Message from Ray Scott

A Message from RAY SCOTT

Founder of the Whitetail Institute of North America

As we all know, hunting and fishing are about much more than just killing or catching. A whole lot more.

Because Hunting Is About Much More Than Just Killing

What a great issue of Whitetail News you're holding in I remember an article that appeared a number of years ago your hands. Two articles in it really struck a nerve in Whitetail News about a father who checked his son out of with me: One, a great article by Zeke Pipher (page school to hunt one particular day. 62) about representing our sport and one, a classic R.G. Bernier Although he provided an honest and upfront excuse to the piece (page 65) about the total hunting experience — well beteacher, he was nonetheless called in for further explanation yond the pull of a trigger or the release of an arrow. for why his son had missed that day of school. Actually I had to chuckle about Zeke’s experience as the lone The father explained to her in a very respectful way that in outdoor writer at a writers conference consisting entirely of the course of that day he introduced his son to the outdoor non-hunting women. As you can imagine, in spite of his knowlworld in a way no book or classroom ever could. In essence his edge and diplomacy, the initial sentiments in the room were deson had a course in zoology, botany, geography, agriculture, cidedly negative when it came to killing beautiful deer. ecosystems and more. That’s all in addition to proper firearm I am proud of Zeke’s thoughtful and respectful response deuse and safety… not to mention sportsmanship and respect for fending our sport that ultimately earned praise and hopefully the outdoor resources. And last but not least, there were the insome genuine understanding from the ladies. valuable benefits of father/son bonding.

Zeke’s article also brings to mind some of my experiences As I recall the teacher could not, and did not, argue about a years ago as founder and CEO of B.A.S.S. (Bass Anglers Sportsday full of genuine learning, never to be forgotten in that young man Society of America) when we were confronting anti-fishlad’s life. ing sentiments expressed in the slogan that “fish have feelings too.” As we all know, hunting and fishing are about much more than just killing or catching. A whole lot more. Both Zeke’s and R.G.’s article do an awesome job of illustrating this. Ray Scott