SECTION TWO
“ The future of the outdoors is at a tipping point , and it ’ s up to us to keep it from falling over the cliff and shattering into a free-for-all where it ’ s everyone for themselves , and the most fame and fortune .”
Is it possible that we simply don ’ t have enough publicly accessible land for everyone to enjoy without issues associated with crowding ? Based on the data I could find , Illinois ranks 44th out of the 50 states for public land available for hunting – with a whopping 2 % of the state open to public hunting ( and that includes federal lands as well ).
When talking with others who have spent their entire lifetimes in the outdoors I find the same feelings – the same “ What is happening to us ” question being asked . Some feel that social media plays a large part as well as the need to “ Be Somebody ”. It seems that every outdoor activity is now a competition , thanks to social media . Sportsmen are chasing likes and views and praying their post or tweet goes viral – in hopes that someone will notice them and offer them a giant contract . Alternately , other sportsmen are falling into the name and shame routine in an effort to make themselves appear better , more ethical , or to get a leg up on their perceived “ competition ”. Far too often social media feeds are filled with posts that degrade and tear down each other , rather than standing together as sportsmen and women .
It ’ s all been a bit much for me lately . I have lost respect for those I once looked up to . I find myself tossing aside what once were my favorite outdoor publications because every article has become one long infomercial for the writer and any and all products that were used . How do we turn this disturbing trend around ? While we want to keep introducing people to the outdoors and all the benefits of enjoying the outdoors – we absolutely must be mindful of how we are doing it , and how we are presenting ourselves to new users .
I ’ ve been told by readers that I shouldn ’ t talk about , write about , or offer up any photos of poor behavior because it gives people the perception that all outdoor enthusiasts behave like that . I ’ ve also been advised to play the internet name and shame game with those who violate fish and game laws , and behave badly . I think the answer falls somewhere in the middle . The more attention we give those behaving badly the more of a star it makes them believe they are . Yet to ignore it completely will not make it go away .
How do we make folks understand that It ’ s not a giant competition for the biggest trophy animal , the most tournament wins , that time in the outdoors is not a means to the end of becoming a star ?
Well , stop the hero worship for one thing . Cut back on the viewing of the TV shows , reading the publications that glorify this sort of thing and routinely are nothing more than one long infomercial . When we find out that someone who has broken fish and game laws is sponsored by one of our favorite product manufacturers – take the time to write them and let them know that we can ’ t support a product that supports that kind of behavior .
Most of all we must lead by example . WE must set the tone and show others what is and is not acceptable behavior in the outdoors . WE must educate newcomers , not just in the rules , but the reasoning behind those rigs . WE must demand from our judges that those found guilty be prosecuted fully . WE must show the newcomers how to best interact with others on public land , how to be courteous , civil , polite .
The future of the outdoors is at a tipping point , and it ’ s up to us to keep it from falling over the cliff and shattering into a free-for-all where it ’ s everyone for themselves , and the most fame and fortune .
HORIZONS | 19