Embracing Our Differences and Hunting for the Future

If you’ve spent any time in the deer hunting community, you know we’re not short on opinions. Let a young buck walk or fill your tag? That’s a debate. Crossbow or compound? Another hot topic. Public land warriors versus private land stewards? We’ve got opinions there, too. And yet, for all the heated chats bellied up at the local tavern and social media spats, we share one undeniable truth: we love what we do and want to keep doing it. More importantly, we want to ensure future generations have the same chance.

But here’s the thing. While we’re busy debating, hunting faces real challenges. We’re a minority at the polls, outnumbered by people who either don’t care or don’t know enough to form an opinion. Public perception of hunting is like a fence-sitter at a deer blind—it could tip either way. So, instead of letting our differences divide us, what if we saw them for what they really are? Strengths.

The Journey Every Hunter Takes

Before we get into why our differences matter, let’s level set and talk about the five stages of a hunter’s journey. No matter how you hunt, these stages shape who we are and how we approach hunting. And guess what? Every stage is valid, though they don’t necessarily happen sequentially.

1. Shooting Stage

You’re just starting to hunt and out there for the rush—the thrill of pulling the trigger or releasing the arrow. It’s raw, it’s exciting, and it’s where most of us start. The enthusiasm here is infectious, reminding the rest of us why we picked this crazy hobby in the first place.

2. Limiting Out Stage

Filling tags becomes the name of the game. Venison in the freezer? That’s the prize. And for a lot of hunters, this stage never goes away, and that’s okay.

3. Trophy Stage

Eventually, some hunters focus on the big ones. Maybe it’s a bruiser buck or just that perfect, clean shot that tells a story. Trophy hunters, especially those into QDMA, add something big to the community: patience, conservation, and a deep respect for the animal.

4. Method Stage

Now it’s not just about the hunt—it’s about how you do it. Traditional bows, DIY blinds, or maybe going full minimalist on public land. Hunters in this stage are the innovators and storytellers, proving there’s more than one way to do it right.

5. Sportsman Stage

At the final stage, it’s not about what you take, but what you give. Mentorship, conservation, advocacy—you’re thinking big picture. Sportsman-stage hunters are the glue holding the hunting community together.

No matter where you are on this journey, your experience matters. That’s what makes the we at Okayest Hunter try our best to highlight as a brand. It doesn’t matter if you’re chasing a trophy buck or a tag-filling doe—your hunt is worth celebrating.

Why Differences Make Us Stronger

So, let’s talk about why our differences aren’t just okay—they’re essential.

QDMA Advocates

These hunters are all about the big picture, letting young bucks walk to grow the herd. It’s science-backed, and it works. But not everyone hunts that way, and that’s okay. QDMA practitioners remind us of the long game, even if your style is more "any legal deer is a good deer."

Public vs. Private Land Hunters

Public land hunters? You’re the heroes of accessibility, showing anyone can enjoy hunting, no matter their budget and location. Private landowners? You’re putting in the work to manage habitat and improve the herd. Together, you paint a complete picture of what hunting can look like.

Traditionalists and Innovators

Whether you’re a compound purist or a crossbow fan, there’s room for everyone. Crossbows bring new hunters into the fold and keep the old dog in the game until the very end of their physical limitations, while traditional gear keeps us connected to our roots. It’s all about balance.

The Okayest Hunters

And then there’s us—the Okayest Hunters. We’re here to remind everyone that perfection isn’t the goal. It’s about enjoying the process, having fun, and sharing the stories that make hunting unforgettable.

The Bigger Picture

At the end of the day, all hunters want the same thing: to keep hunting alive for future generations. And let’s face it—if we’re divided, that mission gets a lot harder. The reality is, the majority of Americans don’t have strong feelings about hunting. They’re not against it, but they’re not for it either. They’re neutral, and that means they’re easily swayed.

When hunters stand united, we send a message that hunting isn’t a “sport”—it’s a tradition, a connection to the land, and a vital part of conservation. Stephen Covey once said, "The whole is greater than the sum of its parts." That’s us. Our differences make us stronger, more adaptable, and better equipped to face the challenges ahead.

Let’s Hunt for the Future

Let’s embrace your differences. Celebrate the journey. Whether you’re out there with a crossbow, a compound, or a rifle, on public land or private, letting bucks walk or filling tags—you’re part of this community. And together, we can protect the future of hunting.

Constructive conversations within the community lead to mutual respect and understanding. Hunters who can articulate the benefits of their approach help educate others and create a ripple effect. At the end of the day, it’s not about being the best hunter. It’s about being an okay one. And that’s something we can all get behind.

Eric Clark, Okayest Hunter