Some friends and I were talking a few weeks ago about the current attitude of some hunters these days and hunters’ ethics in general.

I know hunting has changed from the days I was growing up and a whole generation of hunters that were my mentors in those days are no longer around.

I have touched base on some of these subjects before, but they still are an issue that I can’t get a handle on.

Most hunters in my day, at least the ones I was around, were not so envious and begrudging about some of the things that go on these days.

We were ALL hunters; we were members of the same sport.

I mean sure, there might have been a little jealousy of “I wish I could get one like that”, but we were still happy that our friend or relative was able to connect with one.

At times we were even the ones who might have driven or pushed the deer their way so they would have a chance at it.

And I know hunting tactics have changed a lot in the last couple of decades, where we were able to hunt a lot of places, most people are now confined to hunting leases.

Tree stands, blinds and trail cameras are now the norm. And the thievery that goes on with stands and trail cameras is mind blowing. Hunters, real hunters, used to have more respect for other people’s property. I even know of hunters cutting buck rubs and throwing the section of the rub down over the hill so other hunters will not see it.

What triggered some of these thoughts was something that I overheard on Thanksgiving Day.

My middle grandson had some very good luck during the 2024 deer season. He had got a nice buck during archery season and another early gun season week. He had his 2 buck limit so he was done buck hunting. His dad said something about taking his younger brother to his stand to see if he might have a chance for a buck.

The older brother said he did not want him to go to his stand. I was disappointed that he had said that. Of all the times we had hunted while he was growing up, I thought I had taught him better than that and it hurt.

Later Thanksgiving evening, I was trying to decide how I was going to approach the subject, when I got a phone call that he told his dad to take his younger brother to his stand and what time he should go in. I must admit I was proud that he changed his mind and looked at it as if he was helping a fellow hunter.

I know it may be hard for some to have this perspective when dealing with other hunters, but with the direction and declining numbers that the sport has seen over the last few years, it is a stance that all hunters should be taking.

So, now to spring gobbler season.

Youth days are on April 19-20, with the regular season opening on April 21, statewide and closing on May 25. Shooting hours are from 1/2 hour before sunrise to 1 p.m.

If you would like to help the DNR and help with the managing of the state’s wild turkey, you can participate in the spring gobbler survey.

To learn more about the survey, visit WVDNR.GOV/SURVEYS.

I wish everyone a successful season.

Stay Safe & Stay Outdoors