Ever try to have a meal with someone who tells you all the places they don’t want to eat? It’s exhausting. They'll list off everything they don’t have a taste for, but never say where they actually want to go. In the end, you settle on someplace that's merely tolerable and there’s rarely much joy in the dining experience. 

Political ads take it a step further. They’ll spend 95% of the time on a laundry list of dastardly deeds committed by their opponent, as they play unflattering, slow motion, black and white footage of their rival. Then, they’ll take a sliver of the time remaining for some innocuous platitude that tells you nothing substantial of what they plan to do, i.e. “Vote Kjellesvik for a brighter tomorrow.”   

By the way, don't vote Kjellesvik. I don't even know what I'm wearing tomorrow, let alone have the ability to make good on the promise of sunshine. 

Killing a turkey is as close to real-life magic as any of us will get. Why would anyone want to degrade that experience? 

Criticism for Its Own Sake?

With turkey season in the rearview mirror, it seems similar dynamics have been at play in the conversations between turkey hunters on social media. I’ve seen outright condemnation of so many legal methods and tactics that “shouldn not” be used (reaping, blinds, decoys, etc.), yet precious little encouragement in the ways it “ought” to be done. 

To be sure, criticism has its place, especially if it comes from an authoritative source and, at its heart, is an intent of wanting the best for others and/or the animals we chase. We should be open to dissenting opinions and big enough to consider them on their merit. 

But much of the criticism I’ve seen online comes with an aire of elitism and disdain that attempts to exalt the critic as the arbiter of turkey-hunting orthodoxy and excommunicate the criticized from the greater fellowship of turkey hunters. Simplified, if you turkey hunt with insert method/equipment, you’re not a real turkey hunter [like me].”  

I suppose it’s a way to make a name for yourself, stir the pot, and gain followers, but in the end, will it really influence the way people choose to hunt turkeys? Afterall, isn’t that what they want to accomplish?  

The choice to use decoys or not is situational and driven by personal preference. It shouldn't minimize someone else's hunt. 

It's Not Working. Now What?

In my case, I’ve seen the criticisms and I can tell you, they’re not working to change my mind, and I don’t think I’m alone. But, lest I be guilty of the very thing I’m calling out, I’ll clearly state where I do want to eat lunch. I’m going to practice my own preaching and offer a sincere suggestion to help the turkey hunting critics: 

Inspire us. 

If the critics' ways and methods are truly superior, show us! Be happy warriors and joyful ambassadors for how a turkey ought to be killed. Tell us a tale about a hunt with your back against an oak where your calling fooled his ears and your motionless presence fooled his eyes.  Be an advocate for the experience. Tell us what it should look like, not what it shouldn’t. 

Successfully packed and ready to roll, despite the unhelpful criticism and lack of help.

Only One Thing Wrong...

Years ago, I relocated my parents out of Illinois. I had very little help loading up their moving truck and was on a tight schedule. One of Dad’s friends came over to visit while I was packing. I vividly recall him standing in the garage, surveying everything I had loaded so far. Arms folded across his chest, feet shoulder width apart, he leaned back, squinted hard into the back of the truck and offered, “Only one thing wrong with the way you’re packing…everything.”   

Well-intended or not, his criticism was of zero help (so was he), and it actually hardened me against any future feedback he might have. (For the record, I got the truck packed completely, on time, without damaging anything.) 

And so, we find ourselves in a similar situation within the hunting world: Plenty of critics with arms folded, leaned back, passing judgment in the comments section, but offering precious little inspiration to shepherd us along their enlightened path. To be sure, some may be coerced into their vision of what hunting ought to look like, but that fear motivation is usually shallow and the joy of the hunting experience is displaced by a sheer desperation to just fit in. 

Inspiring the hearts of the next generation is the only way to keep our hunting traditions alive. Constant criticism will only crush their desire. 

Inspiration Ain't Easy

Inspiring people is hard. It takes time. It takes a purity of intent and heart…which is why so few actually do it, but it’s the only way to truly influence people. It’s the only way to make a lasting impact in this world. 

Whether it’s deer season, turkey season, or no season at all, let’s commit to desiring the best for our fellow hunters and the animals we pursue. Let’s understand the difference between preferences and facts, opinions and ethics. Let’s lead by example and adopt the old adage “Preach the Gospel at all times, and if necessary use words.” 

That's what I want.

- Tim Kjellesvik, Editor In Chief