Uh, no. I would not wear tee shirts that brag about hunting, racks, big ones, you name it. They might be all right for some, but not for me. I’ll tell you why. I’m not an in-your-face kind of hunter. I’m more of a reverent hunter. I don’t think the field is the place for braggadocio, high fives, blood smearing rituals or anything of the sort.
Uh, no way. And it’s pink, too. Yuk.
And there’s another reason I will not wear these glorify-the-kill shirts. And that’s because it is a huge turnoff to people who don’t understand hunting. My mission in life is to broach the subject of hunting gently – especially to people who eat meat already. In fact, I like it when people exclaim, as a nurse did recently while I was waiting in the blood pressure check room, “I can’t believe YOU are a hunter!”
Now, I am not averse to wearing camo in public, but just a touch. Not the whole outfit. More like this …
I’d wear this Prois Hunting Apparel Sherpa jacket to the grocery store or football game. Photo by Kirstie Pike
So … would I wear this shirt?
Nope. Does this really need an explanation?
Or this one?
Nope. Why slap at the very people we hope to educate?
And then, there’s this one.
A bit heartless. Even if accurate.
Would you wear shirts like these? Why?
If you happen to like these shirts, they can be found at buckwear.com.
Publisher/Editor Barbara Baird is a freelance writer in hunting, shooting and outdoor markets. Her bylines are found at several top hunting and shooting publications. She also is a travel writer, and you can follow her at https://www.ozarkian.com. View all posts by Barbara Baird
I look at it this way…..Would wearing this do “anything” positive for those of us who promote and enjoy the outdoors? Those who flaunt this type of clothing make our job as outdoor communicators extremely important. As one who lives in NJ, I wouldn’t need anything else to draw attention from those looking to start a dialogue which would attack my beliefs.
Great point you brought up!
You’re right, Bucky. Absolutely spot-on. And also, as a father of a daughter who is growing up and learning about the outdoors, you probably are even more sensitive to these types of shirts.
Absolutely. Before you can have a deep respect for the outdoors you must have respect for yourself.
Barb,
Thanks and I am with you. I don’t wear hunting logo shirts and rarely even camo unless I’m on the hunt.
Keep up the great work!
Steve
That’s right, Steve. You are one of the most laid-back and nonchalant writers I know! I can’t imagine seeing you in a silly or rude shirt. In fact, I think I’ve seen you in more sports coats and business shirts lately at conferences than camo! You, Dr. Bomb and I need to get out for a dove hunt somewhere this season!
Camo, YES! It’s my power color. 🙂 but these shirts, well I really don’t believe in bragging, face it there will always be someone out there better, why set yourself up, but that is not the main reason, it’s just poor taste. I may feel that way about some ‘other’ folks that try to hinder my right to hunt, but I would rather approach them in an educational manner. I love the ‘hug an angler’ video, I wish it had been more about hunting, but most surveys show the general public approves of angling, not so much on hunting, so this is a softer approach. Without the revenue from hunters and anglers our whole country would be in a sorry state. I would wear a shirt about that! Might encourage a conversation or two. I would rather lead by example. I think there is already too much bravado in television now and I don’t tend to watch the shows where folks are high-fiving it, or yelling about slamming or putting the slam down on an animal….really? Harvesting an animal is always a bittersweet moment, you just took a life, show some respect! I’ll get off my soap box now….
And this is why you contribute to The WON. Same principles and ideals as the rest of the hunters here. Good for you, Ellen.
No, I’d never think of owning or wearing any of these shirts or anything like them. My reasons are the same as yours. I have too much respect for our treasured hunting lifestyle to bring it down to a lower level with immature comments sprawled across my chest. Now, I have been spotted in public wearing the occasional camo sweatshirt or hat–can’t help it when I’m in the field more than I am in town 🙂
Do you ever wonder … just what do the folks in China who sew these shirts and apply these goofy phrases think? If someone explains it to them in the first place?
No ma’am! I also am not into these shirts. No logos, no slogans. I’m plain but not so boring. I spend my life being a good mentor to others and try to bring life to new hunters and huntresses. I like to be respected so I show respect to others. I choose to express my sense of humor in other ways that I hope are not harmful, belittling or degrading to myself or others.
Camo? Yep. I wear it. It’s my uniform.
Thanks, Mia. I wouldn’t expect any less from you!
LOL!!! You know me too well. What I didn’t mention about the camo uniform is that I don’t go in public if I am full of blood. That is such a turn off to people who are not anti’s, but are undecided on how they feel about hunting. I never let them see that part of my job unless they volunteer to come out in the field and learn about hunting.
Oh amen. ‘Nuff said.