Goes for both women and men. Some of the comments on the Big Buck thread were so far separated from reality I nearly redefined my thinking on what an Outdoorsman and for that matter, a Sportsman, really might be in this country today.

I define an Outdoorsman as a hunter and/or fisherman, and student of nature. A true Outdoorsman takes the time and extends the effort to clearly grasp reality in management and conservation of our nation's fish and game resources, and is unselfish in that endeavor. This person understands and supports all facets of the sports of hunting and fishing, and takes steps when necessary to defend our privileges to enjoy both, or either. This person knows or is attempting to learn what is required to go afield or onto the water no matter the conditions and enjoy the Sport successfully, and supports, educates, and encourages the younger generations to enter the Sports.

Discouraging younger sportsmen in any manner for no reason other than 'school yard bully' attitude is unacceptably juvenile behavior in my mind, and I have seen an undue amount of that from my supposed peers recently. True Sportsmen would not tolerate or ever participate in attempts to discourage future Outdoorsmen, my great grandkids will need their mentors when they come of age as I needed mine and you needed yours to 'hold their hand' so to speak, and guarantee the future of our great hunting and fishing traditions. One can be a true Outdoorsman at any age; 14, 22, 56, and in the case of my friend, Clarence Kalkofen, 100, and can unfortunately be much less for no other reason than selfish 'me first' attitude at any of those ages as well. Which shall it be for you?

There are many categories out there in both sports. An Outdoorsman would not ridicule a waterfowl hunter just because he/she is a big game hunter, to the contrary. By the same standard, a truly dedicated Muskie angler would not ridicule a Big Game hunter or a Bluegill angler, nor would a Varmint hunter ridicule a Waterfowl hunter for their passion for their Sport.

Pass it forward, and do so without expectation of public reward. The reward comes from the satisfaction of seeing another succeed in part due to your influence.

An Outdoorsman would respect and pass on that respect for all other Outdoorsmen and Women, the resource, and our privileges to enjoy them. If we lose sight of this, my great grandkids may never know what it's like to stalk an Antelope on the Wyoming High Prairie, select a bow stand for Whitetail, or set the hook on a big Muskie......because no one will care.

Thanks for the insightful message! I agree wholeheartedly!