Thoughts From the 'Root
Three men from the Bitterroot share their definition of a sportsman.
Brent – “A sportsman is an individual interested in outdoor activities involving the pursuit of game animals or fish. I tend to believe the true ‘sportsman’ should be classified as someone that is more interested in being out in the field than actually have a ‘successful’ day in the field (full freezer or creel).”
Like Brent said, a “true ‘sportsman’ should be classified as someone that is more interested in being out in the field than actually have a ‘successful’ day in the field,” because though pictures and trophies on the wall are respectable, they are no more than visual time markers that allow a person to access filed memories from their mental vault. And from these, it’s often the unintended experiences that make the day a success – unexpected wildlife sightings, the sound of an unchecked mountain stream or wind rustling the grasses of a mountain meadow, conversations with friends, or just the discovery of an island of solitude in a cramped world.
James – “A sportsman is someone who enjoys the outdoors and participates in hunting and fishing activities. A true sportsman is an ethical hunter and fisher and prides oneself on preservation and a ‘leave-no-trace’ attitude.”
We each have a responsibility for our own little patch of green in this world. A ‘leave-no-trace’ attitude,” as James puts it, is perhaps the best means to care for it. Sportsmen should think of themselves as custodians of the land they frequent and the place where they live, and be ready to accept judgment by later generations when we are ready to pass on our charge.
Greg – “The definition for me has changed over the years. I used to think it was anyone who was outside hunting, fishing, hiking, etc. But now, after living in Montana for ten years, my thoughts about what it means to be a sportsman is much more complicated than that. You hear people talk about how the outdoors is their church, their religion. Some even say they find God there. I do. But so many people treat the woods, the rivers, the mountains as if it were only a playground – something created simply for their pleasure. Yet it’s so much more than that. A sportsman recognizes this value of creation and knows his or her interaction with nature is important not only to their soul, but to the natural world as well.”
Three men from the Bitterroot share their definition of a sportsman.
Brent – “A sportsman is an individual interested in outdoor activities involving the pursuit of game animals or fish. I tend to believe the true ‘sportsman’ should be classified as someone that is more interested in being out in the field than actually have a ‘successful’ day in the field (full freezer or creel).”
Like Brent said, a “true ‘sportsman’ should be classified as someone that is more interested in being out in the field than actually have a ‘successful’ day in the field,” because though pictures and trophies on the wall are respectable, they are no more than visual time markers that allow a person to access filed memories from their mental vault. And from these, it’s often the unintended experiences that make the day a success – unexpected wildlife sightings, the sound of an unchecked mountain stream or wind rustling the grasses of a mountain meadow, conversations with friends, or just the discovery of an island of solitude in a cramped world.
James – “A sportsman is someone who enjoys the outdoors and participates in hunting and fishing activities. A true sportsman is an ethical hunter and fisher and prides oneself on preservation and a ‘leave-no-trace’ attitude.”
We each have a responsibility for our own little patch of green in this world. A ‘leave-no-trace’ attitude,” as James puts it, is perhaps the best means to care for it. Sportsmen should think of themselves as custodians of the land they frequent and the place where they live, and be ready to accept judgment by later generations when we are ready to pass on our charge.
Greg – “The definition for me has changed over the years. I used to think it was anyone who was outside hunting, fishing, hiking, etc. But now, after living in Montana for ten years, my thoughts about what it means to be a sportsman is much more complicated than that. You hear people talk about how the outdoors is their church, their religion. Some even say they find God there. I do. But so many people treat the woods, the rivers, the mountains as if it were only a playground – something created simply for their pleasure. Yet it’s so much more than that. A sportsman recognizes this value of creation and knows his or her interaction with nature is important not only to their soul, but to the natural world as well.”
Every sportsman experiences a philosophical evolution when he comes to grips with the fact that there is a link between the natural world and self. I need say no more because Greg says it best.
To conclude...
The Definition of a Sportsman covered over the last seven posts is an idealized description of an outdoorsman who has a mature understanding of his relationship with the world around him. He has a strong sense of ethics, is a steward of the land and the animals that thrive there, and a sense of duty to bring up the next generation of hunters, fishermen, outdoorsmen, etc. to practice the same ideology. This definition is not perfect and is not for everyone, but these ideals are not a litmus test for a sportsman, they are merely something to strive for. Think of it using this analogy: if every Christian had to abide by every law handed down by the Church without disagreement, there would be a lot fewer parishioners in the pews on Sunday (ruffle any feathers?). So it is with the The Definition of a Sportsman. We aim high and strive to do our best. Brent, James, and Greg have a healthy understanding of self and what it means to be considered a sportsmen. I thank them for participating. I hope this series stretches some people's definition. Feel free to share.
2 comments:
Excellent post to cap a fine series. Good work.
I have to agree with pj. I was also wondering why some seem to think that a Sportsman is the Joe Sixpack the over the years shoots down a tree and the local firing range, drinking spot, and/or make-out at the end of some road in the forest. Those who give outdoor enthusiast a bad name.
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