By TL Jones

Clay Newcomb uses the phrase “guarding the gate” to describe the importance of hunters conducting themselves in a manner that helps protect our privilege of hunting. We’re all aware that anti-hunters and sometimes hunters who are anti-houndsmen are looking for leverage to use against us. Unfortunately, we are in an ongoing battle to save our way of life for ourselves and our children. It’s in our best interest to conduct ourselves in ways that promote a positive image in the general public. It’s true that no matter how ethical we are, some will still seek to sink our ship. But we should use common sense and common courtesy in hopes that it will help us in the long run. As hunting season approaches, I’d like to share a few thoughts along these lines.

The Outlaw Image is Outdated

Hound hunting is a hardcore methodology, and it attracts hardcore men. Some of these men come from backgrounds that are prone to view outlaws as folk-type heroes. Clay Newcomb often explores this aspect of human nature on his podcast, Bear Grease. This outlaw image is considered cool, like the old images of the Marlboro man were on billboards across America. But just like America had to come to terms with the reality of the harm tobacco use has on the human body, some houndsmen need to come to terms with the harm the outlaw image has to our way of life in the future. The outlaw image is outdated. Times have changed, the national perspective has changed, and we’ve got to change if we’re to survive. It’s cute when a baby gets food all over its face, but it’s not cute when a full-grown man can’t feed himself. And the outlaw mode of life isn’t cool unless you think giving ammunition to your enemies is cool. I personally don’t agree with every law on the books, but I know it's best for all of us to work through the appropriate channels to address these matters of disagreement.

Gaining a Voice

Although it pains me to admit it, our future is largely in the hands of others. Elected officials and government agencies hold almost all the cards. Every state needs a strong hound hunting organization who can earn a voice at the table through numbers and diplomacy. It doesn’t work any other way. And every hunter needs to build positive personal relationships with the powers that be. I highly recommend you, as an individual houndsman, putting serious effort into building a positive relationship with your local Sheriff, area game wardens, county commissioners, and state legislatures. Call them. Visit them. Take them out for a meal. Do everything you can to allow them to know you as a human being and friend, and not as an enemy. Don’t depend on others to do it for you. Personal relationships is how business is done on every level of government. You can have a real voice through positive relationships.

Common Courtesy Among Other Houndsmen

Houndsmen will either stand together or they will fall together. Any house divided against itself will fall. Treating other hunters with common courtesy is beneficial to you and your children’s future. All of us know the unwritten rules of houndsmen; it simply boils down to respecting others the way you want to be respected. Yes, there are some men who are absolute jerks and impossible to get along with, no matter how hard you try. I don’t deny that. In those cases, ignore those people the best you can and don’t hand your dirty laundry out on the line for everyone to see. Social media and the negative attention that it brings is no place for houndsmen to settle their personal differences. Making friends is far better than making enemies among hunters of all methods.

Common Sense in the Community

The community in which you live is full of voters who hold your future in their hands. It’s insane to act in ways that alienate our communities unnecessarily. Allowing dogs to run amuck, trespassing with ill intent, and illegal baiting—among other unscrupulous activities—genuinely hurt us. It’s suicide by a thousand cuts. At some point, you’ll need your community to vote your way and they aren’t helping someone who’s run roughshod over them. I understand that undesirable things happen while hunting that lead to unwanted issues, but those should be curtailed to a bare minimum by using common sense in our approach. We’re in the minority. We need a good reputation among the majority; it’s that simple.

A Common Cause

I think every houndsman on the planet can agree on at least one thing: we want to keep our way of life. This singular cause should be enough to motivate us to handle ourselves in ethical ways among reasonable people. Even if I don’t like another hunter who lives near me, I still hope he and I can stand together against common enemies.

If hound hunting is as important to us as we say it is, then we need to do our part in keeping it alive. Common sense and common courtesy will go a long way in protecting our common cause.