Is it just me??

Johnn Peterson

Johnn Peterson

CGN Ultra frequent flyer
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Location
Chemainus B.C.
At home in B.C., I'm on cable not satellite:(. At the moment we're out in AB visiting and babysitting our Granddaughter while our Daughter & Son In Law are away on a big game hunt in Africa. One of the side benefits I enjoy on these visits is viewing the wide variety of hunting and shooting shows that are available on the satellite dish here:).

Watching a couple of shows yesterday, an aspect in most shows that bothers me somewhat is the seemingly over exuberant laughing, joking, high fives etc that takes place to celebrate the demise of a fine game animal:(. I've been hunting since I was twelve and have harvested a 'fair' amount of game and have been with others that have done the same. With me or those I've been hunting with, I can't ever recall anyone ever expressing or showing signs of laughing jubilation to acknowledge the death of an animal. Offering congratulations on getting the animal and/or making a great effective shot, and taking pictures, yes but that's about it as far as the 'rejoicing' is concerned.

Hence my question. Is this laughing rejoicing etc par for the course today? Or, is it just me and my respect for the game and being a 'stick in the mud'? I guess my attitude comes from my Dad. He loved hunting as much as anyone, but as I recall, actually downing the animal was always a bit of a sad moment for him.

So, comments and opinions??
 
We think the same about taking shooting game Johnn, I never rejoice about downing a moose but rather try to take it without prolonged trauma for the critter.
High fives and laughter make you look like an imbred low browed hick.
 
I feel the same way Johnn.... I don't take any joy in the death of an animal and don't see any need to hoot and holler when the dead is done. I don't think that there is anything wrong with feeling proud, or congratulating someone, but joyful screaming seems to take away something from the life of the animal.
 
I give thanks to the animal for giving itself that we may eat.My 11 year old was taught to do the same thing when he was 5.
Respect is something that is vanishing in all aspects of modern life.
joyous celebration over death shows no respect.
jmo
 
Now we have people telling us how we should feel when we kill an animal?

Usually when someone gets all moralistic and ethical on CGN the hammer falls quickly, so why is this such a Kumbaya circle?

No I don't burn Sweetgrass and thank the Great Maker for providing food after a kill. I usually smile, admire what will soon be meat in the freezer and start the work of getting it home. A couple of times I have been more outwardly excited and pleased, like my first deer (a buck with a bow) - I thought that was ok.

Do you guys hang around outside Slaughter Houses and thank the animals as they enter?
 
I fully agree, Johnn.
If you are a stick-in-the-mud, then I guess I am right there in the mud with you.
 
Andy said:
Now we have people telling us how we should feel when we kill an animal?

Usually when someone gets all moralistic and ethical on CGN the hammer falls quickly, so why is this such a Kumbaya circle?

No I don't burn Sweetgrass and thank the Great Maker for providing food after a kill. I usually smile, admire what will soon be meat in the freezer and start the work of getting it home. A couple of times I have been more outwardly excited and pleased, like my first deer (a buck with a bow) - I thought that was ok.

Do you guys hang around outside Slaughter Houses and thank the animals as they enter?
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I wasn't telling anyone "how they should feel", merely expressing an opinion as to how I felt and why. Also, I was inquiring as to the feelings or emotions others felt in those circumstances. I guess in essence, there are four basic behaviours one can feel and/or display.

- Have some reflection and degree of sympathy for what you've just done
- Attempt to stay very neutral
- Smile as you reflect back on the experience
- Or, jump around, laugh and high five

Each to their own choice and I respect that but after seeing some of the repeated antics exhibited on some of the hunting shows I've been viewing, I was just wondering if I was the odd man out or if there were others that shared my sentiments. No, I don't do or advocate doing things like "burning sweet grass" or smoking left hand cigarettes to "thank the Great Maker". If however, some feel the need to make it a religious experience, that's your choice, go for it.

Smiling at the thought of what's going in the freezer, or at the remembering of hunt details, we probably all do that. That's one end of the scale so to speak. Your comment on standing outside of the slaughter house, that's sort of at the other.
 
I feel the same - it's bitter sweet. I have a smile on my face and general air of contentment, but the strutting, testosterone-laden, macho bs I can do without. I hunt alone most of the time.
 
Andy said:
Now we have people telling us how we should feel when we kill an animal?

Usually when someone gets all moralistic and ethical on CGN the hammer falls quickly, so why is this such a Kumbaya circle?

No I don't burn Sweetgrass and thank the Great Maker for providing food after a kill. I usually smile, admire what will soon be meat in the freezer and start the work of getting it home. A couple of times I have been more outwardly excited and pleased, like my first deer (a buck with a bow) - I thought that was ok.

Do you guys hang around outside Slaughter Houses and thank the animals as they enter?
Click to expand...

Don't think anyone is telling you anything, just what they feel. Happy, proud, excited and pleased yes. Think the original post refers to some of the stuff seen on some of the TV shows. Big hunter takes position, big hunter shoots something and then all the phoney antics. Most of the them would be just as happy shooting cows out in a field if it was legal.
 
old hound said:
Don't think anyone is telling you anything, just what they feel. Happy, proud, excited and pleased yes. Think the original post refers to some of the stuff seen on some of the TV shows. Big hunter takes position, big hunter shoots something and then all the phoney antics. Most of the them would be just as happy shooting cows out in a field if it was legal.
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I think Andy was feeling backed into a corner. Like Mr. Peterson was making him feel *guilty* about being excited and happy about killing a big game animal.

Thats what I think...but I haven't taken a big game animal yet so I really have no place in this convo...
 
archie_james_c said:
I think Andy was feeling backed into a corner. Like Mr. Peterson was making him feel *guilty* about being excited and happy about killing a big game animal.

Thats what I think...but I haven't taken a big game animal yet so I really have no place in this convo...
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I wasn't trying to promote a guilt trip on anyone. I assure you, that was not the intent. I was questioning the antics I've seen displayed on hunting shows I've viewed lately, attempted to portray my sentiments and solicited input on how others felt and reacted. I'm not judging or condeming the feelings and actions of others. Just inquiring as to the reaction and feelings of this group.
 
Andy said:
Now we have people telling us how we should feel when we kill an animal?

Usually when someone gets all moralistic and ethical on CGN the hammer falls quickly, so why is this such a Kumbaya circle?

No I don't burn Sweetgrass and thank the Great Maker for providing food after a kill. I usually smile, admire what will soon be meat in the freezer and start the work of getting it home. A couple of times I have been more outwardly excited and pleased, like my first deer (a buck with a bow) - I thought that was ok.

Do you guys hang around outside Slaughter Houses and thank the animals as they enter?
Click to expand...


No one seems to be telling anyone how to feel.....I was also taught to respect the game I harvested. Respect has nothing to do with being a liberal, or a hippy. I get excited also when I harvest game, but I am concerned with how others perceive me when I do. The thing with T.V. shows about hunting is that they cannot convey the buildup of adrenaline and stress that the hunter feels. Often it comes out right after taking that one shot that you've been waiting for for hours,days,weeks even. Unfortunately this behaviour is misinterpreted as "Hillbilly Antics" by non-hunters and really harms us as a group.
I have felt bittersweet about some of the game I have shot, and if that makes me different from you well so be it. Personally I don't give a sh!t what others think of me, I have the respect of my wife and kids, my siblings and my parents. Thats good enough for me.
Therefore if you feel the need to label me as a member of a Kumbaya circle go ahead, I've been called worse by better people.
 
I hate it when those tv shows have guys whooping and giggling and hi-fiving......

For me, it cheapens the hunt so I don't do it.

I will shake a clients hand and say "nice shot", but to act like little boys who just saw their first Playboy, nope.
 
First off I feel that over the top exuberance is somewhat out of place when you have taken a fine animal. Myself and my friends will smile, a few back slaps, shake hands etc but aren't acting like we won the Stanley Cup. I believe truely that the difference between what you see on most of those shows is that they are trophy hunting and most here in Canada are meat hunting. They see it as something to celebrate with an over abundance of exuberance of enthusiasm and hang on their wall, we see it as food on the table and IF the rack is nice enough to hang on the wall, then so be it. While I don't approve of that type of hunting, nor don't particularly enjoy those kind of celebrations, I think someone who feels the need to enforce their moral compass on anyone is the one way out of line. Exactly how all of us feel about city dwelling vegans telling us our shotguns and hunting rifles have to be registered to protect them from criminals. Think about that parallel before you decide your way is best. Many (myself included) think you are probably correct, but that doesn't give you the right to tell anyone else they are wrong for doing so.
 
I eat its heart to capture the soul.

apocalypto.jpg



I gota back andy up on this one a bit. After a successful hunt that allot of time and planning went in2 there is nothing wrong at all with giving ur buddy a high five.

people are not gona do back flips screaming wahooooo but there is nothing wrong with a little excitement.
 
For me it's always been a handshake, a quiet controlled "YES!" with success bursting from eyes, but a very noticeable sense of respect for what has occurred; the hunt, the planning, the friendship, the animal, etc etc.

I know a man, a bilology instructor who tried hunting for the first time. He went with a group of men and they got a bull moose. The first thing one guy did was cut of the mooses *^%$ and parade with it like a trophy.

He never went again. Now not everyone is like this obviously, but that was enough for him not to want to give it another try.
 
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