This is the eighth part of a 12 part series covering my time spent with a Kansas Whitetail outfitter during his entire bow season.
One of the most interesting observations I witnessed throughout this bow season was the interaction of numerous personalities. I enjoyed the optimistic and always positive guys, and I admired the serious and resolute hunters too, but I detested the elitist, smug personalities that found their way into bow camp.
I have reflected a lot on what bothered me about these sour and aloof people, and I am proud to say that I rose above the trivial fact that most of them were rich or well off. Class envy played no part in my opinion making as I pushed that aside and regarded their financial success as just a coincidence. However, it was odd that some of the repetitive attributes I took notice of were from very affluent individuals.
The thing that bothered me the most was the apparent disdain showed for anyone of lesser means that offered advice. Since the outfitter, guides, and myself are not of great means, we were treated and viewed as hired help and not specialists there to create the best opportunity at bagging a trophy buck. My outfitter is an easy going and religious man, so he had a gift for not taking rudeness personally.
In one instance, a sourpuss hunter like the ones described above had broken seven of the 18 rules that were stipulated on the outfitter/hunter contract. I wondered why these smart men would agree to and sign a contract, and then show up with the intention of not following the rules they agreed to. I don’t do rudeness very well, and I thought of some of these violators as thieves. They were stealing the peaceful harmony that existed with the majority, and they were trashing the tradition of camaraderie amongst hunters.
I witnessed some of the most disgusting and rude behavior that I would not have suspected could come from a fellow hunter. It was heartbreaking really to watch the intentional disrupters expect high-quality results when they could not follow the simplest of rules. Some would get out of their stands right at the magic hour, the last 60 minutes of daylight; because they were convinced the area was devoid of deer. Entirely false and ridiculous assumptions, but what can you do? I can tell you what I would do, never invite them back. These cretins reminded me to be extra nice and extra appreciative of anyone who is trying to help me do anything. Another lesson learned, but these types of lessons are not supposed to be learned in bowhunting camp.
