General Attitudes Towards Fellow Shooters

[Bowland blades]

Wasn’t sure how to title this one.

Be honest and let me know what you think the general attitudes are between fellow shooters, towards one another.

Perhaps you know everyone that shoots near or around your patch and you all get along really well. Perhaps you have land that is shared and like a few people I know, have a Whatsapp group to make sure you know when the others are out - to stay safe.

Have you noticed that some are particularly difficult, jealous, bitter or perhaps even trouble makers?

It’s a bit of a loaded question, really. Like me, you’ve probably got, or experienced, a mixed bag. I imagine it depends on what kind of shooting you do so I’m specifically referring to deer stalking and vermin control.

I’ve found that some people are really good to get on with. You end up meeting them in the pub, having a chat over a beer, offer advice share stories etc. Sometimes you become friendly, meet up for a shoot, help them with their reloading etc.

However, I’ve noticed a worrying number can be very difficult. Some are protective, thinking that you might pose some sort of “competition” and try to shoot on their land.

Some are secretive and try to fly under the radar in fear of criticism or outrage from the vegan or PC brigade. And other are simply jealous and can be, in some cases, trouble makers. Gossip, Chinese whispers etc. Usually they don’t know you at all. I’ve experienced this recently.

It’s more disappointing than anything and does the sport a disservice in general, I feel. Nobody wins. It just divides us. We divide ourselves. Crazy. Doesn’t seem necessary when the sport has enough challenges as it is.

I wonder, is this behaviour representative of the populous in general or specific to our sport?

Oh, this is the thing " jealousy and self interest" there is less land than folks wanting to shoot it . It actually gets to be a PITA and its all over the uk , from the most remote rural areas in the highlands etc. to the spots near drives of big cities
Best trick is ignore it and dont get involved

 

[Island]

Yeah I've experienced a mix too. Some people are nice and normal, and some are c@nts.

The closed shop, clique, secret society vibe is very annoying. we are all doing the same thing on the same team. A lot of bigotry with regard to experience and gear people use. Some of us are not born with a silver spoon so to speak. some of which I have witnessed here. You're not a real hunter if you're not shooting top of the line Blaser topped with a swaro scope.

IMO the lad who can put deer in the freezer with minimal gear is much more of a hunter than the guy who has all the latest gadgets and gizmos and the deep pockets to fund them.

I cannot be alone in seeing the irony in these statements...?

 

[Overlay]

I cannot be alone in seeing the irony in these statements...?

Having been out all night and just going home to nite nites, I had to look up irony as the grey matter is slowing up after 9 hours of being outside in the frost, yep agree 100%. Good night
I think I agree anyway, I’ll re check after getting out of the pit later, suitably refreshed and I still have some shooting permission left

 

[sikamalc]

Over the years I have met a lot of people in the stalking world. Most are fairly decent people. Through this site I now have a very small circle of friends who now guide for me over all the species and help with clients. However I have also had to deal with one or two complete and utter arse holes.

As with everything in life, there are good and bad, the bad ones in deer stalking are usually easy to see through.

 

[Island]

Wasn’t sure how to title this one.

Be honest and let me know what you think the general attitudes are between fellow shooters, towards one another.

Perhaps you know everyone that shoots near or around your patch and you all get along really well. Perhaps you have land that is shared and like a few people I know, have a Whatsapp group to make sure you know when the others are out - to stay safe.

Have you noticed that some are particularly difficult, jealous, bitter or perhaps even trouble makers?

It’s a bit of a loaded question, really. Like me, you’ve probably got, or experienced, a mixed bag. I imagine it depends on what kind of shooting you do so I’m specifically referring to deer stalking and vermin control.

I’ve found that some people are really good to get on with. You end up meeting them in the pub, having a chat over a beer, offer advice share stories etc. Sometimes you become friendly, meet up for a shoot, help them with their reloading etc.

However, I’ve noticed a worrying number can be very difficult. Some are protective, thinking that you might pose some sort of “competition” and try to shoot on their land.

Some are secretive and try to fly under the radar in fear of criticism or outrage from the vegan or PC brigade. And other are simply jealous and can be, in some cases, trouble makers. Gossip, Chinese whispers etc. Usually they don’t know you at all. I’ve experienced this recently.

It’s more disappointing than anything and does the sport a disservice in general, I feel. Nobody wins. It just divides us. We divide ourselves. Crazy. Doesn’t seem necessary when the sport has enough challenges as it is.

I wonder, is this behaviour representative of the populous in general or specific to our sport?

The stalking / shooting world is no different from anything else. The problem is human nature, we all want to be the "best" regardless of our lot.

Custom rifle owners look down on production rifle owners and vice versa.
High end production rifle owners look down on budget rifle owners and vice versa.
"Deer managers" look down on "recreational stalkers" and vice versa.
Users of monometal ammunition look down on lead ammunition owners and vice versa.
LR shooters look down on "UK stalking ranges" shooters and vice versa.
Private land lease owners look down on paid-outing shooters and vice versa. "I shoot for free because I'm providing a service" crowd look down on both of the previous.
Those who dial look down on MPBR afficianados and vice versa.
Creedmoor users look down on everyone...

Do you see the common theme here? Humans. Horrible creatures unable to accept the old adage "different strokes for different folks". Constantly striving to be "better than you" rather than just "better people".

This is why I prefer dogs.

 

[stalker 79]

Ive met some really decent guys in this game but also some of the worst back stabbing lairs, its usually the same names in each area, there well known for it and just avoided..

 

[Hook'N'Bullet]

I cannot be alone in seeing the irony in these statements...?

Where? Have you spoken to the same people I have?

• A lot of bigotry with regard to experience and gear people use.
  • In my experience, I've met a few people in both stalking and rough shooting (although majority in the latter) of lads flexing their "real world" knowledge. Claiming to have shot 200 deer this season alone. They poo poo anybody who shoots for the table as being a novice and disregard anything they say. You also have people poo pooing other peoples equipment. I've experienced it when I mention I shoot a Tikka. "oh that's a cheap rifle". I know it is, I bought it to do a job. Its still a barrel and a firing pin, at ~200 meters, my tikka and you're custom whatever will both kill deer reliably. Some people refuse to take you seriously unless you fork out wads of cash on top of the range gear
• the lad who can put deer in the freezer with minimal gear is much more of a hunter than the guy who has all the latest gadgets and gizmos
  • Pretty much the same point as above. Just because you have the pockets to buy the latest thermal, Swaro scope, Blaser, EELL etc doesn't make you any better of a hunter than the next guy with a Tikka T3/Rem 700 with a Nikko Sterling scope. It's all in the skills you posses.

Same way buying a fancy car doesn't make you a better driver.

 

[Island]

Where? Have you spoken to the same people I have?

• A lot of bigotry with regard to experience and gear people use.
  • In my experience, I've met a few people in both stalking and rough shooting (although majority in the latter) of lads flexing their "real world" knowledge. Claiming to have shot 200 deer this season alone. They poo poo anybody who shoots for the table as being a novice and disregard anything they say. You also have people poo pooing other peoples equipment. I've experienced it when I mention I shoot a Tikka. "oh that's a cheap rifle". I know it is, I bought it to do a job. Its still a barrel and a firing pin, at ~200 meters, my tikka and you're custom whatever will both kill deer reliably. Some people refuse to take you seriously unless you fork out wads of cash on top of the range gear
• the lad who can put deer in the freezer with minimal gear is much more of a hunter than the guy who has all the latest gadgets and gizmos
  • Pretty much the same point as above. Just because you have the pockets to buy the latest thermal, Swaro scope, Blaser, EELL etc doesn't make you any better of a hunter than the next guy with a Tikka T3/Rem 700 with a Nikko Sterling scope. It's all in the skills you posses.

Same way buying a fancy car doesn't make you a better driver.

Whilst I agree with your explanation (and the opposite side of it) it is not the way that your initial post read.

You were complaining of people judging based on "monetary value" of the kit they use and then in the very next sentence pass your own judgement (viz: IMO the lad who can put deer in the freezer with minimal gear is much more of a hunter than the guy who has all the latest gadgets and gizmos and the deep pockets to fund them).

Kit, expensive / fashionable or otherwise, does not make the hunter.

Reverse snobbery is still snobbery...

 

[Hook'N'Bullet]

Whilst I agree with your explanation (and the opposite side of it) it is not the way that your initial post read.

You were complaining of people judging based on "monetary value" of the kit they use and then in the very next sentence pass your own judgement (viz: IMO the lad who can put deer in the freezer with minimal gear is much more of a hunter than the guy who has all the latest gadgets and gizmos and the deep pockets to fund them).

Kit, expensive / fashionable or otherwise, does not make the hunter.

Reverse snobbery is still snobbery...

Its not reverse snobbery though. I'd love to own all of the top range things and don't show prejudice to those that do. But if you own it and are a c@nt about it, thats a different story. I dislike people who make others feels inferior. It's just bullying in my eyes

 

[75]

Very neat. Seen far worse produced by-so called pros on rusty old Landrovers.

Tongue firmly in cheek. I used to be a welding inspector so have seen my fair share of shoddy welding.

 

[8x57]

"General Attitudes Towards Fellow Shooters" ​

I have had a shotgun certificate and/or a firearms certificate for 46 years and shot for a few years before that. I've shot several shooting disciplines and roughshot and tried wildfowling in addition to deer stalking.
I have met hundreds of shooters in that time. I've shot alongside merchant bankers, doctors, pilots, ship's masters, bricklayers, carpenters, refuse operatives, mechanics and so on and so on. Some have been extremely well off and others like myself less well off. The one thing that I would say about them all is that the vast majority were absolutely terrific people and I am privileged to say that I would happily call them friends.

I've run into some of the very best of people through stalking. The kindest most genuine absolutely sincere people who you would ever wish to meet. Unfortunately however there have been one or two rum ones over the years, and more so in the stalking community than in any other form of shooting. There may have been one or two professionals who left a bit to be desired, but most of the bad ones that I have encountered have been guys who were wannabes. Rank amateurs who simply want to may a quick quid out of what was their hobby and aren't too concerned about who they robbed or who was in their way. These are the people that I avoid. I don't wish for their company and I don't want to be associated with them in any way shape or form.

I do however take my hat off the vast majority of shooters who it has been my pleasure to encounter.

 

[bottletopbill]

Two guys on here helped me a novice Sikamalc and Sussexsteve and for both I have the upmost respect for caring and both willing to help a novice into stalking world.

Thanks guy's you are a credit to stalking.

 

[Stalker62]

I'd love to own all of the top range things and don't show prejudice to those that do.

Interesting and (intentionally?) provocative thread.

Titled, "General Attitudes..." - you then go on to refer to others as either 'c@nts" or "Old farts".

An interesting and amusing (at least to me) corner you seem to have painted yourself into.





Just the view of an "Old fart c@nt..." and so perhaps I am excused...

 

[Norfolk Deer Search]

'c@nts" or "Old farts

Well i certainly fall under the first and feel like the second at the end of March after the winter stalking finishes!

 

[Hook'N'Bullet]

Interesting and (intentionally?) provocative thread.

Titled, "General Attitudes..." - you then go on to refer to others as either 'c@nts" or "Old farts".

An interesting and amusing (at least to me) corner you seem to have painted yourself into.


View attachment 293899


Just the view of an "Old fart c@nt..." and so perhaps I am excused...

There's nothing personal in it nor is it directed at anybody in particular. I don't know you and for all I know, you could be the nicest person on the face of the earth. What I've posted is just my experience of the "general attitude" of some people I've had the displeasure of dealing with both on and off line.

By titling yourself as such, you're pretty much admitting to have done one or more of things I've mentioned which will be the downfall of the sport. Everybody harps about "teaching the next generation" but when it comes to down to it, in the vast majority of cases, its a closed shop.

I don't think I'm the one that's painted myself into a corner.

 

[Hook'N'Bullet]

Well i certainly fall under the first and feel lime the second at the end of March after the winter stalking finishes!

Ah Norfolk, you're just a copper c@nt. Might be a better name than the copper evangelist!

Jokes of course, I do enjoy your enthusiasm

 

[Stalker62]

By titling yourself as such, you're pretty much admitting to have done one or more of things I've mentioned which will be the downfall of the sport.

That must be right.

If it helps you get through the day, that must be right.

Now if you will just excuse me, I am just going to pop outside and kick a kitten....

 

[dobber]

Interesting thread, and similar over here in Ontario. My most recent experience is puzzling to me and it happened last November.
I own 160 acres of bush - not much on it but trees, rocks, deer and bear, its a long way to go though, so limit my trips to twice a year, and only once for hunting (deer season is limited to a small window).
Anyway, I invited a friend and we hunted it in 2021, and again in 2022 where we all shot a deer. We take it to the local butcher up there, saves time and as noted a long drive (16 hours if I take the short cut)
After driving through the night to my place, we start to unload, im carrying stuff in and out look at my kid and my buddy standing there in front of the coolers and tell em, split it up, lets go.
Eventually my son makes the move to split things up, no scientific method to it, it's dark and my buddy stands there and watches. I get a text from my buddy many hours later once he got home and he complains about how the meat was split up and it wasn't fair. He was standing right there when it was sorted, could have jumped in any time, could have started it without me saying get a move on.
Not sure what's up his arse, but he hasn't contacted me since that text, and I've reached out. I joked with my son about it and noted, well at least I know where I will be hunting next fall, not sure about him.

I will also note, during the fall we both shot a bear, shot a buffalo each - there was no shortage of meat over the winter, actually ended up buying another freezer to hold it all - and he has the same amount of meat

 

[Norfolk Deer Search]

Ah Norfolk, you're just a copper c@nt. Might be a better name than the copper evangelist!

Jokes of course, I do enjoy your enthusiasm

The problem with me is , I just don’t care what people think, people can kill 1 deer or they can kill 200 doesn’t bother me, they could use, lead, copper or depleted uranium again, doesn’t bother me!

As long as people take me as I am all good, what I can’t abide by. Is jumped up little fuktards who think they’re better than they are, and there is an almighty heap of them in the stalking world.

 

[Pine Marten]

I think that for the most part, shooting/hunting is the same as any other area of life, with some great people, some awful people, and most somewhere in between. Incidentally, that means the SD membership is no different… But there is one peculiarity which is that shooting sports, and hunting or any form of live quarry shooting, is that they’re actually quite inaccessible by their nature. If I want to play golf, I join a golf club, if I want to be elected, I join a political party, if I want to drive I get a driving licence, buy a car and find a road. But how do I get into shooting if I don’t know anyone already involved? Joining a shooting club isn’t actually that straightforward and often there just aren’t any nearby. As to getting into fieldsports, well there’s the Big Wallet path, but that’s actually quite reductive in many ways, even if you have the means, or there’s what I did which is spending two decades trying to make friends and most people will give up. Because good, affordable shooting is in limited supply, many wildfowling clubs are pretty much closed shops for example. You come across people who actively seek to restrict access to protect their position but ultimately that’s self-defeating. And so that competition or secrecy can really put newcomers off.

Then the other thing is the amount of WAITING AROUND that happens in shooting clubs in all disciplines, it’s unreal…