I've noticed on this forum, and others, when topics such as the use of the use of decoys, ground blinds, scoped guns, HTL shot, etc, are discussed, often responses are posted which tend to show a bit of disdain for those who hunt in a different manner than we approve of. I've addressed this in the past on specific subjects, but thought perhaps we could get a more general discussion started.
As hunters, we are automatically enrolled in a fraternity of fellow outdoorsman. We don't necessarily have to approve of each and every action of our fraternity brothers, but we also need to support their right to enjoy the outdoors on their terms. I've said before that hunting is perhaps the one example of a sport where one can handicap themselves to whatever extent they desire, and manipulate the experience to suit their needs.
There are those that feel unless a gobbler comes to the call, and is bagged without the use of a decoy, or any type of blind, then, somehow, the kill isn't "righteous". They tend to look down their noses at anyone who bags a bird using, say, a blind and possibly decoys. Often hunting "tradition" is cited as a reason for thinking this way. But, does the hunter using the blind and decoys have any less right to be there? Should his kill give him less joy because it doesn't fit our criteria? No, it shouldn't.
I, like most, would ideally prefer a bird to come in strutting and gobbling to my admittedly mediocre calling skills. Many birds have, but I have also taken many birds by ambush and stalking, and a few just walked into my lap through no fault of my own. Each I have considered a blessing, and each has provided me with that welcome adrenaline rush we all desire. If they didn't, I would quit hunting. I also choose to no longer shoot jakes. There was a time when I would, and did, on a few occasions, but then, one day, I just realized the rush wasn't there when I see a jake instead of a longbeard. Do I knock those that will shoot a jake, where legal? No, and I support their right to do so.
There are some things most all of us would agree with being unethical, although not technically illegal, including, but not necessarily limited to, roost shooting and shooting at a range not in your 100% zone, hoping to get lucky. One is unethical, the other, almost immoral. Above those standards, however, we should each be able to enjoy the hunt in a manner which appeals to us, and allows us to enjoy the outdoors, without criticism by others.
Ground blinds seem to be a particular area of consternation. However, most of those who feel it isn't an ethical way of hunting probably don't have a bit of problem using the latest camouflage on the market. It is all a matter of degree, in my opinon, and unless you hunt gobblers using a longbow while wearing buckskins, then you are still trying to circumvent the birds natural defenses in some manner.
I guess what I'm trying to say is don't rain on the other guy's parade. Neill
