thirty-Five Stories of Hunting and Fishing in the South
This is a book composed of 35 stories of hunting and fishing in the south, from the author's own experiences. You are sure to enjoy it.
Amazon Price: $22.76 (as of 07/15/2009)
List Price: $29.95
Used Price: $14.74
Heart Shots: Women Write About Hunting
This is an anthology of women hunters and writers including Beryl Markham, Annie Oakley and Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings. This book would appeal to all hunters, but it would also be a good read for women who have never hunted, but who have hunters in their families.
Amazon Price: (as of 07/15/2009)
List Price: $24.95
Used Price: $18.95
Of Interest to Budding Outdoors Boys & Gals
Items They May Enjoy
Big Tracks, Little Tracks: Following Animal Prints (Let's-Read-and-Find-Out Science, Stage 1)
"Does a cat use his claws when he walks? How does a rabbit run? What does a skunk smell like? Find out the answers in this classic text that teaches young readers how to track animals by finding footprints and other clues. Marlene Donnellys lovely illustrations and Millicent Selsams gentle text make this a perfect first book for children with a budding interest in animals and nature. Included is a new Find Out More page with lots of hands-on activities. "
Amazon Price: $5.99 (as of 07/15/2009)
List Price: $5.99
Used Price: $2.19
Kids' Incredible Fishing Stories
"Kid's Incredible Fishing Stories is a collection of Bizarre Catches, Fierce and Fantastic Fish, Awesome Anglers, and Record Breakers. There's 11-year-old Clayton Ludington, who stood up to a 315-pound yellowfin tuna, and Michael Mealy, a 16-year-old who landed the first tarpon ever caught on rod and reel in Cape Cod--and the first tarpon snared in those waters in 70 years. There's the exceptional angler Weston Fowler, who won his first tarpon tournament at the age of 9 and a few years later caught a 1,000-pound tiger shark. And there's the boy who hooked a piranha in Lake Ronkonkoma, Long Island. Suitable for ages 8 and up. "
Amazon Price: (as of 07/15/2009)
List Price: $7.95
Used Price: $0.01
Hunter Safety
In this 60 minute DVD, the Outdoors Adventure team teach outdoorsmen of all ages how to have a safe and memorable hunt. There are two entertaining stories to this DVD;"Hunter Education: A Path To Follow" , and "Bowhunting: A Timeless Tradition". Both star young Matt and his journey to become a safe and educated hunter.
Amazon Price: $9.98 (as of 07/15/2009)
List Price: $9.98
Used Price: $5.81
Hunter Dan Rifle Hunter Action Figure
Barbie says, "Ken who??"
Hunter Dan and his friends are great for the budding outdoors-boys and gals. He is 8 inches tall and comes equipped in camo, hunter's orange, a treestand, and a rifle. Look for the bowhunting version too!
Amazon Price: $14.99 (as of 07/15/2009)
List Price: $17.99
Used Price:
Camo Items on eBay
Items from various sellers on eBay
As with any auction, use your better judgement. Any transaction is between you and the seller.
The best tip I can give is to check the seller's feedback; not just the total percentage, but read what past buyers have written.
Fetching new data from eBay now... please stand by
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Use the Common Sense Momma Gave Ya. Be Respectful.
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opaww wrote
Nice site I like it, I will add it to my web page soon
Posted September 28, 2007
KAM wrote...
Nice lensership, TheyCallMeVarmit. Solid base of info for novice and expert hunters alike :) Please come visit my Guarded True Secrets Of Master Hunters lens. Thanks.
Posted June 11, 2007
