The biggest change I've seen is using the term sport to describe hunting. I've never looked at hunting as a sport. It's a tradition a way of life an instinct that is within all of us, to label it as a sport simply takes away from those things.

Your absolutely right, Its not a "Sport" Whats sporting about shooting a deer over bait??

And it "Was" a "Natural Instinct" Until it became a "Business" with outrageous fees involved...just my

The biggest change I've seen is using the term sport to describe hunting. I've never looked at hunting as a sport. It's a tradition a way of life an instinct that is within all of us, to label it as a sport simply takes away from those things.

Classifying hunting as a "sport" would be correct, since the majority of all hunters are involved in hunting as a recreation, and not as a matter of survival. The sport of hunting began as early as during the time of Mesopotamia, when carvings and paintings showed recreational and competitive hunters! Hunting could also be classified as an "art", since for the most part, that is an aspect that it presents today.

One thing that has improved hunting the past few years, has been the increase in female hunters. We see that today on the numerous outdoor TV shows.

Hunting is more of a sport today also, because of the number of "professional" hunters that we see. People are paid to endorse products and are expected to use those products in the field.

Just as hunting has evolved into a recreational activity, so too has fishing. Both have been considered a "sport" for centuries. Granted there is that "instict" still in most of us, the evolution of man himself has made it a sport!

oh man, you forgot "high fences"..... you decide which one to put it in!

Great thread, yet I must say that I don't call it a sport either. I have decided that my personal definition of a sport is determined by whether or not obese people can be good at it.

Try and tell that to a sumo wrestler.

I too agree with HWY! When I am talking (explaining) to people why I hunt I explain that the biggest part of hunting for me is not the kill. It is the time spent with family and friends. The time and dedication to practice time with the rifle/pistol/bow. The study of nature and how all things in the wood/prairies or on/in the water are interrelateted and are in harmony. The time of solitude while in the stand I use to refect on all I have to be thankful for and thank God for those blessings. Getting excited when the Cabellas or Bass Pro cataloges show up. Sitting around a campfire telling lies and an occational trueth. The way my pulse raises and the tingleing on my skin when any animal walks into view. The awsomeness of watching the world wake up. From the first hint of light and the first chirps from a bird. An slow motion explosion of light and life.

This is why I hunt. This is what I want to teach my kids and share with loved ones.

It is not a "sport" to me it is a lifestyle.

Saddly though it is becoming more of a "business" and will continue to do so. I dont fault the land owner for trying to make the most money they can, nor do I resent the people that can out spend me. I will continue to do my best to afford the privilege of hunting and I am sure there with be time in my future, like my past, that it will just be some thing I can not afford. But, a missed season every so often makes me cherish the past hunts and dream of future hunts.

I first went deer hunting in 1963. Back then, and for about 10 years after that, baiting was unheard of. I still hunt that way. Also, back then, getting a deer by serendipity was considered a good thing. For example, seeing a deer while farming/ranching and shooting it REGARDLESS OF ANTLER SIZE, for the larder.