The Definition of a Sportsman (2 of 7)

The Evolution of a Sportsman

One of the first things a sportsman comes to realize is that he or she is no longer in search of game simply to dress the dinner table. This “need” ended long ago with the urbanization of America and the rise of industrial farming practices. Today, one need only drive to the nearest supermarket or fast food joint to pick up dinner. This is not meant to diminish the experience or importance of the hunt, however. Outdoor activities like hunting, fishing, and hiking continue to teach valuable lessons in ethics and respect for animals and nature. The only change is that hunting now falls solely under the heading of sport.

This is an example of one of the many realizations a young sportsman (hunter, fisher, hiker, etc.) must come to terms with during his maturation. It is a long, stepwise process, a series of evolutions which begins with the curiosity and yearnings of a child, though there need be no correlation with age. This curiosity is fostered under the guidance of a more seasoned sportsman and tested by trial and error. The goal at this stage is simple – to satiate the youth's thirst for knowledge and to harvest one fish, one animal.

Success in the hunt promotes the immature sportsman to the next level. He or she displays the new found talent by “taking” as many animals as possible, in other words, to punch all the tags, catch the limit. It is not about quality at this point, just quantity, because every catch, every kill imparts a bit of wisdom that hones the young hunter’s craft.

Once the rudimentary skill set is laid, the sportsman’s evolution takes on a social dynamic. Originally, maybe it’s blood lust or simple curiosity that motivates the young hunter, but eventually it is a yearning for acceptance among peers, someone to brag to about the latest hunt, the latest fishing escapade. The hunter becomes versed in Boon & Crockett Club scores or knowing the size of the record fish caught on the smallest fly. It's all about catching the most or scoring the biggest trophy. The hunter is skilled in his or her sport, but the continued support from peers necessary to validate the hunter’s ability or social standing is proof that he or she has not yet fully matured in the sport.

The final evolution transcends social acceptance and the “kill” because, as James from Sula, MT puts it, “Killing is such a small part of hunting.” It's about the sport and the ability to keep challenging oneself. A sportsman believes in setting high goals, reaching them, re-evaluating, and then setting higher standards. How else does one explain why sportsmen continue to challenge themselves by stacking the odds in the favor of the quarry (ex: rifle to bow, spinning rod to fly-rod)? The sportsman is invigorated by the constant humility Mother Nature dishes out. She helps the sportsman appreciate every aspect associated with the hunt – craft, nature, communion, solitude, companionship,... She helps redefine “success” in the hunt, completing the evolution of the sportsman.