Media VS Reality

Media perceives hunting to be different than what actually happens.  In the media, the audience sees success.  The audience sees the hunter shoot their trophy deer or their prize bird.  The audience sees all the good parts about hunting that make it look fun and easy.  What the audience doesn’t see, is all the work it takes to get there.  The audience doesn’t see the hours, days, and weeks of preparation to get ready for hunting season.  They don’t see the days spent outside from sunrise to sunset and not seeing a single deer.  They don’t see walking 10 miles of corn fields and tree rows and not seeing a single bird.  They don’t even see the entire season wasted when your trophy buck finally makes an appearance and your gun jams so you miss your only chance.  

When you see hunting in the media, it’s likely that person is sponsored by other companies.  This provides the hunter with free gear and equipment and also allows the company to get publicity and potentially increase their business.  The hunter has a camera crew or at least one designated camera person who knows the best camera angle for the best view and how to make the hunter look good.  The hunter has a team to help with the prep work and find the best spot for the hunt.  

In real life, a hunter spends thousands of dollars over their lifetime on guns, ammunition, bows, arrows, decoys, game calls, hunting apparel (cold and warm weather), tree stands, ground blinds, game cameras, deer feed and feeders, and hunting license with stamps and tags as needed (and this is just a basic list that doesn’t even begin to cover it all).  It also takes time for a hunter to find the product that best suits their needs and budget.  The hunter does everything themselves from finding a hunting spot, getting their gear ready for the hunt, and running their own cameras.  

The next time you watch a hunting show, think about everything that occurs behind the scenes.  Think about the hunter who does it all alone and gets minimal views and recognition for their hard work.  Hunting is about so much more than a mount on the wall.  It’s also food on the table and in the freezer.  It’s a way for us to provide for our family.  Even with an unsuccessful hunt, you grow as a hunter and as a person.  It’s like they always say, “A bad day hunting is still better than a good day at the office.”