Fishing and hunting are wonderful team sports until …
Why is it that the Quarterback always wins the MVP? There are plenty of players on the team. Someone had to kick, block, sack, tackle, run, block, Coach, and hand them a Gatorade. Without the entire team, could the QB win by themselves? Our culture honors the one and forgets about the many. Without the Team, the one player is not an MVP.
Humans are Hunters and Gatherers. Together we can be great! Each of us has better skills at some things, but not all. When a hunter or angler came back to the village, the harvest was shared with all. The community was strong, fat, and happy together. Someone cleaned the game, tanned the hides, made the buckskin coats, cooked the food, and supported the successful provider, so they could bring home the bacon again. The community was the Team.
Anglers are glad to have correct information, someone to row the boat, a net boy, maybe a gaff guy, proper gear, best baits, and everything else needed to match, and catch” their” fish. Like the players on a team, each has a special size, skillset, or job. Everyone working together brings home the trophy.
Hunters find that team aid may be needed when placing blinds and tree stands, calling in their game, access to private land, being shown a great hunting spot, help packing or loading “their” big game.
When I guided, or was in several hunting camps, finding stand sites was always important. You had to know the local critter’s habits, find signs, predict the weather, know where the critters fed, and bedded, and so much more. On opening day, the hunters that tagged out were the MVPs with little or no mention of who set them up for success.
As a fishing guide, I rowed the drift boat, found the fish, tied on the fly, told the angler where to cast, yelled to set the hook, maneuvered the boat and netted the fish and then took the picture of the Happy Angler. My trained dog pointed and retrieved the downed birds. These pictures should show more than just bragging rights for the one, and not the many.
We have netted fish, that almost got away, shared our secret spots, backed up with accurate shots, and set up others for success. We had to track blood trails and secure the catch. Our packs were full when we transported hundreds of pounds of critter back to camp. We took the pictures so the rookies would want to learn more, gain confidence, and teach others.
Kids and ladies often get attention. That’s what great anglers and hunters do. If you think you are an MVP Sport, teach others how to be successful at what we enjoy.
When a client pays to hunt or fish, they expect a limit or tag to be filled. In my boat or blind, they are paying for company, time, and knowledge. We may tag out or net a Biggun, but at the least we will have a nice day and learn new things that they can use on their next outing.
You don’t have to start off a new sport with the biggest buck, bass, or most fish. Future expectations will be out of balance if you do. These Foto anglers, and Big Buck Busters will expect the same thing to happen in the future. Now is when they wish they had a Team of ability with them. They were too busy catching or tagging out to take a moment and learn how it is truly done.
Be a collaborator and teach them how to help you! Great teams work together and help each other. The cleaning, gutting, loading the boat, cooking the meal, sharing the expenses, being a friend, teaching each other, and spending time outdoors Together, is what makes you a team player.
Not everyone can be a Team Player. Their egos are too big. These selfish Sports are missing the entire reason why we fish and hunt. To them it becomes more about trophies and limits than fun and companionship. These Sports never get tougher when things get tough. We have all known a few of these selfish Sports.
When you are in the center of a picture with a big buck, monster trout, Jumbo perch, full game bag, remember who took the picture, and put you there. A team of family, friends, and teachers set you up for success. Lifelong friendships, great stories, memories, and adventures are what made the quests meaningful. The gift of the harvest was given so you could one day share the moment with other rookies.
The greatest trophy is the one that you share as a team!
Montana Grant
