wildfowler.250 Posted May 24, 2012 Report Share Posted May 24, 2012 I can never get my head around why shooting is so unpopular? I have (off the top of my head) at least half a dozen friends,(2 of which are actually girls ) wanting me to take them out shooting. If we could all introduce a few people to the 'sport' then surely its popularity would rise very quickly? My biggest problem is that I'd rather teach people one at a time and also that the necessary safety and practice,(prior to 'actual' shooting) might boar them! Suppose nothing ventured nothing gained..just seems strange that I have so many people asking me to take them out. Surely lots of other people must be in the same boat? And no comments on taking the girls out Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
poontang Posted May 24, 2012 Report Share Posted May 24, 2012 (edited) I can never get my head around why shooting is so unpopular? I have (off the top of my head) at least half a dozen friends,(2 of which are actually girls ) wanting me to take them out shooting. If we could all introduce a few people to the 'sport' then surely its popularity would rise very quickly? My biggest problem is that I'd rather teach people one at a time and also that the necessary safety and practice,(prior to 'actual' shooting) might boar them! Suppose nothing ventured nothing gained..just seems strange that I have so many people asking me to take them out. Surely lots of other people must be in the same boat? And no comments on taking the girls out Good question, but I think there's a fairly simple answer. We kill things. The vast majority of the population don't like that. I've taken people out in the past, and will continue to do so. Everyone I know know's I shoot, I would never hide the fact, and as I know them it's easy for me to explain the facts about what I do. Unfortunately I don't know enough people to make a difference to the general mindset. Edited May 24, 2012 by poontang Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HDAV Posted May 24, 2012 Report Share Posted May 24, 2012 (edited) I have taken 10 + new people shooting clays since u started none go on there own some go if I badger them, they all enjoyed it even some who were anti guns......guess that's just people At least 5 were girls! Edited May 24, 2012 by HDAV Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brian28 Posted May 24, 2012 Report Share Posted May 24, 2012 (edited) http://forums.pigeonwatch.co.uk/forums/index.php?/topic/209440-incedible-lung-shot/page__view__getnewpost__fromsearch__1 possibly 80 yard shots like this make it so Edited May 24, 2012 by brian28 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gimlet Posted May 24, 2012 Report Share Posted May 24, 2012 I don't think it is unpopular. I think it is portrayed as being so by the liberal broadcast and print media because it suits their political purpose to try and provoke general vilification in the public mind of those whom they consider the enemy. Joe public is rarely asked his opinion, and when he is consulted he is mostly disinterested. Where public sympathy or scientific evidence comes down in favour of the sportsman there is a rush to change the subject. A scientific study into the ethics of stag hunting and a majority of the public inconveniently siding against the hunting ban are cases in point. Likewise David Bellamy's published endorsement of the conservation and bio-diversity benefits of a properly managed driven shoot. You don't see him interviewed on the BBC very often. Most people are intelligent enough to understand that meat production first requires the slaughter of an animal and they are no more prejudiced against a shooter in cammo gear than a slaughtman in an apron. I suspect most virulent antis are motivated more by politics and resentment than ethics and humanity. The danger to shooting comes not from the great majority but from a tiny clique who control the news media and the workings of government. If anything, shooting may become too popular. If everyone takes it up we shall have to annex France to get more ground. There's an idea: we do the shooting, they do they cooking.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bedwards1966 Posted May 24, 2012 Report Share Posted May 24, 2012 It probably doesn't help when live quarry are shot, far too many people don't understand the need for it. I can just imagine some responses I might get if I told a few people about all the squirrels I've shot, they simply wouldn't understand that those 'cute little things' need shooting! The best way to introduce most people could be target shooting, either clays or rifle shooting, as nobody can be upset about it or ever question it morally, and if something goes wrong they don't see an animal dying slowly. Obviously that won't appeal to everybody, and not everyone can take someone target shooting, it's only 1 element of shooting. Videos on YouTube which show an animal dying slowly should not be uploaded in my view, even if it is through no fault of the shooter it still shows shooting in a bad light. It might not help things also when if someone is interested in shooting they have all the hassle of getting a SGC/FAC, cabinet, interview, checks etc. It's OK if you are determined but might put people off giving it a go. Also I suspect that quite a few might think they can't get a certificate because of previous convictions/trouble that may have happened long ago, people don't know how easy it can sometimes be, the perception is that you need to be perfectly clean and have done no wrong in your life. I don't think shooting in this country is ever able to be a major thing, shooting is just not our culture like it is in say America, but it certainly could (and needs to) improve, involving as many people as possible is the way forward. Even if you aren't in a position to take people out shooting, it helps to tell them that you shoot - I spread it round as best I can. As people sometimes struggle to see the difference between city gang shootings, and incidents such as Hungerford, Dunblane, Cumbria and Peterlee it really helps to show that there is a sport out there which involves normal people doing something that does no harm. Not rich snobs in tweed, nor lowlife criminals, but ordinary folk. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thunderbird Posted May 24, 2012 Report Share Posted May 24, 2012 I don't think it is unpopular. I think it is portrayed as being so by the liberal broadcast and print media because it suits their political purpose to try and provoke general vilification in the public mind of those whom they consider the enemy. Joe public is rarely asked his opinion, and when he is consulted he is mostly disinterested. I agree with this. I'm happy to discuss the fact that I shoot with anyone I meet in all walks of life and to date haven't had one raised eyebrow, let alone a protest. I wouldn't deliberately go into the details of a pigeon recipe with a known vegan for example, but other than that I've usually found a mild interest in the subject from most people. Very often woman will say that they'd like to give it a try. Or maybe that's just my animal magnetism. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David BASC Posted May 24, 2012 Report Share Posted May 24, 2012 I help teach rugby, and do a bit of refereeing, at our local club with the under 12’s. Many of the parents knew I go shooting, and several were a bit ‘anti’ and told me so, nicely I have to say. But over the last 12 months or so slowly but surely they start approaching me to ask what its all about, and now several want to come and have a go. Clays of course, I would not introduce a new person straight onto live quarry for all sorts of good reasons! Its like anything that’s not familiar, people are at first a bit nervous, but once its ‘normalised’ the barriers fall. David Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
D_No Posted May 24, 2012 Report Share Posted May 24, 2012 I think well said by all, I can only further agree that in my experience (being an office boy who has worked in lots of different offices with what must be 100's of people now)very very few people are actually "anti" most are simply unaware of the facts, uninterested or occasionally, usually due to an ear bashing from a proper anti, misinformed. This is mainly in the City centre and it's surprising how often people are interested and have fond memories of plinking with an air rifle or family members shooting when they were kids. I've even had people ask me for the odd rabbit or two! It is definitely down to the negative attitude of the media, who very, very, very rarely portray shooting in a positive light! I can think of only one article in recent times, an interview in the metro with a female Olympic shooter, that did so. Even then the actual subject of her sport was mentioned very little, if I recall correctly not even the discipline was mentioned. The Ban Everything Brigade are ever vocal and seem to receive far more of a spotlight than our hard working field-sports organisations and the everyday shooter who just wants to enjoy his sport, whether that's target shooting with an air rifle or big game shooting! This is why it is important to talk about shooting, I was tight lipped when I first started but I gradually introduced the subject, mentioning a spot of backyard plinking etc. and have now taken office bods just like me to my local club and they have really enjoyed it! Keep shooting folks and keep talking! D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wildfowler.250 Posted May 24, 2012 Author Report Share Posted May 24, 2012 Well thanks for all the replies, they were very interesting to read I'm quite happy to talk about shooting and as most people have actually mentioned, hardly anyone objects to it! I'll try and get one or two people out on the clays and then maybe a go at the proper stuff after a bit of practice! Shame there isn't a programme on the tv, even of it was only a short part of say something like countryfile,(although I think that programme is pretty anti?). Fieldsports Britain is ok but too many adverts and too O.T.T. Cheers again for the replies! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
la bala Posted May 24, 2012 Report Share Posted May 24, 2012 I don't think it is unpopular. I think it is portrayed as being so by the liberal broadcast and print media because it suits their political purpose to try and provoke general vilification in the public mind of those whom they consider the enemy. Joe public is rarely asked his opinion, and when he is consulted he is mostly disinterested. Where public sympathy or scientific evidence comes down in favour of the sportsman there is a rush to change the subject. A scientific study into the ethics of stag hunting and a majority of the public inconveniently siding against the hunting ban are cases in point. Likewise David Bellamy's published endorsement of the conservation and bio-diversity benefits of a properly managed driven shoot. You don't see him interviewed on the BBC very often. Most people are intelligent enough to understand that meat production first requires the slaughter of an animal and they are no more prejudiced against a shooter in cammo gear than a slaughtman in an apron. I suspect most virulent antis are motivated more by politics and resentment than ethics and humanity. The danger to shooting comes not from the great majority but from a tiny clique who control the news media and the workings of government. If anything, shooting may become too popular. If everyone takes it up we shall have to annex France to get more ground. There's an idea: we do the shooting, they do they cooking.... annex france, have they got anything left to shoot. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scully Posted May 24, 2012 Report Share Posted May 24, 2012 Good thread this,and some good answers. Having discussed this matter with quite a few antis,the perplexing thing for some is the fact that we kill things 'for fun'. I have to admit it perplexes me also.If I didn't enjoy shooting I wouldn't do it,but I can't agree with the accusation that I derive pleasure from the act of killing. When I explain why some vermin are in fact classed as vermin,and the need to control them,the more intelligent antis can see the reasoning even though they may still not like the idea of 'innocent' animals being killed. When some have asked me how I justify killing pheasants etc,I reply that I don't feel the need to justify it;I am a meat eater,and derive pleasure from eating meat,and the shooting that turns it into meat.Some of these antis are also meat eaters,but can't answer me when I ask them why they eat meat.The reason they eat meat is because they derive pleasure form it;they don't NEED to eat meat,but enjoy it.If they don't enjoy it then why are they eating it?The only difference between them and me is that I'm quite prepared to kill and process my own,whereas they are not. Being vegan is a life-style choice,which anyone is entitled to make.But it's not my choice,and I am equally entitled to make choices of my own. Having visited the LACS website on many instances,I became aware that no correspondence regarded fishing.The only conclusion I could come to,because nobody would answer my question,was that fishing was more of a working class past-time,whereas shooting and hunting were regarded as the preserve of the so-called upper classes and the landed gentry. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thunderbird Posted May 24, 2012 Report Share Posted May 24, 2012 Well put. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HDAV Posted May 24, 2012 Report Share Posted May 24, 2012 Interesting I think part of the issue is the poor marketing of shooting to the general public only ever see it as stag do materialin general I know there is an indoor rifle range near me i have been! but there is no contact info very little on an old and poor website would still like to go and try but we can be guilty of being overly secretive reminds me of another recent thread that has been locked, lots of preconceived ideas Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Livefast123 Posted May 24, 2012 Report Share Posted May 24, 2012 Agreed, my club website was last updated in 2008 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HDAV Posted May 24, 2012 Report Share Posted May 24, 2012 Agreed, my club website was last updated in 2008 Sounds like you just volunteered !!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Graham M Posted May 25, 2012 Report Share Posted May 25, 2012 Good question, but I think there's a fairly simple answer. We kill things. I've taken people out in the past, and will continue to do so. Could you rephrase that please..............or are you a sniper. :blink: G.M. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thunderbird Posted May 25, 2012 Report Share Posted May 25, 2012 Could you rephrase that please..............or are you a sniper. :blink: G.M. :lol: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
njc110381 Posted May 26, 2012 Report Share Posted May 26, 2012 Killing things will never be popular with the public. When you involve "guns", the things the media only comment on when someone is shot or robbed, it gets worse! I've taken loads of people out shooting. On the subject of female shots I tend to avoid that. Lying in a remote field on a nice summer evening with a good looking shoot buddy could lead to all sorts of bother with the mrs! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
leeds chimp Posted May 26, 2012 Report Share Posted May 26, 2012 Killing things will never be popular with the public. When you involve "guns", the things the media only comment on when someone is shot or robbed, it gets worse! I've taken loads of people out shooting. On the subject of female shots I tend to avoid that. Lying in a remote field on a nice summer evening with a good looking shoot buddy could lead to all sorts of bother with the mrs! I think its more where you live though....when i go back to Leeds I get a few more "bad" questions than in Norfolk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catweazle Posted May 26, 2012 Report Share Posted May 26, 2012 I've taken quite a few mates out shooting, to my old pistol club and more recently on my own land. They all enjoyed it, but the paperwork put most of them off doing it themselves - they seemed to regard it as something to try ( the chainsaw was popular too ) but not pursue. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shadowchaser Posted May 27, 2012 Report Share Posted May 27, 2012 I have friends round to shoot clays. The main reason some of them don't take up the sport is the cost. And also none of them are "into" it enough to go through the whole application process. But at least they keep an interest in it and are in no way anti gun. I hope to introduce more people to the sport or at least give them a taste. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keg Posted May 27, 2012 Report Share Posted May 27, 2012 I've just had a BBQ at ny mates house and his mum in law came out with a belter. " I like my meat, i just don't want to know where it comes from!!!!". Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HDAV Posted May 27, 2012 Report Share Posted May 27, 2012 Lol all too common.. ..... Was looking on another forum I use and saw some stuff about shooting, was interesting and a few shooters were commenting but when one put something about a pheasant shoot the attitude was very harsh..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fatcatsplat Posted May 27, 2012 Report Share Posted May 27, 2012 I've just had a BBQ at ny mates house and his mum in law came out with a belter. " I like my meat, i just don't want to know where it comes from!!!!". I've heard so many variations of that line over the years. Some people genuinely like the fact that their meat is vacuum packed, trimmed, labelled and bloodless and effectively distanced from the fact that an animal was bred and slaughtered for their food Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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